WATCH NIGHT TUG O’WAR

Dr Elaine McCarthy, chairman of the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches, is criticising Jamaicans for opting to attend secular events to ring in the new year, rather than participating in the traditional watch night service at church.

“It marks the beginning of a new year – a year in which we don’t know what lies ahead – and in the past, we have been known as a nation that fears God, but in recent years, I don’t think that is so because of some of the events that are being planned. Yes, they might throw in a little bit of what they call gospel, but to me that is really a cover,” McCarthy told The Gleaner.

The watch night service held on New Year’s Eve is a tradition observed in most churches. It is believed to have originated with English theologian and principal leader of the Methodism movement, John Wesley, in 1733. He urged Christians to have a service as a means of renewing their Christian commitment to God. The practice has been observed annually by many Christians since then.

But McCarthy noted that over the years, the tradition of participating in the watch night service was not limited to devout Christians.

“First time, no matter where people are, when you see it coming minutes to midnight and you’re at church, you would see them come around the church, but you don’t really see much of that anymore,” she said.

‘Put country above self’

But as 2025 approaches, McCarthy said she is praying that Jamaicans consider the impact of their actions on the country.

“We should look towards coming to some kind of consensus in terms of the good for the nation. We might have some personal feelings but when we really check it out, it doesn’t really go well for the nation. We should put country above self, in terms of the various issues and differences that we have,” she said.

Head of the Holiness Christian Church in Portmore, St Catherine, Bishop Dr Alvin Bailey, says Jamaicans should use the night of New Year’s Eve to reflect and express gratitude, regardless of where they are.

“Even if they are gathering at the National Stadium for that concert that people are not necessarily characterising as one they want to be a part of ... , there should be a call to give thanks to God and a recognition of His power to go forward,” he said.

Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street concert is taking place tonight at the National Stadium to celebrate his release from prison after serving 13 years for murder before his conviction was quashed.

And as the country prepares for a general election, constitutionally due by next September, Bailey is also calling for a recommitment of the nation to the principles of Christianity to achieve economic growth – “a kind of prosperity that must be underpinned by morality”.

He said: “We must know that it is righteousness that exalts a nation and not riches. Any direction, especially in our pursuit for economicstability, must be with righteousness and due regard for Christ and Christianity.”

Bailey also urged the country’s leaders to recommit to “honesty, integrity and the standards of morality that will engender peace, reconciliation and goodwill” for the new year.

Like Bailey, Anglican priest and human-rights activist Father Sean Major-Campbell wants Jamaicans to be more reflective as the new year approaches.

“Many changes are coming to the planet in the year ahead and beyond. We should remember that our reality is much larger than the disappointments of the past and the present. Most importantly, note that happiness comes from within and should not be dependent on circumstances,” he said.

Noting that “the freedom afforded by social media, appears to be robbing many of emotional intelligence and empathy”, Major-Campbell also advises for more time to be spend practising daily meditation.

“Learn how to breathe deeply and exhale deeply and relax. There is so much toxicity in how we express opinions and differences,” he said.

While acknowledging the cultural and religious significance of the watch night service, Major-Campbell explained that in the Anglican Church, the Mass is a celebration of the Holy Name of Jesus Christ continues the Christmas celebration, which continues to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.

But he stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and crime have impacted watch night service attendance in some churches.

“Since COVID, many churches have seen a decline in the numbers. In some spaces people are also more concerned about safety and late-night events,” he said.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com