Watch Night

A small Moravian Brethren, who established the village of Herrnhut in Germany, inspired the Watch Night tradition. The group fled in hopes of finding a place to live and worship freely, but spiritual differences and dissension threatened the tiny community until they experienced a renewal and transformation. Upon receiving this revelation, they decided to bring about revival by becoming missionaries. The Brethren adopted a prayer "watch" that was to occur continuously 24 hours a day for 100 years. They also began using Daily Watchwords, a devotional.

Members of the Protestant group were on a ship sailing to the British American colonies in 1733, when John and Charles Wesley, Anglican theologians, joined them. During the course of the journey, a storm broke out at sea and one of the ship's masts was struck by lightening. The two Englishmen were terrified, but the Moravians calmly prayed and sang praises to God. John Wesley was touched by the faith and devotion of these men. He began worshipping with them and during this time, Wesley conceived of the Watch Night.

John Wesley Influenced by the Moravians

The brothers Wesley continued to have Watch Night amongst themselves and in 1755, the first "Covenant Service", as it was later termed, was offered to the public as a means to rededicate and affirm faith. He held these services monthly around the time of the new moon, but they evolved into annual events held on December 31st.

John published a pamphlet in 1780, containing the official service direction, and his brother Charles wrote the hymn entitled "Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine", designated for the Watch Night service. Wesley believed the service to be a time when parishioners should examine their individual "state of grace" and determine if called, would they be ready to meet God face to face.

The congregation of the St George's Methodist Church in Philadelphia incorporated the December 31st Watch Night service in 1770. The Christian group was in favor of a more religious celebration as opposed to secular partying and debauchery.

African-Americans Influenced

Watch Night services held on New Year's Eve became an important tradition among African-Americans in 1862. On that night over one hundred years ago, these people congregated in churches and homes fervently waiting news on whether President Abraham Lincoln would establish the Emancipation Proclamation as law. On midnight, January 1st, 1863, the slaves in the United States were declared free. When the African-American communities received the news, they celebrated with prayers of thanks and expressions of joy through music and dance.

Modern Watch Night Traditions

On December 31st, Methodists, Moravians, Protestants and African-American Christians continue to celebrate Watch Night. Services in churches around the world start anywhere between 7 and 10 PM and continue till shortly after midnight or until a few hours into the morning. Some hold a potluck feast prior to the start of the service, decorating tables with symbols of freedom and a new life. Tables may be adorned with white tablecloths upon which banners, broken chains, candles, chalices, greenery, poinsettias and water is placed. Many African-American congregations author poems, which are incorporated into the services, commemorating the first declaration of freedom. The service often begins with parishioners in various congregations sharing testimonies of overcoming adversity or sin in the past year and giving thanks. Some vow a commitment to renewal or a new beginning, while others take the time to reaffirm devotion. Congregations may celebrate with special concerts, musicals or plays. There is a time for praising in song and a time for quiet reflection. Individuals who do not attend a public church service often practice the tradition within the home, celebrating the night with music, scripture reading and prayer.