Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director
Are these the end times? Judeo-Christian Scripture tells us there will be signs and wonders at the end of the age, but I'm not sure the Bible had hard core politics in mind.
Some may be shocked at the title I have given this piece. To be honest, it took me about ten seconds to decide whether asking the ultimate question would violate some kind of Christian ethic. Let's just say I wrote this column with my tongue almost firmly planted in cheek.
The truth is, during the last six months, I have been searching for a rationale to describe the phenomenon concerning the meteoric political rise of Barack Hussein Obama. I have heard Republicans say they could vote for the junior Senator from Illinois in the November presidential election. I have witnessed the veritable dismantling of the Clinton political machine by a man who does not have the experience of most serving in the U.S. Congress. I have heard of women swooning just by being in Obama's presence and, quite frankly, I don't get it. I won't even admit Obama gives a good impression of the late Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., as some people swear he does.
It's as if a significant portion of the American public is under some sort of ungodly spell when it comes to Obama and someone needs to give me a good explanation for it. There is one thing I do know and that is Obama's popularity is similar to the cult of personality which surrounded a number of past leaders, many of whom were not exactly perfect citizens of the world. But I'm not going to go there. Let's stick with some striking comparisons given to us in Scripture.
The antichrist is mentioned in 1 John 2:18-19, 1 John 2:22-23, 1 John 4:2-3 and 2 John 1:7. Without going into the darker meaning of the antichrist's existence, for a moment let us talk about how he will come to power. Judeo-Christian teachings tell us the antichrist is a man who will have unbelievable charisma. This man of perdition will claim he is an emissary of peace and hope. The entire world will buy into his lies and deception. The antichrist will be given great spiritual powers by dark forces. However, he will also be given great political power by men who see him as a type of secular messiah. Eventually, the antichrist will reveal his true nature--after he has assumed authority over the entire world--and it will take God's intervention alone to defeat him.
Scripture goes one step further by saying, even those who know the truth will have the potential to be deceived by the antichrist--and some will. Now many will scoff at my commentary, saying I'm just another goofy Christian, playing out some sort of forecast of spiritual gloom and doom at the expense of a great man.
That's just it. Though a lot more would have to happen before I would truly believe Sen. Obama was a key player on the road to Armageddon, the nay-sayers would still have to "show me" even though I don't hail from Missouri.
Obama talks about bringing our nation together, but he doesn't explain how he would accomplish this lofty goal. For example, those who support abortion rights believe women should have access to this procedure upon demand. In contrast, people like myself actually believe the taking of an innocent unborn child's life is murder--or something very close to it. Indeed, Obama seems to be the person least qualified to bring unity over this subject because he and Hillary Rodham Clinton were arguing about which one of them would allow the killing of more unborn children.
Obama would grant "amnesty" or "a path to citizenship" to over 12 million who are in this nation illegally. Meanwhile, over 75% of Americans are against such a plan and want our nation's borders with Mexico secured. The Senator from Illinois has lofty aspirations regarding health care that would cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. Most Americans oppose any tax hike. Therefore, such a plan would be impossible to implement.
The litany goes on and on. Obama offers hope and change, change and hope, but, in reality, the political atmosphere in the United States says something completely different. There would be "hope" if only all Americans would agree with the practice of abortion. Will we finally experience change when a vast number of U.S. citizens say there should be no border with Mexico? Will we all come together, if we simply create dialogue with people who have sworn to kill us, like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as Obama suggests?
These are some of the reasons why I have made the Obama antichrist analogy. It would take some sort of mesmerism to get me to believe that killing babies in the womb is a Constitutional right. But I don't think that is the way the antichrist will operate. Those who fall under his spell won't think about such subjects; the world will simply look at an aura which exists around an individual, but the aura will have no substance. There will be light, but no heat. There will be mass, but no form. The message will have a spiritual resonance, but be lacking in spiritual quality.
Doesn't this describe Barack Hussein Obama to the nth degree? No, I don't really think Obama is Satan's main man on the planet Earth. But until someone gives me a reasonable explanation for his popularity, I'm going to leave the door to this thought open, just a crack. Even if I am wrong, at least this will let some light shine through.
