Watch Night / Covenant Renewal Service
Also called: New Year's Eve Service, Freedom Night
December 31 (fixed)
A service of prayer, praise, and covenant renewal held on New Year's Eve, culminating at midnight. The tradition was established by John Wesley, who held the first Covenant Service for Methodists in 1755.
Historically, enslaved African Americans in the USA used Watch Night on December 31, 1862 — the night before the Emancipation Proclamation took effect (January 1, 1863) — for prayer vigils, giving the service the additional name "Freedom Night." Many African American churches continue this tradition. It usually falls on or around December 31 (fixed).
It is especially important in Methodist, Baptist, Evangelical traditions. Browse Christian holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- observance
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- North America
- Themes
- Covenant, End Times & Hope
- Liturgical colour
- White