Last Wednesday, December 31, found Macedonia congregants and Bessemer residents celebrating their annual Watch Night program. Pastor Scott and associate pastors, along with Pastor Eades and Rev. Mims, helped within the fellowship by sharing significant messages and historical mentions during the ceremony.
Usually held hours before the new year rings in, such programs are held to give thanks and praises to God, along with congregating within a spiritually based location to commence optimistic hope and mindsets going into the new year.
Also known as “Freedom’s Eve,” Watch Night is considered an African-American tradition which started on December 31, 1862, where enslaved people waited on news of Emancipation. This formation of a long-lasting connection of past and future consisted of celebrating freedom through prayer, worship, faith, community, and hopes for the future.
Pastor William Scott held all attendees’ attention, sharing historical facts as combined choirs sang familiar Spirituals such as “I Will Trust in the Lord” and others.
Pastor Eades brought forth the inspirational message from Psalms 119:49–51 with the subject “I Shall Not Be Moved.”
Speaker of the hour, Rev. Reginald Mims, brought forth the sermon “The Choice Is Yours,” inspired by verses from Joshua 24:14–15. Intent on expressing the meaning of using common sense versus making the wrong choices instinctively, the night was one of spiritual awakening and meaning to encourage all throughout the world and those present in the marvelous city of Bessemer.
With tensions and uncertainty looming upon our world in present times that have brought on various anxieties for many of us—whether through job losses, medical insurance, and food payment insecurities—we want all to be optimistic during this new year of 2026. Lean on positive faith and strive for better despite all negatives we may experience.
We wish all a wonderfully blessed new year.
Rev. Mims addresses congregation during sermon
