Traditionally the last night of the year is a time to reflect on the past and also to look forward to the coming year. You can opt to use this time to spend with family in the act of worship.
Watch Night Services
A watch night service is held on New Year’s Eve for holy worship. People gather to usher in the New Year as a family. Services occur in the evening. It may not be a long service but it is filled with silent moments and prayer. Different churches have different formats for conducting this service so check with your local church to see when and what is involved.
Watch Night Vigils
This is a type of worship service that lasts longer than a watch night service. Because it is a vigil, the parishioners faithfully watch the old year go out and the New Year come in. the ceremonies involve prayers, lots of music and the taking of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist). These services typically start around 10 p.m. and last well after midnight.
Because of the length of the service, many churches also offer a meal once the worship piece is over. Families are invited to sit down and share a meal (usually breakfast) together before leaving to return to their own homes.
