As I look back on my life, my journey has been filled with so many varied experiences and people. The strongest thing in my life has been my faith in God; He has never let me down. Experiences have been disappointing; people have held my hand when I needed them to. Throughout my life, God has been the great equalizer, the awesome Almighty God.
I have always been inquisitive, searching for the truth, the way, and the light. In my quest, I stumbled on a new knowledge of the African American New Year’s Eve service, the Watch Night. While other people party on New Year’s Eve or maybe attend the Times’ Square hoop-la, many faithful African Americans celebrate the day that Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves on January 1, 1863 with his Proclamation Emancipation. This service may be celebrated in the church or at home. It is a service of faith and hope.
Each of the five minutes before mid-night, a member will ask the question, “Watchman, watchman, can you please tell me the hour of the night?” One minute before mid-night, the church goes dark and those members who can get down on their knees kneel on the floor. They pray for the year passing and for the year to come. Precisely at mid-night, they rise jubilantly and shout, “Hallelujah, free at last!” While in the past, these services were more solemn to represent the pain inflicted on the slaves, today, they may have a short sermon and several more contemporary hymns led by a praise band.
Continuing my research, a similar service is held by the Moravian church and which developed in the Czech Republic around 1733. The Methodist denomination may also do a similar service, originating in 1770. Both of these groups seek to renew their covenant with God.
Invariably, whether an African American church or a whole host of other denominations, the Christian tradition of grace is given by Christ Jesus. Grace is not earned, nor merited. It is not deserved. It is freely given by the benevolence of God for the salvation of our sins and as a bestowal of many blessings. On New Year’s Eve, we look back at everything we have done and could have done better. We look forward to everything that will be wonderful and hope that God will carry us through anything that needs His help.
It is that grace we all seek in our experiences and in the people who share our lives. Maybe, that is why I do not party on New Year’s Eve. I try to stay awake long enough to watch the ball drop in New York City, but usually, I wake up in the morning with the television still on. Like this Watchman service that I know fits me better, I gratefully acknowledge all that has happened in the past year, the good and the bad, and looking to the future, I ask God to continue to send me His grace and love in the year to come. Like the Watchman, I leave a light on in the tallest window of my home so that all will know who reigns in my heart. Silently, I ask the question, “What time is it, Lord?” I feel His presence as He says, “Seek and ye shall find me.”
Anna Hartt
