The Drum

Rachel Olsen

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

“Pa rum pa pum pum” goes the line 21 times in one of my favorite Christmas carols: The Little Drummer Boy. Yes, I know it’s not even December yet – or even Thanksgiving - but I’m already listening to Christmas music. I can’t help it! I’ve even been known to play Christmas CDs in the middle of July. Carols just stir in me a heady, delicious, reverent awe of God.

The lyrics to The Little Drummer Boy tell the story of a young boy who has come to see the baby Jesus, the newborn King of the Jews. As he stands staring into the meager manger he tells the infant, “Little Baby, I am a poor boy too. I have no gift to bring that’s fit for our King.” And then he offers his services to the Lord by asking, “Shall I play for you?” Mary gives the nod and the little boy begins to play the simple drum hanging round his neck – wanting to play his absolute best for Jesus.

As I listen to this Christmas carol, I so identify with that little boy who has no fancy gifts to bring Jesus. Like him, all I can do is offer myself and what I know how to do in service to Him. For the little drummer boy that was to strike rhythmic beats on his instrument and make music. For me it’s to string words together to teach and encourage – whether at home, in the classroom, or in writing. Words are my drum.

We’ve each been given a “drum” to play – as today’s verse and the power verses below assure. What is yours? Are you playing it in service to Him?

As the song ends, it describes the baby Jesus smiling in pleasure at the little drummer boy. As our lives draw to a close we’ll have the chance to stand before Jesus and find out what He thinks of how we’ve spent our time and used our “drums.” Aim with me for the response, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” (Matt 25:21).

The Little Drummer Boy by Davis, Onorati and Simeone:
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum
When we come

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 the King, pa rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum

Dear Lord, help me make a pleasing chorus of my life. Show me where I can serve You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Shaped with Purpose CD and companion Workbook by Renee Swope

Family Enrichment Tool Kit by Michelle Weber

Visit Rachel’s blog

Advent: Making Christmas About Christ by Lisa Robertson

Application Steps:
Do something this week to “play your drum” in service to Him.

Reflections:
What knowledge, talents, experiences or spiritual gifts can I use to serve and glorify Christ?

Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 12:7, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (NIV)

Romans 12:4, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function…” (NIV)

Ephesians 4:16, “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (NIV)