New Year & watchnight
New Year Hymns — Lyrics for Watchnight & New Year Services
A New Year service looks two ways at once: back over mercies received, and forward into an unknown year. These hymns do both, and all of them are free to print for your programme.
6 hymns for new year & watchnight
- 01Great Is Thy FaithfulnessSDA Hymnal #100
'Morning by morning new mercies I see' — the hymn of a year reviewed.
Read the full lyrics → - 02If You Trust in God to Guide YouSDA Hymnal #510
For a year no one can see into. Quiet, steady confidence.
Read the full lyrics → - 03Take My Life and Let It BeSDA Hymnal #330
The consecration hymn for the first minutes of a new year.
Read the full lyrics → - 04'Tis So Sweet to Trust in JesusSDA Hymnal #524
A gentle hymn of trust for the watchnight hour.
Read the full lyrics → - 05My Faith Looks Up to TheeSDA Hymnal #517
A prayer for grace to take us the whole way through.
Read the full lyrics → - 06Amazing GraceSDA Hymnal #108
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far' — the line every New Year service needs.
Read the full lyrics →
How to choose well
- Begin with thanksgiving for the year ending, then move to consecration for the year beginning.
- Keep the midnight hymn short and known by heart — many will sing it in the dark.
- A hymn of guidance such as 'If You Trust in God to Guide You' sets the tone better than a sentimental song.
Frequently asked questions
What hymns are sung at a watchnight service?
Hymns of review and consecration: 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness', 'Take My Life and Let It Be', and quiet hymns of trust such as ''Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus'.
What hymn should the new year begin with?
A short consecration hymn known by heart works best at midnight — 'Take My Life and Let It Be' or 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee'.
A hymn for your church's new year
We write custom New Year and watchnight hymns on your congregation's theme text for the year ahead.