Drum On

"The Little Drummer Boy"

Come they told me

pa ra pa pum pum

Our newborne King to see

pa ra pa pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring

pa ra pa pum pum

To lay before the King

pa ra pa pum pum ra pa pum pum

So to honor him

pa ra pa pum pum

When we come.

Baby Jesus

pa ra pa pum pum

I am a poor boy too

pa ra pa pum pum

I have no gifts to bring

pa ra pa pum pum

That's fit to give a king

pa ra pa pum pum ra pa pum pum

Shall I play for you

pa ra pa pum pum

On my drum?

Mary nodded

pa ra pa pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time

pa ra pa pum pum

I played my drum for him

pa ra pa pum pum

I played my best for him

pa ra pa pum pum ra pa pum pum

Then he smiled at me

pa ra pa pum pum

Me and my drum.

You're probably wondering why I took to the time to spill out the lyrics to this famous Christmas song here. The reason is that it is my personal favorite Christmas song. (It also happens to be my mother's favorite.) The music is catchy and the sung out drum line is entertaining, but the message in the song is what grabs me.

Essentially, the song tells a story. Here is a poor little boy who probably has nothing in the world besides his drum. I imagine the drum is old, dirty, and considerably worn. None-the-less, the boy is invited, as all of us are, to go and see Jesus. It is an interesting picture if you think about it: Three Kings from the east bearing fine gifts and a haggard-looking local beggar boy with a drum. Different as they are, they are all called to the baby Christ.

Three wealthy Magi arrive at a manger, and deliver three kingly gifts to the newborn savior of the world. Tagging along is a poor boy with no gift to give. What possible gift could he bring? Unbeknownst to him, he is about to provide the Christ Child with the greatest gift he could ever bestow.

The Lord did not bless the poor boy with wealth. He likely has no education. He may not eat for days. He was, however, blessed with a talent. He plays his drum. He plays his best. And the baby Jesus smiles at him.

To do the best with the talents we are given. Our greatest gift back to the Lord.