Watch night observation in the church

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Every word of worship with one accord

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Hezekiah Walker - Every Praise

Last Monday, New Year's Eve, Christians rang in the new year in church, as is the tradition for the longest time. Generation after generation automatically embrace the habit without question, as it is just the thing to do.

But what exactly are they all 'watching' for, and couldn't the night be rung in at home in prayer and meditation? Is the practice associated with Christianity?

For answers, Family and Religion reached out to Pastor Darren McKoy, author of Real Answers For Real People, and pastor of Church of God In Jamaica.

Interestingly, he said many Christians are not really sure why they have a watch night service.

"As with many Christian traditions, we just do it because that is what we came and saw. However, there is an origin to watch night services, and it may or may not have anything to do with our faith," he said.

McKoy highlighted that there are two arguments in relation to the origin of the annual service. The first, he said, is a service that was said to have originated with John Wesley in 1733. He urged Christians to have a service as a means of renewing their Christian commitment to God, and that it is something that they should do annually.

The other line of argument took place in 1833 where African Americans gathered in anticipation of their freedom as slaves.

"With that being said, I suppose we can pick our poison as to whether we believe it is justified in celebrating. But we are not really watching or waiting for anything when we have these services," he said.

Responding to the question on whether the observance should be a meaningful experience for believers, McKoy said, based on the origin of the service itself, it is really up to the Church or their leaders to decide if watch night really has any meaning on the members or church community.

The mere fact, he said, that as a church, they are unsure of its original intent gives rise to any spin being put to it.

"And if some churches did not have any on Monday, then I am sure that God would not have been angry at them for forgoing the end-of-year service.

"It's the same way we can re-examine why we have Christmas Day service as well and how we go about approaching it, if we really see a need to," McKoy said.

Commenting on whether the service is a necessity, McKoy sees it as merely tradition.

Acknowledging that his opinion is one that might not be embraced by Christendom, he said persons don't need to observe watch night service if they don't want to.

"As a matter of fact, in some cases, watch night services seem to have become a form of superstition. It is believed by most Jamaicans that it is best that the new year catches you in church at a watch night service. I suppose there are those who believe that if they are there, blessings will follow them, or if Christ returns on that day, at least they will be found in church," he shared, adding that if it is closely examined, it is clear that the service is just maintaining tradition that the Jamaican people are used to, and possibly solidifying a superstition that some persons may have had in their minds over the years.

Responding to the question on scriptural relevance regarding watch night, McKoy said there is no scriptural foundation or basis for how it is being observed.

"It is something that has been handed down to us by men and not by God. However, there are those who may use it and find scriptures to baptise it and make it into a biblical concept. However, that is not the case. Any church can choose to have or not have watch night services and in whatever form they choose. They will not be penalised by God, and they will not be held accountable by God for having or not having it. So relax," are his words of advice.

McKoy said it is important for the Church to consider some of the things that are done and the reason behind them.

"We must always remember that the Bible is our rule of faith, it is our guide. Watch night services will forever be a part of our culture, but pastors may need to revisit and rethink how it can be done differently, to either enhance it or make it more impactful, such as using it as a form of outreach effort," he said.

familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com