Author's Note: For more on the subject, go to: http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/03/christians-need.html
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This is strange i was just speaking to my wife about how he has ppl mesmerized.
I very much beleive he is the antichrist.
When the antichrist comes he will have come from nowhere.
His speech is flawless and eloquent.
I am 39 years old and i have never heard any other U.S.president or runner up have such a dialogue or influence over ppl of all walks of life.
John Kennedy was not so eloquent in his speeches.
Here comes the armegeddon.
Posted by: juan | March 04, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Very interesting article.... I've wondered about this myself. I'm not going to say I full on believe he is the antichrist, but I'm wary of him.... I don't trust him and I never have. Even his name makes me nervous. I mean, as political as this country is, what made someone with the name Hussein or Obama run for president? Did he just wake up one day and think, nobody will care, it won't make people nervous at all! And the fact that he's hidden the fact that he is a Muslim. He has gone on and on about how he didn't vote to send us to Iraq. Well gee, I wonder why. We'd be fighting the people he sides with. Stuff to think about..... Hope more people read this site to give themselves that insight into him.
Posted by: T Dixon | March 04, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Strange that he hail from Chicage....His zip code there was 60606....look it up if you do not believe me. Check out cafepress.com Obama merchandise for sale....a lot of it has pentagrams on it. The "O" in Obama has a star in the middle of it. Google it and check it out...it is all true. Beware I say .....
Posted by: BWARE | March 05, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Last night at church we were talking about Obama being the Antichrist. I think that it is true.
It says the Antichrist will reign for 3.5 years. Well, if you take out how long it takes for him to get
inaugurated, then it is 3.5 years.
If Obama gets elected President then I believe that the Rapture and the Tribulation will come to the world very soon.
The Mayan calendar doesn't go past 2012, well that is the year of the next election and Obama will most likely run for President again.
I may be only a teenager, but my whole group of friends are scared out of their minds that Obama will be President.
Posted by: Samantha | March 06, 2008 at 02:00 PM
If Obama is indeed the Antichrist it won't fully be realized by Bible believing Christians until he's actually in power and is started to be courted and in essence "worshipped" by other world leaders and their peoples. And then, frankly, I say we shouldn't really care that much, but look UP! Our Savior will be here to collect us and then let all the unsaved people enjoy being enslaved by Obama. As saved Christians we will have glory ahead of us and they will have hell on earth.
It's already notable to me that people in other countries outside of America are putting their hopes on Obama to be US president, and they can't even VOTE for him! He's already putting a "spell" on millions of people around the world, and yet he's full of empty rhetoric that tells no one what he's really thinking. He's a blank slate and people can project their own image onto him.
His heritage is from Kenya which is right next to Ethiopia. Kenya didn't exist as a separate country in Bible times, it was all considered Ethiopia. The Bible strongly intimates in the Old Testament that the future man of sin will come from either Ethiopia or Syria.
Posted by: Jill | March 10, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Thats pretty interesting. I better start going to church...
Posted by: Seamus McGuinness | March 10, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I agree with all of th comments. I have heard many people say he is handsome. I for one feel just like Dan does in regards to his saying he will lead, but never any answers as to how. I even went to his website to find out just what his political statement was and low and behold what it is, I could not figure out. All the videos all have the same speeches. I do not feel prejudice about white, black, or women or men as president but I do want to know just what they plan to truly do for this country and it's people. In all fairness, I even sat on Hilliary Clinton's site reading and listening. People may not want her either, but at least she has something to say about where she wants to take this country. I don't know why but i have felt it urgent to vote in this election. My stomach and head will not let me stop thinking of this one. I thought Osama was the Antichrist, but after feeling this and hearing people talk about Obama this way and reading this online also, I am very afraid for this country and the people of the world.
