Friends
Do you have a favorite Christmas song?
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When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11 – NIV
“Come they told me,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
A newborn King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Our finest gifts we bring,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
To lay before the King…”
I know it’s not a real story, but there’s something special about “The Little Drummer Boy.” I love the rhyme of the lyrics, and how the drum beat fills the air. But more than that, I love the little boy, so awestruck and earnest.
Having raised an adorable little boy of my own, I know just how cute little boys can be, those eyes twinkling with surprise, that wide grin of amazement. That’s how I imagine the little drummer boy, standing there in the stable, feet fidgeting on that hay laden floor. Can’t you just see him? Tiny drum clasped tightly in his hands, soft brown eyes open wide in wonder, tender young face glowing in the lamplight.
“Little Baby,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
I have no gift to bring,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
That’s fit to give our king”
A little child of meager means, scant of worldly possessions, but overflowing in treasures of the soul. He hears the word, sees the scene before him, and opens his heart to the moment. He has nothing of earthly value to offer, no precious gems, no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh. What can he do? What can he offer?
No gift to bring that’s fit to give our king. Is that how you feel today? Do you, like the little drummer boy, feel unworthy, unable to offer anything good to our King?
Stop! Hold that thought. Take it captive. Here’s the truth. You do have gifts to bring, and they are gifts meant to be offered to the King. Each one of us has been given spiritual gifts that we are meant to use. Some of us have the gift of teaching, writing or speaking. Some have the gift of hospitality, generosity, compassion or caring. Others are blessed with the gift of music, just like our little drummer boy.
The list of gifts goes on and on, and your specific gift is perfect for you. You are special, set apart, bestowed with a gift you are meant to use to further His kingdom.
Don’t compare it with other’s gifts. Don’t downplay it.
“Shall I play for you?”
That precious young boy understood what so many of us miss. He didn’t have much to offer, but he could offer himself. He could take his special gift of music and offer it to the King.
The same is true for you and me. Offer your gift to God. Follow where He is leading you in this new year.
“Mary nodded…The ox and lamb kept time”
Receive the nod. Stop the second guessing. Squelch the inertia. Open your hands and heart. Go where He leads.
“I played my drum for him,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
I played my best for him…”
Give Him your best, and be blessed.
“Then He smiled at me,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Me and my drum.”
Play for Him, dear friends. Bring your gifts to Him. Let us do good work together in 2021. Play. Sing. Teach. Share. Care. Offer Jesus your best. I know He will smile.
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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 – NIV
PRAYER
O Lord Jesus, we come bearing our gifts. Show us how to use them in this new year. Let our work for You bring You glory and give us new purpose and meaning in our lives. For You are our King, and we owe You everything.
In the Beautiful Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Christmas Blessings,
Anita
-APS 12/28/2020
*Lyrics from “The Little Drummer Boy” Song originally written by songwriter, Katherine K. Davis in 1941.
Faith Beyond Sight 