It’s easy to get caught up in gift giving and celebratory events during Christmas; but let’s not forget what the holiday commemorates.

Many songs are written in celebration of Christ’s birth. One in particular is “The Little Drummer Boy” (originally “Carol of the Drum“). A beloved Christmas song written in 1941 by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis,  it was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers.

The simple lyrics explain the heartache of a poor boy, when invited to meet baby Jesus thought, “I have no gift to bring that’s fit to give our King.”

That young boy then offered the King the only thing he had…himself.  

Picture the scene as it unfolds before the Christ child:

Little Drummer Boy

Little Drummer Boy is invited,  presumedly by the three Magi,  to come and see the new born King. The three devoted and wise religious men traveled four to five months from afar following the bright shinning star. They must also have been rich as they brought their finest–expensive–gifts for the newborn King:

The Magi’s purpose is to honor the new baby. They do this with their visit and their gifts. Little Drummer Boy, accompanying these wise men, believes he has no way to honor the new baby King. He makes a confession–”I have no gift to bring.”

Then, remembering his drum hangs in front of him from around his neck, Little Drummer Boy asks the baby’s mother Mary if he can play it for them.

Mary, pleased I’m sure with this genuine gesture of a personal heartfelt gift, agrees. Not only was Mary delighted with the rhythmic sounds made on the drum but surrounding livestock joined in with the rhythm. The acknowledged pleasure of Mary and the animals inspired the very best drumming from the young musician.

Then it happened. The acknowledgement…a treasured response to this gift of self. Baby Jesus smiled. Little Drummer Boy simply gave himself to Jesus; a gift far beyond the measure of anything expensive. A gift given from the heart of a poor little boy to a baby King.

What an exemplary gesture to remember during this special time of year. Christmas is about Christ. It’s a celebration to worship and adore the new born King. It’s about giving from the heart.

The poor little drummer boy offered worship and adoration in a personal way with his music to Jesus. The Magi did so with their from-afar presence and expensive presents to Jesus. One a free gift, the other cost money, both in reverence to baby Jesus from their hearts. I’m sure today’s Christians can figure out a perfect gift to Jesus this Christmas, and to others, somewhere in-between.

Perhaps read the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20 on Christmas Eve to your family, or make a donation to the local food bank in the name of Jesus. One a free gift of reverence, the other cost money but given in honor, both gifts from the heart in worship and adoration of the new born King.

Merry Christmas!

Click on the link below to listen to a beautiful a cappella rendition of LITTLE DRUMMER BOY in its intirety, sung by Pentatonix. 

Little Drummer Boy – Pentatonix

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ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com. Through Jesus you will receive hope that He alone offers.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”

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Learn and share the importance of keeping God’s name holy. Order copies of my book, LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN, @LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible study.