Watch Night and the Emancipation Proclamation
Established in African American communities on December 31, 1862, Watch Night is a gathering to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation becoming law.
When the clock struck midnight on January 1, 1863, all slaves in the Confederate States were proclaimed free.
Since that date 146 years ago, African Americans have celebrated the good news of freedom in local churches on New Year’s Eve. Like the slaves who first gathered while the Civil War raged on, we proclaim freedom for all captives in Jesus’ name, knowing that for millions, freedom is not a reality. Our celebration is a commitment to join modern-day slaves and undocumented workers in their struggle for justice.
Shout the glad tidings o’er Egypt’s dark sea: Jehovah has triumphed; his people are free!
Writing about the first Watch Night, Booker T. Washington said, “As the great day grew nearer, there was more singing in the slave quarters than usual. It was bolder, had more ring, and lasted later into the night. True, they had sung those same verses before, but they had been careful to explain that the ‘freedom’ in these songs referred to the next world and had no connection with life in this world. Now they gradually threw off the mask; and were not afraid to let it be known that the ‘freedom’ in their songs meant freedom of the body in this world.”
“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 up on us.” Frederick Douglass, December 31, 1862
Lord, we know that freedom will prevail because you are already victorious. Help us never lose hope, never stop celebrating your victory, and never stop walking alongside those who struggle to see this freedom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
Quakers and the Underground Railroad
In 1788 Quakers in Pennsylvania freed their slaves, anticipating the emancipation of chattel slaves in the United States some seventy-five years later. Together with free blacks, abolitionist evangelicals, and slaves who were willing to risk their lives, Quakers led one of America’s most vibrant faith-based justice movements — the Underground Railroad. Committed to simplicity, religious freedom, and nonviolence, Quakers have contributed to movements for peace and justice throughout US history.
Psalm 7:7 – 12
Awake, O my God, decree justice: let the assembly of the peoples gather round you.
Be seated on your lofty throne, O Most High: O Lord, judge the nations.
Give judgment for me according to my righteous-ness, O Lord: and according to my innocence, O Most High.
Let the malice of the wicked come to an end but establish the righteous: for you test the mind and heart, O righteous God.
God is my shield and defense: he is the savior of the true in heart.
God is a righteous judge: God sits in judgment every day.
Jesus, teach us not to shun: what is of God in everyone.
George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, wrote, “People must be led out of captivity up to God. Be patterns, be examples that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them. Then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”
Lord, help us answer your call as readily as our father Abram, that we might extend your blessing throughout our community. Remind us that the places where we find you become altars in our world. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
Today’s reflection is excerpted from “Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals”. Common Prayer | Common Prayer
RLC welcomes and encourages individuals who engage in critical thinking at the intersection of faith and justice to contribute to our blog. The views and opinions expressed by our blog authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of RLC, its staff, members, or officers.