Posted by: Ann | March 10, 2008 at 11:39 AM
I have been researching info on Barack Hussein Obama since I first found out about him and the more info I find on him the more I feel with all my heart he is the anti christ! One example is his blatent name... it's almost as god himself has made it sooo ironically obvious that something is definetly up, I mean come on people Obama is about as close as you can get to Osama... Barack means blessed, and Hussein will always be associated with Saddam. Not only that weird coincidence, but if you add all the letters of his name together you get 18...which in turn you could come to the conclusion that 6+6+6=18....the Bible states in Revelations 13:18 "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the numberof the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666." Please I urge you to look it up in any Bible. Then there is the fact that he has a strong Muslim backround but claims to be a Christian...of course that's what he wants you to think. He won't even say our countries pledge or put his hand over his heart. There are soooo many odd things about him that just add up to my conclusion I could right 10 pages here. As rediculous as this might sound I urge you to do some research of your own and just be aware. If this is true then there is nothing we can do to stop it, just keep faith in God and don't let this guy pull the wool over your eyes. He comes to us as a wolf in lambs clothing.
Posted by: C G | March 10, 2008 at 02:53 PM
I had these same suspicions. Somethings not right and I can feel it. i took a look at cafepress.com and found a shirt with muslim writing on it under the category of obama merchadise. Tab 4 under his merchandise. its buried on the 4th page, but its there clear as day. I too have noticed how he speaks so flawlessly, its perfect. No one can do that all the time. he tone, oration, all of it , in perfect harmony. I feel hes the antichrist. All the signs are there. Take heed america!
Posted by: Ronnie | March 10, 2008 at 09:52 PM
i am also very scared. i DO NOT WANT HIM AS OUR PRESIDENT. PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR HIM!!!I WE MUST GET RIGHT WITH GOD. THE TIME IS VERY NEAR AND OBAMA IS A CONFIRMATION TO THIS. HE IS PURE EVIL. PEOPLE ARE SO BRAINWASHED. HE WILL WIN THIS PRESIDENCY THROUGH SMOE LOOP HOLE AND THE EVIL SHALL BEGIN. OUR FOOD COST HAVE ALREADY FORECASTED TO GO UP NEXT YEAR, OUR ECONOMY IS SO BAD, OUR NATURAL RESOURCES ARE DEPLETING AND THE ANTICHRIST IS HERE ALREADY. JESUS HELP US.
Posted by: MZ | March 10, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Barack Hussein Obama
18 letters
6 x 6 x 6
this is the sign
Posted by: Joe | March 10, 2008 at 11:56 PM
(I don't expect my comment to be posted, but I'll take a chance)
I am a born-again Christian and I believe there will be an anti-Christ according to Bible "prophecy"-- based on prophecy according to the Word of God. Therefore, no person can "vote" the anti-Christ into power; he will be destined to take the position whether you vote him in or not. We must be careful in our eschatology not to get ahead of ourselves with our own prejudices and fears. It could be that Obama is just a man with a Muslim name and a good organizer of people. We must be careful not to destroy a man's reputation because he speaks of peace. Jimmy Carter is a man of peace (a Christian), yet he was not viewed as an anti-Christ when he ran for Commander in Chief. But because his name is of so-called English origin and he's white, we readily excepted him. But since Obama is black with a Muslim name, we become suspicious of his kindly character.
Shame on you all! Perhaps you already have the anti-Christ in office. If I'm not mistaken, Dick Cheney is distant relative of Obama! Are you now suspicious of Cheney? Hmmmm? But you won't go there because Cheney is white and his name doesn't sound Muslim. Had Barak Obama’s name been Jerry Smith or Henry Jefferson, or Peter Piper, none of you would be having this discussion right now.
I was told as an African-American that evangelical churches could be some of the most prejudices churches on earth. I’m incline to believe that. After all, it was the protestant churches that formed the KKK. If Dr .Martin Luther King Jr. was running instead of Barak Obama, you people would have the same suspicions about him being the anti-Christ. How do I know? Because MLK was black. He was a “Christian” who spoke eloquently--talked of peace and all people coming together as one. No doubt you people would have made references about his name being linked to a religious reformer of the Catholic faith, or that he spoke skillfully, or that his last name was “King,” or something of that absurd nature. Isn’t a black person allowed to have a social conscience? . . . possess the ability to speak well? . . . to reach others outside their ethnical grouping?
