Understanding Themes Behind Watch Night Services

During the Christmas festivities, many Ghanaians look forward to how they will end the year and usher in the New Year. Ahead of December 31, churches across the country organise crusades, revivals, camp meetings, and other spiritual activities to prepare members for the transition into the New Year.

For many Christians, New Year’s Eve is marked by a Watch Night service, which is characterised by prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection to climax a symbolic crossover into the New Year at midnight.

Over the years, churches in Ghana have adopted various themes for their 31st Night Services to encourage members and attract non-members, offering insight into what congregants should expect in the coming year.

The term ‘crossover’ has become a common expression to describe 31st December Watch Night Services. These services have become famous due to the fascinating themes generated by the churches. Some of the captivating themes spotted on huge billboards with over two weeks to December 31 include: “Night of Signs and Wonders,” “Night of Wonders,” “Exodus Night,” “Empowerment Summit,” “Glorious Triumphant Entry,” and “Occupy 2026.”

Other themes that enthrall people include “Cross Over to Recover,” “Passover to Takeover,” “Crossing Over,” “Operation Jabez Crossover,” “Restoration Night,” “Run Over,” and “December To Remember.”

In an interview with The Spectator on these themes, Prophet Alfred Asihene Arjarquah of Paramount House Chapel explained that the church’s crossover theme for 2026, “Occupy 2026,” was inspired by biblical instructions for believers to take possession, dominate, and flourish.

According to him, the theme was grounded in God’s original mandate to humanity to be fruitful and to occupy the earth, as well as God’s directive to Joshua to take possession of the Promised Land after the enemies had been subdued.

“God told Joshua that the land He had prepared ahead of the Israelites was already cleared of enemies, and they were to occupy the land flowing with milk and honey. That is the spiritual foundation of Occupy 2026,” he indicated.

He noted that the emphasis on “Occupy” distinguishes the church’s crossover service from conventional year-end themes by challenging believers to take action rather than wait passively for blessings.

Prophet Arjarquah further revealed in the interview that 2026 has been declared the Year of Extraordinary Praise, a season he believes will be characterised by miracles, signs, and wonders.

Beyond the church, Prophet Arjarquah used the opportunity to pray for the nation, asking God to bless the people of Ghana and stabilise the economy. He also encouraged citizens to remain hopeful and steadfast, trusting God for restoration and national progress.

“We are praying that God will bless the people of Ghana and also bless the economy,” he said, stressing the need for faith, discipline, and unity in addressing the country’s challenges.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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