Some of the banners for the 2014 watch night services.

Slogans enmesh Ghana ---- As churches compete for souls on Dec. 31

Kofi Yeboah Dec - 30 - 2014 , 00:11

Many years ago, watch-night services on the last day of the year were observed for their religious value and solemnity.

Today, a lot of fanfare ushers in the New Year, with many religious leaders variously christening the day, which in the past was just known as Watch Night.

For the past five years or so, many Christians, especially those who belong to the Charismatic and Pentecostal groups, do not only try to outdo one another with creative terms for the occasion but also those who are resourceful move out of their church auditoriums to hire spacious venues for the Watch Night service.

On Wednesday night, millions of regular and occasional church attendants will mass up in churches and large open spaces for the annual watch night services christened variously as “Crossover”, “Passover”, “Transition”, “Crossing Over on Eagle’s Wings”, “The Great Move”, “Change Over” and “New Beginning”.

They will make supplications to God to forgive their transgressions in the outgoing year and seek His protection, grace, guidance and blessing in the coming year.

One of the high points of the watch night services will be at midnight, the exact time of transition from 2014 to 2015.

That moment is characterised by loud praises with voice, vuvuzela and every sound-making instrument, as well as fervent prayers, as the midnight bells chime in the background and fireworks light the dark skies to signal hope for the future.

The mega services

In recent times, watch night services have assumed a new definition and character, with many churches engaging in elaborate publicity of their indoor and open-air mega services.

Ahead of the occasion, Accra and other cities across the country are inundated with large banners and billboards announcing the watch night services of churches.

As usual, the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) and Action Chapel International (ACI) are leading the pack of churches organising mega open-air watch night services.

The ICGC will pitch camp at the Accra Sports Stadium for its popular “Crossover” service, as the General Overseer, Pastor Mensa Otabil, gives divine words of hope and inspiration to thousands of worshippers eager to cross over into the New Year.

Moving northwards of Accra, thousands of worshippers will converge on the premises of the ACI, off the Spintex Road, for the famous “Passover” service, as the General Overseer, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, delivers powerful prayers to facilitate their pass over into the New Year.

Others

At the Atomic Energy Park, near Madina, the Founder of the Global Revival Ministries, Rev. Dr Robert Ampiah-Kwofie, will lead a large number of worshippers in “The Great Move” into the New Year.

The Lizzy Sports Complex at East Legon in Accra is the airfield for worshippers of the Cedar Mountain Chapel of the Assemblies of God, Ghana to take off in a “Crossing Over on Eagles’ Wings” into 2015.

The Lead Pastor, Rev. Dr Stephen Wengam, will lead the worshippers in the watch night service on the theme: “Renew to cross over”.

He said the service would be used to pray for the nation and urged Ghanaians to include nation-building in their New Year resolutions.

The orthodox churches normally keep their watch night services indoors, but with the increase in attendance on 31st Night, the congregation will spill over their auditoriums.

Resolutions

For many worshippers, watch night services also present a fine opportunity for them to renew their faith in God and make resolutions for the coming year.

As a demonstration of their commitment, some worshippers make pledges and vows to God for an expectant answer to their prayer requests.

Writer’s Email: kofi.yeboah@graphic.com.gh