Sabbath Reflection – The Night to Be Much Observed

The United Church of God’s administrative policy statement on the Night to Be Much Observed (NTBMO), approved by the Council of Elders, states:

“On this evening, most members invite other members to their homes to enjoy a meal and fellowship. Others may choose to gather in a restaurant or similar location to celebrate the evening.”

“Given the references to ‘the Night to Be Much Observed’ and the fact that it is tied to Exodus 12:42, which refers to a specific night event, as well as phrases like ‘night of watching’ and ‘keep vigil,’ this further supports the idea that our observance takes place after sunset in nighttime.”

“We celebrate the evening in commemoration of these events from long ago as described in the pages of the Bible. We also recognize the symbolism for a Christian today.”

The Night to be Much Observed marks the beginning of the First Day of Unleavened Bread. It is observed annually as a Sabbath and as part of the Days of Unleavened Bread. This solemn observance also provides the first opportunity during the festival for members to partake of unleavened bread together.

With that said, we should follow God's timing as outlined in Exodus, which is central to the observance of the Feast. However, the question arises: How should we observe the evening? While, the Bible does not outline every specific detail, it does state: “It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord” (Exodus 12:42).

What exactly does “observance” mean?

The Hebrew word is šimmurîm, which is used only twice in the Bible, both times in this passage. It literally refers to a “night watch” and emphasizes the importance of carefully and reverently keeping that night as a sacred occasion. This reflects the significance of God’s great act of deliverance from Egypt and highlights the need to continually remember our deliverance from spiritual Egypt.

So, how should we observe the evening?

• Does "observance" refer to a meal that must start after sundown?
• Or is the "observance" of God’s great deliverance for Israel and for us meant to be celebrated and discussed in fellowship after sundown?
• Or is it both?

Certainly, the Bible directs that the observance of the NTBMO begins at sundown and the timing should not be altered for convenience. However, God’s Word does not provide specific details about how to commemorate the evening of the NTBMO beyond the general instruction to observe it as a solemn occasion. It does not explicitly state whether the observance must begin with a meal after sunset or if it is acceptable to eat a meal before sunset and then continue observing the evening in fellowship after sunset.

What is clear, however, is that the observance should honor God's deliverance of Israel and our own deliverance as well and is to be celebrated with reverence, particularly starting at sundown, in accordance with the timing established in Exodus. It would be inappropriate to eat a meal and then go home before the sun even sets or to have a meal after sunset and never discuss the deep spiritual meaning of the evening.

Just as the Sabbath is observed from sunset to sunset, the NTBMO ‘observance” should begin at the local sundown, honoring God's timing. We observe it as the Sabbath comes to us – at sunset. The Church of God continues this practice, adhering to the clear biblical command regarding the observance of the Sabbath and other holy days.

As New Covenant Christians—members of the Body of Christ and described by the Apostle Paul as ‘the Israel of God’ (Galatians 6:16)—we observe this event as an ongoing ‘vigil’ (NIV). It reminds us, refreshes us, and keeps us alert to God’s saving works of the past, our personal deliverance today through our ‘freedom in Christ’ (Galatians 5:1), and the coming age when humanity will be liberated from a spiritual Pharaoh—Satan.

Ultimately, while the Bible offers the framework for the NTBMO, some of the details are left to our discretion, provided we keep the spiritual aspects of the evening intact.

Joe Greene 

Pastor for Richmond and Roanoke, Va

(434) 808-2146