The Cedar Mountain Chapel of Assemblies of God in East Legon and other churches have held watchnight services to usher in the New Year.

As the clock struck 10:00pm on 31st December night of 2024, worshippers started converging on various auditoriums of the churches to bid farewell to the outgoing year and usher in the New Year, 2025.

Congregations gathered with hearts filled with anticipation and hope.

Jubilant Year

At the Cedar Mountain Chapel of Assemblies of God, the Church’s choir, dressed in radiant white robes led the congregation in jubilant songs of praise. 

The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana and lead pastor of the church, Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam reminded the congregation of the victories God had given them the past year.

Testimonies

Testimonies followed, with individuals recounting stories of miraculous healings, financial breakthroughs, and restored families. 

As the clock neared midnight, a solemn hush fell over the sanctuary with declaration of prophetic blessings for the New Year.

Evangel Assemblies of God

At Evangel Assemblies of God, at Adabraka the atmosphere was equally electrifying. Families sat together, hands clasped in prayer, reflecting on the year gone by. 

The service was marked by symbolic acts with Prophetic declarations by faith from the Assemblies of God, Ghana General Secretary, Rev Dr Ernest Birikorang.

He told his congregation that God had brought them this far and will further carry them along this New Year and the coming years.

Endtime Revival

The atmosphere at EndTime Revival Centre Assemblies of God, at Adenta was one of deep intercession. The congregation engaged in intense praise and prayer sessions. The lead pastor Rev Victor Kunkpe declared passionately that the service was not just a crossover.

Stroke of midnight

As the final moments of 2024 ticked away, a palpable sense of unity swept across the congregations. At the stroke of midnight, shouts of "Hallelujah!" erupted in every church. Fireworks lit the night sky outside, while inside, worshippers danced, sang, and embraced one another.

Origin

Watch Night Services are a significant tradition in many Christian denominations.

It originated in the 18th century among African American slaves, who would gather on New Year's Eve to pray, sing, and await the stroke of midnight, symbolising freedom and a new beginning.

Today, Watch Night Services are observed on December 31st, typically starting in the evening and culminating at midnight. The services often feature: Prayer and reflection; Music and hymns; Sermons and inspirational messages; Testimonies and sharing of personal experiences; Prophecies of what is to happen in the new year and Communion or the Lord's Supper.

Watch Night Services serve as a time for reflection on the past year; gratitude for blessings and accomplishments; seeking forgiveness and renewal; setting goals and making resolutions for the new year as well as celebrating the hope and promise of a new beginning.