On January 1, 2001, our world marked the beginning of a new millennium in human history. In a way, it was no different than the beginning of any day. The universe continued to exist in the same way it was the day before. The sun still rose at its appointed time as night turned into day. The weather still reflected the conditions in the atmosphere above where we live.

What was different about that New Year's Eve and Day is the significance we attach to the arrival of a new millennium. It must be significant, for I have never before in my life celebrated New Year's Day every hour on the hour throughout the world. Through television, we were treated to a variety of celebrations from New Zealand to Paris to New York to Chicago to Honolulu.

Regardless of the different customs used to mark the…