In the first reading John warns us about the coming and teachings of various antichrists.. With the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, we should remain faithful to the truth we have already been given.
The Gospel reading is the beautiful Prologue to the Gospel of John the beloved disciple which summarizes salvation history and God’s love and kindness centered in the coming of the Word-made-Man: “And the Word was made flesh; he had his tent pitched among us, and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of the only Son coming from the Father, fullness of truth and loving kindness..”
At year end we thank God for the past year, good or bad, all blessings from him. At year end we ask God to forgive our failures and shortcomings during the past year. At year end and as we begin a new year we ask God to continue to bless, guide and protect us. We ask for continuing faith and hope in him and for unfailing love for him.