New Year's Eve

“Happy New Year!” “Happy!” “Happy!” “Happy!” came the cheer. Then everyone in the room, over 1500 bodies, began to jump up and down together, as if to music. Then the music began and the crowd sang and the jumping increased, in time with the beat of the music. People jumped and hugged, shook hands and hugged again. Thus 2012 was ushered in at Limbe CCAP.

New Year’s Eve in Malawi is celebrated significantly differently than it is in the States. The focus of the celebration for the vast majority of the population is at church. Limbe was typical of many of the churches that host such nights of pray and praise. The event began about 8 p.m. By 11 p.m. the sanctuary was packed to overflowing. The amplified music was at top volume. This night the emphasis was on praise. Ten choirs, five small ensembles, and seven soloists gathered to lead in the praise time. Two of the soloists were special guests – gospel singers of renown in Malawi. Many in the crowd had come to hear them, especially. One of the blessings of living in a small country is that big “stars” are accessible to the everyday person, especially if you live in the commercial city that hosts the recording “industry,” of Malawi. No one outside the country may know of Favourite Sisters or Allan Chirwa, but most Malawians do. Most of the recording stars   have come from the churches, so they are well known, and well loved, within church circles. They willingly accept offers to perform, and to sell their music CDs and DVDs, a thriving business in Malawi.

That was part of the draw for the night, but it was more than that. This is safe, lively entertainment as well as praise to God. It was an opportunity to participate in praise. More than half of the congregation was under the age of 25, and ready to praise. The room vibrated with sound and movement as the performers invited the congregation to come up and sing with them. Young people flocked to the chancel to dance with Allan or sing with the sisters. They joined the various choirs as well, swelling their numbers to over 100, all crowed in the front to dance together. I say dance because most Malawian choir numbers are carefully choreographed. There are specific dance steps for each song, and everyone knows them, so it is easy to join the dancing. This music is pre-recorded and is played at a good volume to keep everyone together. In addition, the “All for Jesus” praise band was present to provide live music for spontaneous praise.

There was a prayer aspect to the night. I was asked to preach on “Why Thank God for 2011.” Given the challenging year the country has had, this was most appropriate. When I finished preaching about 11:40, one of the elders rose, led us in a praise chorus and then offered a prayer of thanksgiving that took us up to midnight. Shortly after the “amen,” the celebration of the New Year began. After words of New Year encouragement, Rev. Bona preached on “God’s Presence in 2012.” This was followed by an elder offering intercession for the nation, the church and individuals’ lives in the coming year.

But most of the night was lively praise. About 3 a.m., some of the youngest children curled up on pews or in plastic chairs and slept, regardless of the volume of the praise. All night is too much for the average 5 year old (and for a few 50 something’s who caught a few winks in their seats). As dawn approached about 4:30 a.m., the mistress of ceremonies drew the festivities to a close with thanks and final praise and prayer. Thus 2012 was officially opened in God’s presence. We all headed home to refresh and return for Sunday worship at 7:30 a.m. The sanctuary was full by 8 a.m., but for a more reserved worship service.