Year Ending Watch Night Service – “Come to the Lord and Rejoice”
As we approach the final moments of 2024 and prepare to usher in a new year, the Year Ending Watch Night Service provides us with a sacred opportunity to reflect, rejoice, and renew our commitment to God. The theme for tonight, “Come to the Lord and Rejoice,” is a call to end this year in celebration of God’s faithfulness and to begin the new year with hope, joy, and a heart of repentance. In the Scriptures we will explore tonight, we find themes of repentance, restoration, and rejoicing in God’s mercy. Through these passages, God invites us to come to Him, to turn from our ways, and to rejoice in His saving grace.
1. A Call to Repentance – Isaiah 1:1-20
Isaiah 1 paints a somber picture of a rebellious nation—God’s people, who have turned their backs on Him and pursued ways of sin. In this passage, God speaks through the prophet, calling His people to account for their sinful actions. Despite their outward religious acts—sacrifices, prayers, and festivals—God sees the hearts of the people and condemns their hypocrisy and rebellion. He urges them to “wash and make yourselves clean” (Isaiah 1:16) and to “learn to do right” (Isaiah 1:17). The invitation is clear: repent and return to God. Only through true repentance can we experience the healing and restoration He offers.
Tonight, as we reflect on the past year, it is an opportunity for each of us to examine our hearts. Have we allowed sin to separate us from God? Are we living in ways that do not reflect His will? God calls us to lay aside our rebellion and return to Him. Though our sins may be as scarlet, He promises to make them white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). The new year is a time to come to the Lord, seek forgiveness, and experience the joy of His cleansing power.
2. The Faithfulness of God – Psalm 89:1-18
Psalm 89 is a beautiful declaration of God’s unwavering faithfulness. The psalmist begins by singing of the Lord’s great love and faithfulness, praising His mighty acts and declaring His eternal covenant with David. God’s promises stand firm forever, and His righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. This psalm reminds us that, no matter what happens in our lives, God remains faithful. He is the God who rules over the seas, stilling the waves (Psalm 89:9), and the God who protects and provides for His people.
As we reflect on the year gone by, we can rejoice in the knowledge that God has been faithful to us through every circumstance. Even in moments of challenge, hardship, and trial, His faithfulness has remained constant. As we prepare to step into a new year, let us remember God’s promises and rejoice in the assurance that He will continue to be with us. His love and faithfulness go before us, and He is our shield and strength (Psalm 89:18).
3. Rejoicing in Salvation – Acts 16:19-34
In Acts 16, we encounter a remarkable story of transformation and salvation. Paul and Silas, after being beaten and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, find themselves singing hymns in the darkness of the prison. At midnight, an earthquake shakes the foundations of the prison, opening the doors and loosening the chains of the prisoners. The jailer, fearing for his life, is about to take his own life, but Paul stops him, assuring him that all the prisoners are still there. In that moment, the jailer asks the profound question: “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).
Paul and Silas respond with the gospel: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31). That very night, the jailer and his household are baptized, and they rejoice in the salvation that has come to their home. This story is a powerful reminder that, no matter the circumstances or how deep the darkness may seem, God’s salvation can break through and transform lives.
As we reflect on this past year, perhaps you have faced challenges, disappointments, or struggles. But tonight, God is inviting you to come to Him and rejoice in His salvation. Just as the jailer found freedom and joy in Christ, we too can experience the joy of salvation as we trust in Jesus. This is the reason for our rejoicing—because in Christ, we have been made new.
4. Rejoicing in the Presence of Jesus – Luke 19:1-10
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 reminds us of the joy that comes when we encounter Jesus. Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by many, sought to see Jesus but was hindered by the crowd. Determined, he climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of the Savior. To his surprise, Jesus stopped and called him down, saying, “I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5). Despite Zacchaeus’ past, Jesus chose to dine with him and bring salvation to his house.
Zacchaeus, in response to Jesus’ grace, declared, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8). Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). This story is a reminder that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and no one is beyond the reach of His grace.
Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the ending of one year and the beginning of another, let us rejoice in the presence of Jesus, who seeks us out, loves us, and offers salvation. Just as He brought transformation to Zacchaeus’ life, He can bring transformation to ours. Let us open our hearts to His presence and rejoice in the new life He offers.
Conclusion: Come to the Lord and Rejoice
As we prepare to enter 2025, the invitation is clear: Come to the Lord and rejoice! This year may have been filled with challenges, but God’s call to us is one of redemption, restoration, and joy. Whether through repentance, experiencing His faithfulness, rejoicing in His salvation, or encountering the transforming power of His presence, God invites us to come to Him and rejoice in the newness of life He offers.
Let us leave behind the regrets of the past year and step into the new year with hearts full of gratitude and rejoicing. God is faithful, His love is steadfast, and His grace is sufficient for all our needs. As we come to Him tonight, let us rejoice in the hope of a new beginning.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your faithfulness throughout this past year. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and joy. We acknowledge our need for You, Lord, and we repent of the ways we have fallen short. Cleanse us, O God, and make us new.Thank You for Your salvation, which is our reason for rejoicing. Thank You for seeking us out, for loving us despite our flaws, and for offering us the gift of eternal life. May this new year be filled with Your presence, Your peace, and Your joy.
We place our trust in You as we enter into 2025, knowing that You are with us, guiding us, and empowering us to live for You.In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Let this service be a time of reflection, repentance, and great rejoicing. As we approach the new year, let us come to the Lord with hearts full of praise, knowing that He is our Savior and our joy. Happy New Year 2025!