November 22, 1963 is a date etched on the minds of a generation as its sadist day. It was the tragic day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. An event that has influence upon the world to this very day. When Kennedy spoke, his words exuded hope to the young Baby-boomers looking to a future of fun and prosperity. To the parents and grandparents, he was a uniting voice to take them beyond a world that had gone to war twice over 30 years. Across the Atlantic, on exactly the same day, another light went out. A man whose writings have brought spiritual hope to millions. C.S. Lewis spoke to all and everyone in simple terms about everyday faith and hope. Who can read The Screwtape Letters and not be challenged to stand on the side of righteousness? Jesus calls us to Faith, Hope and Love. We long for them and look to others to bring them into our lives. Thus, the devil will counterfeit them and even extinguish them given the chance. Our only defence is to seek and know the real thing and to be strengthened for those days of disappointment—they will come, but not unto defeat! As we push on to our goal of heaven, we must keep the blessed trifecta of Faith, Hope and Love alive and before us. We abide in the strength gleaned daily by Jesus’ presence in our lives (Mt.28:20). One of the witnesses of Jesus’ presence is expressed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3—“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” In this world, many a hope is extinguished, but looking to Jesus and the goodness of his church fuels the fires of hope, faith and love unto heaven.
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