Even if the anti-Christ was running for the presidency you people probably wouldn’t recognize him because many of the Jews didn’t recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Besides, the Word of God doesn’t say to look for the anti-Christ. It told you to look for Jesus’ return (the Rapture of the Church). As an African-American I use to support pastors like Pat Robinson and John Hagee, but NOT anymore! Pat Robinson would rather have Hillary Clinton on his platform to speak of her “faith” on CBN. Exactly what is Hillary’s faith? Am I to assume she’s all right because she’s white and a woman, and the anti-Christ won’t be a woman? Regardless, Hillary needs salvation like everyone else because she lies and deceives. I notice, the Bible speaks of a “harlot” which symbolically implies the tendencies of a woman, but I won’t go there. Pat Robinson also endorsed Guillani first, a well-known adulterous whose mistress was living in his house! And Pat Robinson also endorsed Bush for two terms (and it has been widely reported that Bush has told more than 900 lies). And John Hagee endorsed John McCain. Will wonders never cease? Look up John McCain’s name in the Wikipedia and you will see his history. Yes, he’s a hero, but he also uses profanity like a sailor and has a known temper! Ahhh, the wisdom of these so-called evangelical leaders! I actually liked Huckabee and Ron Paul. Too bad they’re not in the running (Ron Paul is continuing). But getting back on the subject of Obama as the anti-Christ . . . . I believe you people should pray more and study your Bibles carefully because the Bible also said the following in Matthew 5:11: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Notice, to “revile”-- to verbally attack someone; say all manner of evil “FALSELY” against a Christian for God’s sake. Could it be that false statements are being made against a godly man? After all, many said false things against Martin Luther King Jr, who was a godly man (accused of being a communist and adulterous). Many people accused Jesus of being a winebibber. And another thing, just because a black person is able to speak eloquently doesn't make the person "anti" anything. It simply proves the person is articulate with the gift of oration, and probably educated. Obama is a good speaker but he's not a GREAT speaker. Bishop Jakes and Miles Munroe are far more adept as "eloquent" speakers in comparison to Obama.
I recall reading in the Bible when Apostle Paul had to openly rebuke Peter for his prejudices against the Gentiles at one time. Peter wanted to please the Jews so he stopped associating with the Gentiles. Paul had a just cause to rebuke his fellow laborer in the gospel. So I'm taking a page out of Paul's book: Shame on you all!
Be wise (Jas. 1:19)
Posted by: Carla | March 11, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Another thing . . . If Sen, Barak Obama is the “anti-Christ,” this should be good news for Christians. Obama's appearance on the stage of "end time events" should beacon a blazon neon sign of Jesus’ return for His Church, which should cause for a celebration,--not for panic and fear. Are you happy about Jesus’ soon return or not?
Carla
Posted by: Carla | March 11, 2008 at 09:05 AM
The bible also tells us of a false profit behind the anti christ so while we all concentrate on who we believe the anti christ will be may not be him or her but the one waiting in the winds
it also says the anti christ will be quite charming and one we will trust to save us in our hardest times ,i dont see obama fitting that description but the main key is he will suffer a head injury and recover, and that is when we will truly follow him as a strong leader..
i
Its tricky, but when it comes to religion its always been a fun ride...lol
good luck breaking the code
Posted by: VIC BAZ | March 16, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I completely agree with all comments displayed here especially Seamus McGuinness because his/her words are nearly exact to what I have been feeling...right down the the urgency and I do mean URGENCY to vote in this election. I'm not exactly apathetic when it comes to politics but I must confess that I have very little interest due to the fact that all the candidates seem to be corrupt in my view. Where did he come from? What has he done that is so stupendous that everyone dotes on this man? His speeches are ambiguous...as stated by other posts, he says he will fix, repair, help...but never states HOW.. I fear for all of us and don't want to sound like some fanatic but I honestly in my heart feel this man is evil. Antichrist? Only time will tell.....
