The song was written by Katherine K. Davis in 1958 when I was 12 years old. I had heard her Little Drummer Boy for decades, but only really heard it a few years ago. Somehow the message of the song got buried under the 21 "pa rum pum pum pums" in the lyrics. When I did hear the message, I cried. And I've cried several times since. I can relate to that boy.
That "little drummer boy" came to see the Baby Jesus. Evidently, others had brought impressive gifts, things like gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the little boy was poor and had " no gift to bring . . . that's fit to give the King."
In that state of poverty, desiring to do what love does - give, the boy must have felt inadequate and out of place, like someone attending a formal function in shorts and a tee shirt. Then he had a little idea. He had his drum with him. So, he asked Mary, " Shall I play for you?". After she nodded her approval, the little boy's testimony in the song says, " I played my drum for Him . . . I played my best for Him." The little boy laid down his best pa rum pum pum pums, and then he saw Jesus smile at him.
As I live my life in honor of that King of kings, it seems to me that He is getting the really good gifts from others who have so much more to give than I. Sometimes I feel like that little boy with a drum. That's all, just a little boy with a little drum. No vocal ability, no cymbals and certainly no band. Dare I do the little I can do in the presence of One who deserves so much more?
Well, thank you Katherine Davis for reminding me that our little attempts to honor Him with the little we have, count. They count in a mind-boggling, disproportionate way. My little gifts bring a smile to His holy face. It is absolutely amazing.
Pa rum pum pum pum, Dear Jesus. I will play my best for You!
Dane Tyner is founder and director of Home Improvement Ministry, a Christian family counseling service in Tulsa, OK.The ministry website is http://www.forhim.org.
Hi Dane, It's been awhile, great to hear from you again. Thank you for sharing this and breaking it down. It has always been a favorite of mine.
And dare I say, the one that thinks he has much to bring to our King, is the one whose gift was rejected for it is given with heart of arrogance--starting with Cain. Blessed are the poor in spirit--those who know they have nothing that can compare to His gift, yet they come in humility and sincerity with their pennies.
Many Blessings to you this Christmas and always! Teresa
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