Adding another meaning to "B.C." and "A.D."

As you know, all of time is divided into two parts, B.C, (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, the Year of our Lord). Today's date is 2/16/2021 A.D. I agree with whoever said, "even the atheists, every time they write the date, are testifying how long it's been since JESUS came to this earth!" Amen.

I'm aware that some writers use the phrase BCE, meaning Before the 'Common Era;' I usually see this as an attempt to remove the Person--our Lord Jesus Christ--from the time equation. But using BCE still doesn't change the fact: time most everywhere on earth is divided into BEFORE the coming of Jesus Christ as the living, dying, resurrected, ascended, glorified Lord and Savior of the world--and AFTER!

In our present situation I believe another meaning could be added to B.C. and A.D. We can vividly recall how things were B.C., "Before COVID," and how they are now in the early stages of A.D., "After the DISEASE." I'm not saying that the horrors of Covid-19 are over; even with the arrival of vaccines we are still grieving our losses and still in the midst of restrictions and lifestyle changes that greatly impact our gatherings, events, travel, and so on. But at least we're beginning to see a few small signs of 'normalcy.'

Remember church "B.C."? How we crowded the hallways, huddled up in small groups, sat and stood shoulder to shoulder in worship services, conferences, rallies, and conventions? Hugged and embraced each other at funerals and gravesides? Shook hands freely at receptions and social gatherings? Came forward publicly, and knelt with each other at the altar? Ate at long buffet lines and covered-dish dinners? Sang, unmasked, with gusto in choirs and congregations? Passed the offering plates, bulletins, worship guides, study outlines, etc?

Anyone could add other "Before Covid" memories also: sporting events, picnics, weddings, reunions, holiday gatherings, camps; the list is endless. 'B.C. life' was far different from what we've experienced the past twelve months, now going wearily into the second year of Covid fallout.

But last Sunday, Valentines Day, I got a revelation that put a more positive spin on this. Our area became glazed over in icy conditions; parking lots and sidewalks--along with unsalted roads and driveways--became treacherously slick and slippery. 'In house' services were suddenly cancelled left and right as sheets of ice formed and severe winter warnings were issued. Immediately, online services and FaceBook 'live' events and streaming worship and teaching times were announced.

B.C.--Before Covid--this sudden adjustment would've been impossible in many churches and ministries. But now even the smallest congregations could invite people to worship online, participating from the safety and warmth of their own homes. Cancellation of services meant just a slight difference in the DELIVERY of those services--not in EXPERIENCING them! God has opened new doors of opportunity, new ways to share the Gospel, new avenues of worship and discipleship, new technical approaches, new fields of service in this approaching era A.D.--AFTER the Disease!

So...as we look back nostalgically at life B.C. and move into new ways of doing things A.D., let's give thanks to God for "working all things together for good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) And let's believe God for continuing to work in bringing glory to His name across the world as we see the dawning of life After the Disease!

By the way, I imagine you could name several things that you've experienced or heard about that have become stronger--or better--than they were..."B.C.!"

P.S. Someone might add that even as we begin to see the end of the horrific Corona Virus Disease, we know of other devastating diseases: sin, hatred, divisions, moral pollution, greed, bloodshed, prejudice, abortion-on-demand, addictions, ignorance, poverty, persecution and the like. So true; our prayers and efforts must be to seek God for healing and restoration of these and other such plagues. "GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US (U.S.) AND HEAL OUR LAND!"

Yet let us see how He HAS worked, and how He WILL work, and in times like these let us affirm our national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST; let's stand together on Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths--from B.C. to A.D.!