In the Year of Our Lord
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
May we ask a personal question? What year is it?
In The Year Of Our Lord
by Tim Hall
A subtle change is occurring around us. In many of
the books we read, we see more use being made of
the designations "CE" and "BCE". What are these?
What do they mean? A quick glance at a current
dictionary shows that "CE" means "common era," and
"BCE" means "before common era."
For example, instead of saying that Columbus
discovered the New World in 1492 AD, many works
will now record the date as 1492 CE. Rather than
telling us that Aristotle was born in 384 BC, we
are told that he was born in 384 BCE. It's a
change of labels. Instead of "anno Domini" (AD),
we are now living in the "common era" (CE). Not a
big deal, right?
I disagree. I think it is a big deal. It's another
indication of the increasing secularization of our
society. Many view Jesus as no more than a great
teacher (similar to Aristotle), and do not wish to
give Him credit by referring to history as "before
Christ" or "anno Domini" (Latin for "in the year
of our Lord"). But since it would be a Herculean
task to change the entire dating system, they have
chosen to merely change the labels. It is subtle,
but sinister.
How can anyone deny that Jesus Christ did indeed
change the landscape of human history? The changes
are dramatic, and they are all for the better.
What better way to honor Him than to refer to
history in terms of "before" or "after" His
appearance on earth?
But let's get personal: Do our lives reflect the
changes that Jesus Christ can make? Is there any
difference in the way our lives look to others
since we confessed His name and put Him on in
baptism? Or have we followed the trend of our
times, and find that our lives are more secular
than spiritual?
Let this be our year of change! Instead of living
in the "common era", let us begin living "in the
year of our Lord". Vow today to never start
another day without breathing a prayer to God for
guidance and wisdom. Pray today that He will give
courage to live a changed life. Plan today for
life one year from now to be much higher on the
scale of visible spirituality.
"This is the day the Lord has made" (Psalm 118:24,
New King James Version)