This year I have seen so many poignant posts about Christmas. I think that in the midst of struggle comes a new understanding of simple ideas. We long to connect with one another, with the broader community, and with God. One particular post stood out to me:
Growing up, we had an 8-track tape full of Christmas music (I’m showing my age here). On the tape was my mom’s favorite Christmas song, “The Little Drummer Boy”. I have to admit, I love the song too. It might be the rhythm, or the melody, or just getting to say “pa-rum-pum-pum-pum”. However, I believe what really draws us to the song is the simple message.
Each individual in the Christmas story teaches us something about ourselves. Mary teaches us obedience, Joseph teaches us trust, the shepherds remind us that God uses each of us regardless of status, the wise men teach us to keep seeking, and angels teach us to praise. Now, I know there is no account of a drummer boy in the biblical Christmas story, no mention from Luke or Matthew, and he doesn’t come in the standard nativity scene. However, I believe even the drummer boy, who was a creation of someone’s imagination, has a lesson for us as well.
2 Corinthians 8:12 says, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” You see, God has gifted each of us with something: a song, a hammer, a knack for numbers, a story, quietness, a contagious joy, or maybe even a drum. All God asks, is that we use the gift He has given us to praise Him. We don’t have to be like others. We only have to be willing to use what we have. His word tells us that using what we already have is acceptable. Isn’t that wonderful? Doesn’t it make you want to go out and praise God in ways that only YOU can praise Him?
It’s December 23rd. Christmas is almost here. Many of us still have things to do and gifts to buy. We want to make everything just right to create the best memories possible. As you are buying those last minute gifts and putting on the final touches, remember to give your gift of praise to Jesus. You have already been given the skill. Use it. Just like the little drummer boy teaches: the simplest gifts can mean the most.
Then he smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum