The Hebrew writer said, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).

A.D. represents the Latin words, Anno Domini, which are translated, "in the year of our Lord". Some have mistakenly believed that they mean 'after death', thus after the death of our Lord. I suppose this is so because B.C. represents in English - 'Before Christ'. If A.D. meant after His death, then the years between His birth and His death would be without identification. A.D. refers to the year of His birth and forward. All such years our A.D. or 'in the year of our Lord'.

This way of dating is very helpful when referring back to ancient years. In speaking of a certain event one may date it in the year 125, but of course it would be helpful to know if B.C. or A.D. is meant. If one is jumping back in forth, in referring to years on either side of the birth of Christ, then it becomes all the more important. Today I must admit that when I assign a date to something I leave off the A.D. - I figure most people are going to take that for granted. When we refer back to something that happened in our lifetime we normally leave off the A.D.

Recently a group of students from nearby Trinity University (Presbyterian roots)

challenged the use of A.D. on the diploma. The one leading the challenge is a Muslim and was offended. He and others would like the abbreviations removed from the diploma. Some on campus our defending it's use. Understandably the school doesn't desire to custom produce diplomas, so it's all or nothing. A decision by the university is forthcoming.

Ever once in while we read about something like this. Somebody objects to prayer on school grounds, the ten commandments being posted on government property, quotations from scripture at National parks and on National monuments, the phrase 'In God We Trust' on our currency, the line 'One Nation Under God' in the pledge of allegiance. A few years ago some posters that said, "In God We Trust" were removed from few post offices in Texas. This prompted some to suggest that we write on the back of every envelop the words "In God We Trust" before we send our mail through the system. Which of course we are free to do. I never did take up the practice, but the more of this type of thing I see, the more I'm inclined to do so, and perhaps every time I date something I'll start adding the A.D. Just sort of a little personal resistance to those who like to make such changes. Perhaps by forgetting such things we have given up some sacred ground and now find others willing to occupy it.

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