Faith and Action: New Year's holiday offers time for reflection

...This year we will have elections — don't forget that primary elections in Maryland are scheduled for Feb. 12 and the general election will be Nov. 4. It's important that we all participate no matter which political party we belong to.

By exercising our right to vote we move forward to execute changes in our society. You cannot effect a change if you do not take the time to register to vote. Your application must be postmarked by Jan. 22 to be eligible to vote in the primary election and Oct. 14 to vote in the general election.

If you are unsure about registration procedures check with a house of worship in your community.

I was happy to see a decrease in crime statistics in 2006 and dismayed to see it on the rise again in 2007. We must continue to teach our children to respect themselves and others and to value life.

For those who plan to welcome 2008 in a house of worship, Watch Night services are being held at churches around the area.

There is a wonderful history to the Watch Night services. Its origin can be traced back to gatherings held on Dec. 31, 1862, also known as ''Freedom's Eve." On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places and private homes throughout the nation eagerly awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law.