Christmas Songs (8)

Little Drummer Boy

Our two-year old Charissa is beginning to appreciate music and now she would demand that her favorite Christmas songs be played every time she has a chance. There is this old song which she particularly likes entitled Little Drummer Boy. It’s the catchy chorus that has grabbed her attention; I think she loves the beat a lot. Following after the tune she would go pa rum pum pum… pa rum pump um… non-stop.  Because of her indulgence I’ve been drawn to its lyrics too. They speak of a little boy desiring to bring a gift to baby Jesus. He said I am a poor boy too… I have no gift to bring… That's fit to give our King… Shall I play for you…on my drum …. Although they are imaginary, the lyrics portray a very beautiful picture of our hearts. We know that we are supposed to bring a gift when we go celebrate somebody’s birthday, but to Jesus what gift shall we bring?

The stargazers from the east brought valuable gifts to baby Jesus as far as human standard is concerned (Matthew 2:1-11). But we shouldn’t be surprised if in their hearts they were thinking the same as the Little Drummer Boy did. They understood that the baby before them is a great King, so much so they needed to worship Him. They were little drummer boys. We are told that the stargazers greatly rejoiced when they found Jesus, I think it’s because they knew that they had seen the salvation of the LORD, just like Simeon did in the temple. They knew that their gifts were really nothing, but on that day they had seen God’s greatest gift to mankind. They tried to give Him something, but in fact they received much more! They received eternal life: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16, NKJV). This is our generous God.

These wise men came from the east, possibly modern day Iraq. Their story really is the story of all men seeking God. The truth is that God first sought out for them before they could seek God, just like first a special bright star appeared to the stargazers in their own backyard. Then something is stirred inside them to look for this God; this is merely a coming alive of an in-built urge to know and relate to God. As they took a step forward they would find that God had already prepared beforehand road guides to lead them to Him, just like the stargazers found help from a mad king and some scribes who checked out the ancient prophet. God could also use supernatural means, just like the stargazers saw the star moving before them till it stood over where Jesus was. So God is the one who always takes the initiative, even when He wants to bless us with a great blessing! This is our kind and loving God.       

I am sure this Christmas you are going to give away many presents to many people. And I know every time you do so you will think of the wonderful Gift that you’ve received - Jesus. When you give a present away say a simple blessing in your heart for the one who receives from you. You will be giving away Jesus. If you don’t have Jesus, just open your heart to receive Him – God’s greatest Gift for you. You will receive Jesus.

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Scripture Reference Link: BibleGateway.com