Town of Montreat issued the following announcement on Dec. 30.
After a “Covid interruption” last year, the Cottagers’ Watch Night Service will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in Graham Chapel. The brief service will be led by the Rev. Edna Banes.
Watch Night Services have been observed on New Year’s Eve for several centuries in many different traditions. Moravians in Europe held the first one in 1733 as they gathered to watch over their past and determine if they were ready to meet God in the new year. John Wesley brought the tradition to America in 1770 and adapted it as a covenant renewal service. In 1862 the service took on added significance as enslaved Blacks watched for the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
The Cottagers will draw on these traditions and add some of their own as Watch Night is celebrated in Montreat. Through music, scripture, and reflection participants will acknowledge the many ways that God has watched over them this past year and consider the many ways to watch for God in the year ahead.
Original source can be found here.
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