The whole world celebrates tonight. Every nightspot will be packed with party revellers in high spirits trying to undo each other as they herald in a New Year.

The silent prayer of each reveller is that the New Year will promise better things to come. Against this festive mood is the sobering message from John ... to be on guard against the anti-Christ ... the false values of this day!

John's message is not one of fear or gloom but of hope and victory. We too have a reason to celebrate. Let us not be caught up with the lights of the world which fades and gives way to darkness. Let us instead be caught up with the light of Christ which cannot be overpowered by darkness, the light which all believers carry within them.

As the year draws to a close, let us spend some time reflecting how we have been bearers of this light. Did we make a difference in our family, parish, workplace, neigbourhood during the last one year?