The Little Drummer Boy

Come,
they told me.
A newborn king
to see.

I love Christmas and Christmas music. I love the way it makes me feel – the way it makes everything feel. It’s positive, hopeful, and fun. There’s this sense of anticipation in the air. What’s not to like about that?

I’m particular about music. The songs I like are specific versions sung by a certain artist, and sometimes, performed at a distinct moment in time. My favorite Christmas song has always been, The Little Drummer Boy. Bob Seger’s version has always stood far above anyone else’s for me. However, a couple of years ago, I heard a new one that I’ll listen to as well. It’s from a CMA Country Christmas special, sung by For King and Country. I can play that song over and over on my way to work. I love it. Sometimes, I’ll even cry.

After being brought to tears while listening to this song recently, I started thinking about why it’s always been so special to me. Obviously, it’s about the birth of our Savior, who came to earth to bring us the gift of salvation. After the verse about how the finest gifts are brought to honor Him, the little drummer boy says,

Baby Jesus,

I am a poor boy too,

I have no gift to bring,

That’s fit to give our King

That’s how I feel. I don’t have anything fit to give our King. I could be the wealthiest human alive, and I still wouldn’t have anything. I am a sinful human. Unclean lips, wretched, unworthy. How could I possibly have anything to bring as a gift that would honor our Savior? The little drummer boy was poor and didn’t have anything fit to bring as a gift, but he went anyway. His heart was drawn to Jesus. He wanted to see God’s promise fulfilled – the birth of the Messiah.

The song continues as the little boy asks, “Shall I play for you?” This was the best he could offer. He had nothing of material value, but he did have the ability to play a drum – an ability given to him by God. His heart wanted to please the Lord, and this was the finest gift he had to offer. When the boy finished playing his best for Jesus, the song ends with the Savior’s reaction:

Then He smiled at me.

Jesus was pleased and approved of the boy’s offering. He gave all he could, like the widow’s mite, (Mark 12:41-44), and his heart was in the right place.

The Finest Gifts to Bring

Brothers and sisters, the reality is, we have nothing to offer Jesus of material value that could even begin to compare to what we owe Him, nor would it honor Him. That can’t be found in the material world. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t support kingdom work in a financial or material way. That’s not what I’m saying, so let’s put that aside for now.

I’m talking about what Jesus wants from you.

He wants YOU. ALL of you.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.

Romans 12:1

Remember His conversation with the young rich man? The man wanted to know what he needed to do in order to have eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give it to the poor then follow Him, the young man went away sad. He didn’t follow Jesus. He couldn’t do what Jesus asked. Jesus wanted him, but the man wasn’t willing to give Jesus all of him, (Matthew 19:21-22). His heart desired worldly things more than Jesus.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:21

It’s not about checking off a list of things to do. It’s about your heart.

In Deuteronomy, the Lord commanded:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5

The Israelites were to keep these words in their hearts always, recite them to their children, talk about them with others, carry them on their bodies, and place them on the doorposts of their homes, (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). It was of the upmost importance. They were to live these words.

Jesus told us this was the greatest commandment of God’s law, (Matthew 22:37-38). With every aspect of our being, we are to love the Lord.

I know I’m not unique in wishing I could have seen Jesus in the flesh during His time here on earth. I think about seeing Him when He was born when I hear, The Little Drummer Boy. What a blessing!

I’m just in awe of His love for me. He came so I wouldn’t have to worry about my unworthiness. He sacrificed Himself so I could have eternal life. His life was a gift to me. How I honor Him is through my worship of Him by believing in Him, and loving Him with my whole heart, soul, and strength. I obey Him because I love Him, and He has changed my heart. These are the gifts you can bring to Jesus every day.

Friends, if you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can today! Salvation is free. There’s a newborn king for you to see. You can feel the anticipation and excitement – the hope and the peace.

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8

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