Who celebrate the New Year first?

 Have you ever wondered which country celebrates the New Year FIRST ? And which one is LAST? 

Happy New Year, friends, as we step into 2026. Let's start with some of the very first words of scripture.

Let there be light. 

But pause with me, because before God ever spoke those words in Genesis 1, verse 3. 

Before light existed in creation, it existed in Him. See, God didn't manufacture light. 

He was light. God is light, John tells us, "And in him is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5. 

So when God said, let there be light, He wasn't creating something . He was simply sharing what was already true in His being. 

That same divine pattern is meant for us.

When we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, the true light who came into the world, John 1:9 , we are not called to generate light. We're called to reflect and release the light that we've received. 

So this world that we walk through, it's shadowed by despair, division, and distraction. But Christ in us means light in us. You are the light of the world. Jesus said, not because of our brilliance, but because His light now lives within us. 

As the new year dawn, don't strain to be the light. Just shine the light that is already been placed in you. Let it spill into your family, your workplace, your neighborhood. 

Speak truth with grace. Live hope with courage and walk in love without fear. 

See, God shared His light. Now, it is your turn. Shine on,  you, saints of God.

God bless you today. 

Be blessed and be a blessing. 

1. Which country celebrates the New Year FIRST ? 

2. And which one is LAST?

1. Kiribati, a remote island nation with a population of about 120,000 people.

2. For inhabited celebrations, American Samoa.