1963 - A Pivotal Year

I recently began research into the year 1963 for a Christmas novella. If you’re a student of history or like to read historical novels, you’ve probably noticed that some events stand out from others. And some world events may have changed your own life.

I was still in grammar school in 1963, but even then I recognized it to be a pivotal year. The year got off to a cultural shift. Even before their American tour, the Beatles’ popularity was skyrocketing all over the world. Maybe you can’t understand unless you lived through it, but Beatle mania changed teen culture in a way never seen before. The rather tame years of rock and roll gave way to pop music with artist after artist trying to outdo themselves.

 Another more subtle change affected youth. Instead of looking to parents and church, teens began to follow celebrities and peers. Since I lived in the country, this might not have affected me as much as urban youth, but I was aware the world was shifting. Yes, there were rebellious teens in the past, but this was different. This cultural change affects society today more than the average Christian realizes. It’s not only a matter of anything goes, it’s in your face.

 Another thing I remember about 1963. A newspaper article told of a child who was tortured to death while her family watched. Serial murders screamed from headlines. Suddenly, evil became real. The era when we never locked our doors until dark was over.

 Churches fell in membership. People seemed to have lost their reverence for God. Politically, the country sat on a powder keg of racial unrest, the cold war threatened to flare up. People stopped sitting on the fence, and many fell on the left, openly supporting communism and liberalism.

That was the state of the country when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on this day fifty years ago. Only fifty years, but it seems like ancient history. As young as I was at the time, I noticed the age of innocence had died. Camelot was gone forever.

 

All of these memories brings to mind Jesus' words: Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28

 Can you recall a world event that changed you personally?

In honor of the season, I’m giving away a Christmas CD (various artists, classic carols) to one commenter today. Just leave your email address if you wish to be in the drawing.