Watch Night.
Dec. 31, 1862 found enslaved Americans across the southern United States eagerly awaiting their freedom. With the stroke of midnight the Emancipation Proclamation became the law of the land in all states in rebellion.
Black Americans continue to celebrate Freedom’s Eve today.
In 1862, millions of American residents – not citizens, enslaved people with no rights – eagerly looked to the new year for the promise of hope.
While the Emancipation Proclamation only applied to the Confederate states, it provided motivation to the enslaved Americans in those states to support the Union army in every way possible. The American flag represented freedom and a better life.
“It is a day for poetry and song, a new song. These cloudless skies, this balmy air, this brilliant sunshine . . . are in harmony with the glorious morning of liberty about to dawn up on us.” ~ December 31, 1862
January takes its name from the Roman god Janus. The dual-headed god of beginnings, endings, transitions and time. Like Janus, on the first of January, we look back on the year that was and we look forward to the coming year. Just as Black Americans did in 1862.
What do we see when we look ahead?
The evil policies of the Trump administration will destroy families, disrupt businesses and make life unpleasant for tens of millions of U.S. residents.
What will you do?
What will you do when the Trump government inflicts misery on millions of our neighbors?
What will you do in 2026?
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For other articles by Jim, visit:
Was Jesus a refugee? Of course he was.
Why can’t Trump supporters hear the truth?
Do Christians need to be reminded that racism is immoral?
Three lessons from the early Celtic church.
Pastor Jim Meisner, Jr. is the author of the novel Faith, Hope, and Baseball, available on Amazon, or follow this link to order an autographed copy. He created and manages the Facebook page Faith on the Fringe.
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