A group of Christians gathered for their annual New Year’s Eve Watch-Night Service. The celebration began in the fellowship hall at 9 p.m. Participants shared a variety of snacks, while they discussed victories of the ending year and achievements they wanted to realize during the new year. “Tonight is the first anniversary of the day I gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ,” Buford told Bill. “So you accepted Jesus as your savior during last year’s watch-night service?” asked Bill. “Yes, and it was the biggest thrill of my life. I was baptized in water the following week. Serving Jesus is the most important thing in my life.” “Jesus is the most important person in my life, too,” said Bill. “He saved me so I get to spend eternity with Him, and He gives an abundant life to me now, too.” Buford’s wife, Bernadette, took a large pan of homemade rolls. “I want everyone to know how tasty these rolls are,” stated Buford. Bentley’s favorite meal was T-bone steak and baked potato, so he provided the main course for the celebration. “There’s nothing like a juicy T-bone steak, with a nice plump baked potato,” Bentley opinioned. After eating, parishioners left the fellowship hall and entered the sanctuary, where they poured out praise and worship from the depths of their spirits. Pastor Buck encouraged members of his flock to begin the new year by once again dedicating themselves to serving God and their community.
“Jesus is coming soon,” the pastor reminded his flock. “Live for Jesus every day, and He will greatly bless you.”
A few minutes before midnight, Brother Bob and Brother Butchie distributed the communion elements to the congregation. Pastor Buck read from First Corinthians 11:23-26, “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
Brother Bernard offered the closing prayer. “Heavenly Father, thanks for all your blessings. Help us to minister to you during this new year. And help us to not take ourselves too seriously. Help us to have a sense of humor so laughter will be medicine to our spirits! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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