Looking at my December posts on my blog since 2008 (I started writing op eds as blogposts after 9-11), there are recurring themes. This mid-December I don’t want the usual remembrances to become the same repetitions. Even though the themes remain topical, maybe there are different takeaways to offer. Like, we all know “Die Hard” is a Christmas Movie. So shouldn’t “The Ref” be also?
All kidding aside, the beat goes on and on in December’s themes.
Obviously, the Christian message about the Creator and Sovereign of the Universe sending part of himself to be human and experience his own creation is the hallmark of December.
December is CHRISTmas. CHRISTmas is December.
The birth of Jesus is CHRISTmas. CHRISTmas is Jesus.
Then, add thick layers upon layers of family, decorations, foods, gift-giving, music, movies, two centuries of emotional cultural embrace, work slowdown for most, school break, plus some time off, and rampant commercialization. And personal memories. Milestones for our heart. There’s a lot to Christmas.
The December calendar includes the red-letter dates of December 7th and 16th.
December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day. The Day of Infamy is an annual heads up that America can suffer another deadly surprise attack and should stay prepared to fight. And, that costly intelligence failures happen. September 11th is December 7th’s twin. Different enemies, but similar message. Except, September 11th is Islam’s war against our people, humanity, and Western Civilization.
December 16th is the start of the Battle of the Bulge. I like to remind readers what the greatest battle in American history means. How significant the American soldier and the U.S. Army are to the Nation and the world.
One theme in December writing is the usual: the topical issues. That can be the national politics du jour, the South, Virginia, or recurring commentary about the immigration invasion, Islam’s specific threat, or the Culture War in general.
Some dates stand out, adding more in their definition to December.
December 1st is the birthday of my second and youngest daughter and child – now a grown adult mother of four – Maggie Kyle Buchanan. Also, in 2015 it became the birthday of her second and youngest daughter – Katherine Kyle Buchanan (known as KK).
December 9th, 2013 was the death of my wife of 38.5 years, Nellie Katherine Kyle Bowden. That turning point in the life of our family is a demarcation point in December writing. Posts about grieving and the Lord leading the journey from grieving to gratitude, along with loving remembrances, give her passing a written testimony. Remembering her is part of the Christmas season for our family.
Today, in 2025, is the fifth year where a new date is a demarcation point for my December. In years to come, there’ll be more writing about it. December 14th is the birthday of my wife – wed on July 20th, 2023. This old widower married a widow who is a few weeks younger. Dorothy J. Adams of Putnam County, Georgia shares life and love with me as my wedded wife. Our life together is a new perspective on life.
My wife’s birthday adds more detail and definition to December.
Last year in December I posted a long piece of reflections from my November birthday. I don’t have much to add to those thoughts, except to note our losses this year.
However great the celebration of her good life, my wife’s mother’s passing at age 94 is huge loss for her family and friends. The loss of my nephew and two dear cousins takes another piece of my heart.
America lost two good Christian men within a week of one another. Kirk and Baucham gone from us. Yet, their gain in Christ is far greater than any loss.
Which is, precisely, the promise of December as Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.”
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