Wind down the clock on the old year with a worship service centered around Jesus Christ! Hosting a New Year’s Eve worship service–sometimes called a Watchnight service–is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the faithfulness of God. Encourage your congregation with renewed hope for the future with this engaging worship setlist.
New Year’s Eve provides the perfect opportunity for your church to reset spiritually for the coming year. After all, music can remarkably calm our busy minds and hearts so that we can focus on who is most important in our lives: Jesus Christ. Through reflective hymns and joyful praise songs, music creates a welcoming space for those who are excited about their next chapter … and those who may be less enthusiastic.
Top Worship Songs for Your New Year’s Eve Worship Service
Here is WorshipHouse Media’s curated New Year’s Eve worship setlist. These songs emphasize essential themes for the coming year, including renewal, gratitude, and faith. Use this list as inspiration for your own worship service.
Remember, when choosing worship songs, select ones that reflect your church’s vision for the coming year. You can also include songs that are special to your congregation.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
The sun comes up; it’s a new day dawning.
It’s time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
Let me be singing when the evening comes.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul,
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul,
I’ll worship Your holy name.
Start your worship service on with this popular praise song. With its heartfelt lyrics, “10,000 Reasons” invites worshippers to begin the new year by renewing their faith in Jesus.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
House of the Lord
We worship the God who was
We worship the God who is
We worship the God who evermore will be …
There’s joy in the house of the Lord
There’s joy in the house of the Lord today
And we won’t be quiet
We shout out Your praise
Fill your sanctuary with joy and celebration as you sing “House of the Lord.” This joyful praise song reminds us of the victory we have in Jesus Christ.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: House of the Lord
In Christ Alone
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me .
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
‘Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
With its timeless melody and credal lyrics, “In Christ Alone” captures the essence of our faith. This modern hymn is an ideal song for entering the new year with confidence in Jesus’ sovereignty.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: In Christ Alone
Who You Say I Am
Who the Son sets free,
Oh is free indeed.
I’m a child of God,
Yes, I am.
Allow this beautiful praise song to minister to you and your congregation as you reflect on your identity and freedom in Jesus Christ. With lyrics that celebrate new beginnings, this worship song can set the tone for an impactful New Year’s Eve church service.
The praise song “Who You Say I Am” celebrates our identity in Jesus. Lead your congregation in proclaiming freedom in the new year with this song.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: Who You Say I Am
Made for More
I wasn’t made to be tending a grave,
I was called by name, born and raised back to life again.
I was made for more,
So why would I make a bed in my shame,
When a fountain of grace is running my way.
I know I am Yours, and I was made for more.
Encourage your congregation to embrace their God-given purpose. “Made for More” emphasizes our place in Jesus’ Kingdom and the grace He has given us. Remind those of your congregation who are setting New Year’s resolutions of God’s grace as they prepare to step into the new year.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: Made for More
This Is Amazing Grace
Who brings our chaos back into order?
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter?
The King of Glory
The King of Glory
Who rules the nations with truth and justice?
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance?
The King of Glory
The King above all kings
Energize your worship experience with the powerful praise song “This Is Amazing Grace.” With its triumphant declaration of God’s transformative power, it is the perfect song to encourage your congregation for what lies ahead in the next year.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: This Is Amazing Grace
Trust in God
So this is my story, and this is my song;
I’m praising my risen King and Savior all the day long.
I trust in God, my Savior,
The one who will never fail.
He will never fail.
I trust in God, my Savior,
The one who will never fail.
Not everyone looks forward to a new year. For those uncertain about the year ahead, “Trust in God” offers reassurance that God’s presence is unfailing. He has a plan for the year ahead, and we can trust Him to be with us.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: Trust in God
Take You at Your Word
Your Word is a lamp unto my feet,
Your way is the only way for me.
It’s a narrow road that leads to life,
But I wanna be on it.
It’s a narrow road, but the mercy’s wide
‘Cause You’re good on Your promise.
I’ll take You at Your word.
If You said it, I’ll believe it.
I’ve seen how good it works.
If You start it, You’ll complete it.
I’ll take You at Your word.
A new year brings us a new chance to step forward in faith. Encourage your congregation with this worship song’s message of confidence in God’s promises.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: Take You at Your Word
Build My Life
I will build my life upon Your love.
It is a firm foundation.
I will put my trust in You alone,
And I will not be shaken.
Holy, there is no one like You,
There is none beside You.
Open up my eyes in wonder.
Show me who You are,
And fill me with Your heart,
And lead me in Your love
To those around me.
This contemplative song can provide a moment of reflection for worshippers to refocus on Jesus Christ and dedicate the new year to following Him.
Remember, use your worship music as a guide during reflection and prayer. Meditative songs like “Build My Life” provide moments for individuals to reflect on their relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, you can pair these reflective songs with guided prayers or Scripture readings.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: Build My Life
Goodness of God
All my life You have been faithful,
All my life You have been so so good.
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God.
Conclude your Watchnight service with this fitting finale! With “Goodness of God,” your congregation can lift their voices in gratitude for God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Find this New Year’s Eve worship song on our website: Goodness of God
Celebrate Your Hope for the New Year
Hosting a memorable New Year’s Eve worship service may seem daunting at first. Remember to choose worship songs that are special to your church and mission. Don’t forget to collaborate with your worship and leadership teams for creative elements, such as live instruments, a choir, Scripture readings, or multimedia presentations. Some of these may require additional assets, so give your teams enough time to prepare and practice to ensure a smooth service.
Lastly, make your Watchnight service even more special and include diverse styles of music so that your whole congregation is engaged. Mix traditional hymns with contemporary praise songs, or include cultural or regional music and instruments that reflect your church’s diversity.
However you choose to celebrate the New Year, we hope the service brings you and your congregation closer to God and prepares your heart for the year ahead.
