One cannot be far from wrong when they describe the night of December 31st as an industry—from church service programmes to parties to clubbing.
Indeed, it can be so-called given the number of active participants in the various church and secular industries. What used to be a simple “watchnight” or “all-night” service has lately metamorphosed into all sorts of names, such as “Crossover,” “Walkover,” “Takeover,” “Flyover,” “Jumpover,” and “Warnight,” to mention a few, with its attendant branding activities.
On the other hand, most event organisers fix their party and clubbing programmes for the 31st night to excitedly usher in the new year. The 31st Night Church “industry” manifests its own share of the tales. Church members, who over the months have been out of church, ensure to be present on this all-important night of the year as they seek to receive divine grace and favour for the new year.
Leadership would admonish such persons not to absent themselves from church for that long again. The congregants participate in spirit-filled and energetic worship, praise, and prayer sessions. Also, prophecies for the new year are delivered by their leaders. Come to think of it, there has been a recent brouhaha between the Ghana Police Administration and some church leaders.
The Police Administration is reported to have renewed its caution to church leaders (especially those notable for such acts) to desist from creating fear and panic with their 31st Night prophecies or those that will be taken on. Some church leaders, however, have disagreed with the former, seeing the move as an attack on their faith.
Clearly, some valid questions can be raised in relation to this matter. Are the police bent on stifling the prophetic section of church activities? What might have triggered the police to issue this directive? What was the state of the prophetic sermons some years ago that the police couldn’t see issues with? To what extent are churches supposed to comply with this directive? Of what kinds are prophecies that cause fear and panic? Must all prophecies be delivered at 31st night church services? Must all prophecies be delivered in public? Well, to my mind, a lot will depend on church leaders who operate in the prophetic space if they are to live peaceably with the police and the law.
Despite the directives, some men of God have “smartly” refused compliance with this directive, replacing the names of people and places they intend to mention with “strange” or “funny” names.
All said and done, the mode of delivery of prophecies is key, and they must approach it with all wisdom and tact.
Although a large part of the 31st Night event is church- or Christian-based, some event companies deem it worth it to continue in the revelry mood after the main Christmas festivities! What seems to surprise many is how celebrants in these gatherings dash to nearby churches just before the stroke of midnight, only to go back to make merry when the new year finally appears. According to popular opinion, they do so to seek the general favour and protection of the Almighty God in the upcoming year. Of course, church devotees (at least) will disagree with their stance.
Must there be a big deal about this last day of the year? Or must there not be a big deal about this last day of the year?! Some posit that the calendar (as we all know it) being used worldwide came out of a man-made system and therefore is at variance with the Almighty God’s appreciation of times and seasons. For this group, they would rather the 31st of December be considered any other day. However, others feel there must be a standard for measuring the days here on earth and that God will recognise the calendar in use now anyway. Whichever way one sees it, can’t everyone agree that change does not automatically come with a day? Can we all agree that even for chances that come with a new day, it requires a prepared person to exploit those chances? Newness may not necessarily come with a new year if one does not strategically position themselves to both create and utilise opportunities.
The final stretch of days of every year is central in determining how a new year will shape out, and the role of introspection cannot be overstressed.
Introspection is self-examination by observing your own personality and actions and considering your personal motivations. Through introspection, one can increase their self-awareness, know their strengths and weaknesses, and develop high emotional intelligence—all vital elements for success and having a winning new year, for that matter.
People can see their values, priorities, and long-term goals more clearly by engaging in introspection. Making decisions that are consistent with one’s ideals and aspirations is made easier by having this self-awareness.
Introspection also fosters the development of a growth mindset, where individuals see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This mindset is associated with greater resilience and a willingness to embrace continuous learning.
Whether in church or club, it is essential that one does not lose the privilege of reflection and self-examination. Before plans to pray or bash several hours away into the new year, some good time needs to be spent thinking through the new year and making adjustments that ought to be made. Firm and focused decisions should be made in every aspect of one’s life—spiritual, family, relationships, career, and business, among others.
Year after year, people have wished that engaging in intense bouts of prayer and declarations would see their dreams come to realisation, only for them to disappoint themselves at the end of the year. Similarly, others have hoped that relishing in year-end merriments would give them enough good vibe to meet their desires, but to no success.
As we prepare to hit 2024, do make introspection a part of your tools for charting out your plans.
Happy New Year in advance!
By: WILLIAMS OWUSU YEBOAH