Posted by: Indyshane | March 20, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Can someone explain the head injury thing VIC BAZ mentioned in his comment?
Posted by: Jenn | March 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM
in light of the recent discoveries concerning mr obama's religion i would like to say he is a member of a "church" that practices hate. i dont care if the trinity church of christ or what ever its name is does claim to be christian,,, they preach hate. Jesus never did. It seems to me they are no different than the kkk or aryan nation,, they too call their leaders rev, and pastor,, they too claim to be a christian religion,, but they too preach hate.... i say anyone who claims to be a christian but is a member of a hate based church has the spirit of the antichrist.
Posted by: beanie | March 28, 2008 at 05:06 PM
i was thinking this myself since dec. 2007 i dont think it has anything to do with racism in my mind. let HIS kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven ,now
Posted by: john | March 29, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Wow, the hatred and ignorance on this board is amazing to me. If I read this correctly, Barack Obama may be the anti-christ because he has not been clear on how he is going to change America and because you don't understand why people support him? Really? That's quite a leap, don't you think?
Barack Hussein Obama is a Christian man. He is not muslim, nor was he ever. His birth dad was raised as a muslim, denounced the religion and became an athesist. His parents divorced when he was two, his mom re-married and Obama was not raised in a religious household. He, in fact, found his way to Christianity based on his own beliefs and his own faith. Is this not a good thing? Everyone is criticizing a man who found his own way to God? Did anyone actually do any research on Obama or did everyone just hear a muslim name and assume he was the devil?
The fact that he is a member of a church who has a leader that is full of hatred does not mean that he himself is full of hatred. Are we holding Obama accountable for another man's sins? I certainly hope not.
To the intelligent person who said "Strange that he hail from Chicage....His zip code there was 60606....look it up if you do not believe me." I did. And you're an [DELETED]. He lives in Kenwood, Illinois. Which has 2 zipcodes: 60615 and 60653. Neither of which are 60606. He moved to Kenwood after living in Hyde Park in Chicago. Zip codes for Hyde Park: 60615 & 60637. Again, not 60606.
All of this talk of "Barack Hussein Obama" equaling 666 is funny to me. You now who else has a name like that? George=6 Walker=6 Bush=4 Jr=2. Thats 6 6 4+2=6. 6 6 6 Hmmmmm Does that mean George W. Bush is the antichrist? Absolutely not. Does that mean my neighbor who has 18 letters in their is the antichrist? Absolutely not. The whole idea is ridiculous. This is a propaganda tool used by people driven by fear.
Driven by fear. Not love. Fear. Now you tell me... which is more Christian?
Posted by: Mark | March 30, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I have Never really believed I would see the end times but now I believe I can't explain it.
I think Oprah is the anti christ..she has more power and money attends the same Church. its not about race or even religion, I just have a pit in my stomache and of course there are the scary dreams....
He is a separatist...does that mean we are the true believers because he is a pretender and the weird thing is at first I liked him and now he just weirds me out...he is lying..Thank God I am saved by Christ.
Amanda
EDITOR'S NOTE: Oprah Winfrey did attend Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ, but left some time ago because of reported conflicts with Rev. Wright's message.
Posted by: Amanda Johnson | April 01, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Obama is the anti-christ. And it scares me because of all the things I've read. It has been predicted long ago; St. Malachy and the predictions of the last pope. Who will side with the anti-christ. The Mayans calender ending in 2012. The Bible itself predicts the coming of the anti-christ in revelations. Nostradamus predicted the coming of the anti-christ. All of these have way too many similarities to be wrong. So I urge you to look every bit of info up, you can about this. We're not over reacting, and his race has absolutly NOTHING to do with this. I'm so tired of hearing the racial garbage. It's just all the pieces are falling into place. So Pray and get close to God and Christ, If you are not already doing so. It's REAL, keep your eyes open! Peace.
