WATCH NIGHT SERVICE
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Although there is evidence that Watch Night services can be traced back to certain European communities as far back as 1733, Watch Night Services has a unique and special place in the Black community. On December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" slaves and freedman of African descent came together in churches, gathering places and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously waiting the exact moment the Emancipation Proclamation became the law of the land. Then, at the stroke of midnight January 1, 1863, all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. In celebration of their freedom the people fell to their knees and lifted up their voices in prayer, shouts and songs of joy.
The American Civil War would continue another 2 years before the law would take effect in the confederate states. During that time 110,070 union soldiers would die in combat giving their blood to unify the nation and bring an end the horrible period of slavery.
The end of Chattel slavery in America is reason to celebrate; however many of the people freed from physical slavery remain spiritual slaves to sin. So the euphoria of physical freedom soon gave way to the drudgery and degradation of spiritual slavery. This spiritual slavery is the root cause of sky rocketing divorce rates, breakdown of the family unit, increasing violence, addictions, depressions, and the overall decline in moral values which result in new and increasingly deadly “social diseases.”
2000 years ago all humanity was offered freedom from spiritual slavery when our Lord and savior, Jesus offered his blood to break the bonds of sin and release those held captive by it’s power. This freedom provides for peace and joy and a new way of living in harmony with our creator. January 1, 2009 can be the day of your freedom; Christ did everything necessary to provide for your freedom all you have to do is accept it. Simply ask God to set you free from the bondage of sin and submit your life to Him. “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Post Script: The sermon message of 12/28 preached by Pastor Bryant Lampkin and titled “Your Help is on the Way.” To hear a recording of this exciting and timely message go to the following link. http://www.mediafire.com/file/0yyyaz4jmno/Help%20Is%20On%20The%20Way.mp3
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Although there is evidence that Watch Night services can be traced back to certain European communities as far back as 1733, Watch Night Services has a unique and special place in the Black community. On December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" slaves and freedman of African descent came together in churches, gathering places and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously waiting the exact moment the Emancipation Proclamation became the law of the land. Then, at the stroke of midnight January 1, 1863, all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. In celebration of their freedom the people fell to their knees and lifted up their voices in prayer, shouts and songs of joy.
The American Civil War would continue another 2 years before the law would take effect in the confederate states. During that time 110,070 union soldiers would die in combat giving their blood to unify the nation and bring an end the horrible period of slavery.
The end of Chattel slavery in America is reason to celebrate; however many of the people freed from physical slavery remain spiritual slaves to sin. So the euphoria of physical freedom soon gave way to the drudgery and degradation of spiritual slavery. This spiritual slavery is the root cause of sky rocketing divorce rates, breakdown of the family unit, increasing violence, addictions, depressions, and the overall decline in moral values which result in new and increasingly deadly “social diseases.”
2000 years ago all humanity was offered freedom from spiritual slavery when our Lord and savior, Jesus offered his blood to break the bonds of sin and release those held captive by it’s power. This freedom provides for peace and joy and a new way of living in harmony with our creator. January 1, 2009 can be the day of your freedom; Christ did everything necessary to provide for your freedom all you have to do is accept it. Simply ask God to set you free from the bondage of sin and submit your life to Him. “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Post Script: The sermon message of 12/28 preached by Pastor Bryant Lampkin and titled “Your Help is on the Way.” To hear a recording of this exciting and timely message go to the following link. http://www.mediafire.com/file/0yyyaz4jmno/Help%20Is%20On%20The%20Way.mp3
3 comments:
Great correlation. May I forward it?
Kelly,
Please Foeward
Very nice and relevant history lesson! Looking forward to more in 2009. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Post a Comment