Daily Walking, Working, and Winning by God's Word by Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr.

Do you still get exciting about watching a fireworks scene on New Year's Eve? I have fond memories of seeing fireworks in many different cities: Time's Square, Atlanta, Ga., Washington, D.C., and of course Baltimore, MD. Over the years I have made me way to a religious service in thanks and praise for God allowing me to see another year in this journey of life. It's somewhat unfortunate that urban communities have become somewhat challenged. What may seem to be the sounds of fireworks, in some instances, is the sound of gun shots. Due to the nature of our congregation at Union Baptist Church, we have changed the traditional "Watch Night" service from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Streets become dangerous at night and many persons where staying home to avoid potential danger. Nevertheless, even with changes in culture and society, the spirit of the Living God does not changes. We are able to still give God praise, worship and honor even with the shift in hours. Why, because we serve a God who is not bound by our timetable. He operates above time and when he so chooses steps into time and becomes an on time God. For that I am thankful. Happy New Year and enjoy the power, the presence and the peace of God as we enter the second decade of a new millennium. Peace!