Johannes de Watteville

Above:  Johannes de Watteville

Image in the Public Domain

Johanness Langguth de Watteville (1718-1788), born Johann Michael Langguth, became a leading figure in the Renewed Moravian Church.  He met Christian Renatus von Zinzendorf (1727-1752), son of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760), at college then joined the Moravian Church.  Langguth/Watteville became the secretary to the Count, the leader of the denomination.  On May 20, 1746, at Zeist, Holland, Watteville married the Count’s daughter, Benigna (1725-1789).  Then, on June 4, 1747, Watteville became a Moravian bishop.  As bishop he traveled the world widely, visiting Moravian Church settlements in Europe and the Americas, in the company of Benigna, who played an active role in the work of the Church.  In 1760 Watteville succeeded Zinzendorf as the leader of the Renewed Moravian Church.

Watteville started the Moravian tradition of Christingle in 1747.  That Christmas he gave every child in his church a candle wrapped in a red ribbon bearing the text translated into English as

Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these dear children’s hearts.

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Lord Jesus, With Thy Presence Bless:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/lord-jesus-with-thy-presence-bless/

Jesus, Thyself to Us Reveal:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/jesus-thyself-to-us-reveal/

The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/the-grace-of-our-lord-jesus-christ/

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