The Name Of Jesus Service

The traditional New Year's watchnight service can take on a new character if it is combined with the ancient Name of Jesus service. The historical beginnings of this service go back to the eighth century. The biblical motif celebrated is the naming of Jesus at the rite of circumcision, a ritual performed in Jewish tradition on the eighth day after birth.

Texts Numbers 6:22–27 Psalm 67 Galatians 4:4–7 Philippians 2:9–13 Luke 2:15–21 Hymns [Traditionally the hymns attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux are sung on this day.] "Jesus, the Very Thought of You" "O Jesus, King Most Wonderful" Other hymns and songs: "Jesus Is All the World to Me" "Jesus Shall Reign" "Jesus, Jesus, There's Something about that Name" Additional "¢ Communicate the gospel reading through drama or storytelling. "¢ Use the John Wesley covenant, which was designed for watchnight services by Wesley. (See following article.) The covenant best occurs after the sermon.