Posted by: Jason | April 01, 2008 at 11:16 PM
As much as I agree w/ your suspicion of Obama being the antichrist, your focus on abortion has me puzzled. I am against abortion personally and I would never do it unless raped. First, banning abortion will not stop it. Second, it is a personal decision. If a women would like to have an abortion, the decision to do so and the actual abortion should be made within in the first trimester. Otherwise your reasoning for having the abortion in the first place is questionable and you may regret it afterwards if you go through with it. That's just my opinion. If a woman wants to have an abortion at any time then that's her decision. If I were raped I would not regret an abortion because I would be taking the morning after pill before I even knew for sure if I was pregnant. You can have your personal opinion, but who are you to say what a woman can do with their own body. Let the person who made the decision to have the abortion live with the sin and guilt. How does her abortion have any affect on you? Saying its wrong and its against God's will, just infuriates people who already have a certain sterotype of christians. Dont' make your decision for the presidency based on their views of abortion. There are more very important topics like immigration, the war, etc to worry about.
Posted by: Adrienne | April 03, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Erm....LOL! I don't care who the anti-Christ is because it means I'm going to be taken up to my Lord and Saviour! Bring it on! (Carla's post made the most sense here btw)
Let God's righteous judgments continue to afflict the wicked. The nations of the world have greatly offended God. Some claim to be His servants yet they are ignorant of the terms and conditions of the covenant of Jesus Christ and try to serve Him in the flesh under the influence of the ANTI-CHRIST SPIRIT. They do the works of contrition and hate the works of faith.
Their hearts are not daily circumcised by God's Spirit and they do not bear the fruit of the Spirit unto God. Yet they wish to inherit eternal life without the believer's priesthood that makes us holy.
The apostle Paul spoke of things that we cannot touch or handle. Those are the spiritual things by which we serve God. Yet wolves in sheep's clothing stand on the pulpits each day and teach multitudes the works of the flesh that destroy the soul.
Some nations will reject God's apostles that are restoring the headship of Jesus Christ. The knowledge stewards of the true gospel that will be preached throughout the world (then the end will come).
Many false apostles, false prophets etc. are already here. Never leading people into a covenant with God through Jesus Christ, yet leading them into a covenant with death where they can exercise their vain imaginings and wicked principle.
Come o Lord! So your true children will be revealed in due time. Those who will endure the fire of your testing to the end and are receiving the priceless rewards thereof! Those who worship you in Spirit and in Truth with the fruit of their lips. Those who can discern between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. Those who hear the voice of their Shepard, Jesus Christ. Those who please God as they serve Him in perfect faith for Christ is the very essence of faith. Those who have a perspective from the throne of God. Those whose righteousness is Christ.
We shall know the children of Satan by their fruit
GALATIANS 5v19-24:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatary, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 BUT the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 AND THEY THAT ARE CHRIST'S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS.
25 IF WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT, LET US WALK IN THE SPIRIT.
Posted by: TrueWorshipper | April 05, 2008 at 02:17 PM
The "end" is going to happen, and there is nothing anyone can do about that. It doesn't matter who we vote for or whatever. I am a little dissapointed by these comments. I was looking for something to prove that all of this "Obama is The Antichrist" stuff wasn't a bunch of hogwash. I still haven't found the proof, but I will keep searching because I am bored. I do agree with the Oprah being the antichrist though. Actually that just dawned on me this a.m. Okay I just changed my mind, anyways as a christian I am inclined to believe that we are judgeing someone without much merit here, and YES, I think it is because he isn't white.(btw, I am white). Actually when I picture the antichrist, I picture a white man, like someone who resembles Christopher Walken (however you spell it), so I will continue to check back in here for some harder evidence that obama is actually the "antichrist."
Posted by: Debra | April 09, 2008 at 08:23 AM
I don't know who the antichrist is, however I do know that anyone that advocates partial birth abortions is evil-period. The fact that so many Americans are willing to overlook Obama's voting record on late term abortion is what really frightens me more than the man himself.
Posted by: Kathy | April 10, 2008 at 07:00 AM