THE BIBLE SPEAKS DAILY (DECEMBER 26th, 2024)

TODAY'S TOPIC: Biblical View of Vigils and Cross-Over Night Prayers. 

"...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God..."

"...And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him..." 1Cor.10:31; Col. 3:17.

As a Disciple of Christ, it is essential to approach this question with Biblical authority (Colossians 3:17), and a commitment to practices explicitly commanded or authorized in the Scriptures. 

Let us examine this topic through the lens of Biblical teaching!

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1. Understanding "Vigil" and "Cross-Over Night Prayers".

Vigils generally refer to late-night or all-night gatherings for prayer, worship, or reflection.

Cross-Over Night Prayers are specific to New Year’s Eve, where individuals or Congregations gather to pray into the New Year.

These practices are popular in many religious traditions, but we must ask: Are they authorized by Scripture, and can the Church of Christ engage in them as a Congregation?

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2. The Biblical Basis for Night Worship

The Bible provides examples of worship, prayer, and spiritual activities occurring at night, but these are descriptive, not prescriptive:

a. Jesus Prayed at Night: Jesus often prayed at night, sometimes all night, as seen in Luke 6:12 and Mark 1:35. However, this was a personal practice, not a command for collective worship.

b. Paul’s Night Preaching: Paul preached until midnight in Troas (Acts 20:7–8). This was an exceptional case, not a pattern or command.

c. Prayer in Prison: Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns at midnight while in prison (Acts 16:25). Again, this was situational and not a formal Church assembly.

While these examples show that prayer and worship at night are not inherently wrong, they do not establish a binding practice for the Church as a collective body.

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3. The New Year Concept in the Bible

The Bible does not recognize January first, as the beginning of a New Year. The concept of celebrating the "New Year" as we know it is rooted in human tradition, not Scripture. While the Bible acknowledges times and seasons (Genesis 1:14), the focus is always on Spiritual preparation, not temporal celebrations (Ephesians 5:15–16).

For this reason, observing a "cross-over night" tied to the secular calendar lacks Biblical Authority.

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4. Congregational Activities in the Church

The work of the Church, as outlined in Scripture, is focused on worship, edification, and evangelism (Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11–16). Worship in the Church is regulated by the Apostles’ teaching, which includes:

a. Teaching and Preaching the Word (2 Timothy 4:2).

b. Prayers and Supplications (Acts 2:42, 1 Timothy 2:1–2).

c. Singing Praises to God (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).

d. The Lord’s Supper on the First Day of the Week (Acts 20:7).

e. Giving as Prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1–2).

Vigils and cross-over nights, as practiced by some, fall outside these authorized acts of worship for the Church as a collective body.

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5. Potential Issues with Vigils and Cross-Over Nights.

1. No Scriptural Authority:

There is no New Testament example or command authorizing the Church to conduct vigils or cross-over night prayers as congregational activities. To engage in such would be to add to God’s Word, which is condemned (Revelation 22:18–19).

2. Worldly Influences:

The emphasis on marking the new year often aligns more with cultural or denominational traditions than with biblical principles. The Church is called to avoid conforming to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2).

3. Individual vs. Collective Action:

While individuals may choose to pray, reflect, or sing hymns privately at night, congregational actions must be authorized by Scripture.

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6. Can the Church of Christ Engage in Such Activities?

As a congregation, the Church of Christ must only engage in activities explicitly or implicitly authorized in Scripture. Since there is no Biblical basis for a collective vigil or cross-over night tied to a secular new year, such practices should not be adopted as congregational events.

However, individual Christians are free to engage in personal prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving at any time, including New Year’s Eve, provided it is done with the right heart and focus (Colossians 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

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7. What Should Be Our Focus?

Instead of adopting traditions without Biblical Authority, the Church should focus on teaching sound doctrine, encouraging personal holiness, and emphasizing continual readiness for Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:11–14).

Rather than gathering for a cross-over night, the Church could use opportunities around the new year to:

a. Teach about the importance of redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16).

b. Reflect on spiritual growth and set goals for deeper service to God (2 Corinthians 13:5).

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Conclusion

While night worship or prayer is not inherently wrong, cross-over night prayers and vigils, as practiced by some, lack scriptural authority for the Church as a collective body. The Church of Christ must adhere strictly to the pattern established in the New Testament, ensuring all activities are rooted in God’s Word.

Let us always seek to glorify God in ways that are authorized by Scripture and avoid blending cultural practices with our worship (John 4:24). The Church’s focus must remain on spiritual edification, not on adopting traditions that have no Biblical foundation.

credit: Bro. Popoola Olufemi (+234-906-450-8109). 

An Evangelist working with the Church Of Christ, 

Behind Ajimobi Garage New Gbagi, New Ife Road, Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria.