![]() If you’re reading this today, no matter how difficult your life may be, rest assured you’re safe in the loving arms of an everlasting God. More food for the hungry – more hope for the downtrodden – and more quality time spent with the lonely?Īn appropriate theme might be, “Less is More in 24” – less prejudice, hatred, condemnation, and judgment – a time when everyone is celebrated for their uniqueness. “The hungry and poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn There are tables spread, every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn.”Īs I reflected on the theme, “More in 24,” I questioned – more of what? “And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need.”Ī verse from the carol, “Canticle of the Turning” – stirred every heart. It is our calling to keep the Christmas Spirit and story alive throughout the days of the Christmas season – and beyond.ĭuring the service, profound words written by evangelist, Reverend Billy Graham’s prayer were read aloud. Also known as Twelvetide – the 12-day period runs from Christmas Day through Jan. Not only grounded in Biblical scripture, the night had special meaning for Black Americans.Įarlier that day, we’d attended an early morning, formal service at historic Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown – a festival of “Walking in Love and Welcoming All.” The service bulletin read “Merry Christmas” – giving nod to Christmastide. A watchnight service is a late-night, Christian service held on the 7th day of Christmastide. The supper was a taste of life’s good stuff – southern soul cooking.Īfter supper, the congregation ushered in the New Year amongst the Spirit of God – a significant watchnight service that included church bells, jazzy piano renditions, and gospel songs. Hopeful for good tidings, the cooks made sure there were plenty of well-seasoned, black-eyed peas to go around. Offerings, including both country fried and hot chicken, were perfectly paired with tangy green beans, homestyle potato salad, and piping-hot, fluffy, homemade yeast rolls. Amongst our brothers and sisters – we feasted on a buffet of tasty chicken options and savory sides. John Baptist Church in Williamsburg for a southern, sit-down supper in the fellowship hall. We nestled ourselves among the Black American congregation at St. On the eve, my niece, Quinton, and I sat amongst God’s people. With grateful reflections and hopeful attitudes, the congregation simmered in a soul-rockin’ service. Instead, there was gospel-flavored music infused with energy – with bits of spirited preaching thrown in. There were no toasts or rings of crystal champagne glasses to welcome the year in drunken revelry. But there weren’t any hand-held sparklers or colorful fireworks. New Year’s Eve rolled around, and I rang in 2024 in celebratory fashion.
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