“Little Drummer Boy” – Seriously?

I must confess that I never particularly cared for the traditional Christmas song, “The Little Drummer Boy.” I have six kids of my own and I can tell you that, among many things not welcome at the scene of a newborn child, a drummer with his drum would be very high on the list. Then, of course, there’s the fact that there was no mention of musical accompaniment in the stable on the night of Jesus birth in the biblical record.

However, as a musician, I acknowledge the beauty of the simple melody. I enjoy Christmas music and the creative ways these old familiar tunes are reinterpreted year after year. As a friend shared the video below, I was enjoying this rendition by the a cappella group Pentatonix when the message of the song jumped out at me.

You see, it’s not about drums or a little boy with a drum or the stable where Jesus was born. It’s about giving.

Let me explain. The song tells the story of being invited to see the newborn King – just as we are all invited to revisit that wondrous occasion every year at this season. The story unfolds the realization that, being a poor little boy, he has nothing with which to bring an appropriate gift for a king. He recognizes that he can only give what he has to give. He has a drum. He has the ability to play it. That’s what he has to give.

So many times I think we fall into the trap of thinking that we don’t have enough money or spectacular ability or wondrous skill to give in service to God. We believe that God is good – that He is, in fact, the embodiment of love. Does it stand to reason that a God of love would ask us to give for His use anything that He has not already given unto us?

This beautiful old song is a testament of the glorious recognition that we ought rightly to do whatever it is that we were made to do in honor of our King.

Why is this a revelation to us?

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3.17

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc
[Official Video] Little Drummer Boy – Pentatonix

So, what is your drum to play for Him?

One response to ““Little Drummer Boy” – Seriously?”

Melissa channel

December 6, 2013 at 11:21 pm

I too didn’t like that song growing up as a kid. However, for me it was mercy me’s version that I realized what you did! Changed the whole meaning of it.

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