Watch Night 2025

New York, NY – January 2025…, Watch Night Services are held in many Black churches nationwide on New Year’s Eve to commemorate the official end to slavery, reflect on faith, and celebrate community and strength. The first Watch Night Service (“Freedom’s Eve”) was held on December 31, 1862. Enslaved people, abolitionists, and others across the country awaited word via telegraph, newspaper, or word-of-mouth that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery.

 

Watch Night symbolized freedom and signified hope and change, Frederick Douglass said, “It is a day for poetry and song, a new song. These cloudless skies, this balmy air, this brilliant sunshine . . . are in harmony with the glorious morning of liberty about to dawn upon us.”

 

What would Frederick Douglass say today? His famous quote about “the glorious morning of liberty” takes on an ominous new meaning. On January 20, 2025, the 47th president of the United States will stand on the steps of the Capitol, place his hand on the Bible, and swear an oath to uphold the laws and the Constitution of the United States. It is no secret that the new president’s incoming administration is on a mission to dismantle the freedoms and civil rights our ancestors fought and died for. It is no secret that many of the policies outlined in Project 2025 and likely to be enacted offer little to nothing of benefit to marginalized communities.

 

Despite the tone and tenor of the new administration, we must remain hopeful. Jeremiah 29:11-12 reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.”

 

The late Dutch priest and writer Henri Louwen* wrote, “Hope is the trust that God speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.”

 

A new year offers fresh beginnings and growth. A time to get right what didn’t go so right in the previous year – a “do-over.” A new year offers us a chance to incorporate healthier lifestyles and behaviors into our daily lives and make a difference in the lives of others. A new year is also a time to renew our faith in God and hope for the future.

 

Volunteer - Help our brothers and sisters in our backyard and globally. Volunteer at churches, soup kitchens, and other organizations. 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Volunteering can be a great family activity, as well. It will help your children learn the importance of gratitude.

 

Health & Wellness - When we think of honoring God, we typically focus on our spiritual health. God, however, wants us to be better in all aspects of our lives, including our mental and physical health. Our bodies are made to honor Him. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Taking care of our mental and physical health enables us to honor and serve God more fully.

 

Share your testimony with non-Christian friends, family members, and co-workers. Tell them about Jesus Christ and ask them to attend church with you. Talking about your faith journey may be the only time they ever learn about Jesus Christ, so it’s important to make it special and offer helpful information as you are able.

 

Create a tithing plan - Christians are called to be generous. That means using some of your financial income to honor God at your local church. Churches need money to function. The new year is a great time to start tithing. For many, 10 percent of all income can be intimidating at first. However, look at what you can do. You’d be surprised by how your faith grows and your resolution blossoms. Talk to your pastor about other ways of tithing that are not financial (i.e., Sweat Equity.) There are plenty of things that need “fixin” in your church.

 

Random acts of kindness - Buy a sandwich or cup of coffee for a stranger. It might be his or her only meal for the day. A smile can brighten someone’s day, too. Civility goes a long way. Hold the door open for someone. Add “please” and “thank you” to your daily vocabulary. It’s good for the soul.

 

Get more active in your church - The church is an important part of the Christian lifestyle. Serving your church doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. Look at your spiritual gifts and personal skill set and try to apply that to your church’s needs.

Lean on God for support - Resolutions can be difficult to maintain, so it is incredibly important to lean on God and trust in Him more. We can become better versions of ourselves and glorify God when we ask for His help and guidance. Talk with God when you struggle to meet your new fitness goals or break a habit.

 

Hope should be added to the list. Hope gives us purpose and perseverance. Hope gives us strength. Hope is the difference between being knocked down and being knocked out.

 

Civility goes a long way and is good for the soul. Add “please” and “thank you” to your daily vocabulary.

 

Add prayer to the list. God hears and answers our prayers.