It is undeniable that the birth of Jesus Christ is the chronological reference point for the entire civilized world's numbering of years, and has been for centuries. With a little reflection, the weight of this truth becomes apparent.

A.D. stands for "Anno Domini", Latin for "year of our Lord". The year 1 A.D. marks the birth of Jesus, although the actual date of the incarnational nativity is a few years before it. The time before A.D. 1 (there is no "year zero") has for centuries been universally enumerated in terms of years "before Christ", that is B.C.

In some circles, there is a politically correct push to replace B.C. with "B.C.E." (before common era) and to replace A.D. with "C.E." (common era). Don't go with that flow! Be uncommon by insisting, at least in your own thinking, speaking, and writing about dates, that our Lord Jesus Christ is at the center of all history.

Talking about King Tut or King Solomon? Having a discussion about creation, evolution, and the age of the Earth? Submitting a term paper on the history of the Persian Empire? Designate the years of the subject at hand - in writing or verbally - as "before Christ".

Drafting a check? Writing a letter? Filling out an application? Add A.D., "year of our Lord" before the year of your birth or today's date. (Placing the A.D. after the number is actually incorrect.)

What a small, simple but powerful way to bear witness for Him!