THIS CHRISTMAS, DISCOVER THE HOPE FOUND ONLY IN JESUS
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Songs are sources of inspiration, joy and hope. This blessed season, let us reflect on a beloved Christmas carol to discover its heartening message for our lives. “Little Drummer Boy”, one of the most popular carols of all time, is a fictional account of a young boy who meets the Christ Child in Bethlehem.
The message of this Christmas song is hope. Written by an American woman at the onset of World War II, it reminds us of the hope that dwells in the hearts of all believers… hope in the One who saves, Jesus Christ… hope in the promise of an eternity in the presence of our King of Kings. For He is the reason for the season.
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’” – Luke 2:8-12
“The star which they (the Magi) had seen in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” – Matthew 2:9-10
It was a momentous time in history. That holy night, all creation looked to the small town of Bethlehem. For there, by the light of the heavenly star, the Son of God… the Messiah… the King of Kings was poised to enter humanity and fulfill all prophecy. From His humble beginnings, this holy One would become the Savior of the world. He would carry out the Master’s plan of the ages… providing the way of salvation and eternal life for all mankind.
“Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum”
In this song, a young drummer boy is invited to come see the extraordinary newborn King. Perhaps the shepherds, upon hearing the glorious news, invite the lad to come along with them to see the holy Child. Or the Magi perhaps invite him to follow the star with them into Bethlehem. The lad is curious, fascinated, excited, hopeful. How can One so young be a King?
† How did you come to Jesus? Often, our spiritual journey begins when someone invites us to come to the King. Our hearts are receptive to a new experience. Our minds are open to the marvel of this Holy One. Our spirits are roused to the hope of a new life. We are called to come to Jesus.
“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”
The shepherds bring their humble offerings to honor the Christ Child. The Magi present their fine gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. For they all know this holy Babe is a King… a King long hoped for… a King much prophesied about… a King that will change the world.
† What will you offer your King? Jesus cares not the size of the gift as much as the heart of sacrifice. Yet what He truly desires from us is the gift of ourselves… a wholehearted commitment of our lives to Him.
“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”
Love and reverence, wonder and awe, well up in the young boy’s humble heart before this exceptional Child-King. He is saddened that he has no material gifts to offer this holy One. His heartfelt desire is to present a gift of eternal significance.
† Do you believe you have no gifts worthy of your King? As we come before the eternal King of Kings, we can offer everlasting gifts to Him… treasures from our hearts to lay before His throne. Our love we can present to Him… our lives we can surrender to Him.
“Shall I play for You, pa rum pum pum pum
On my drum?…
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”
The young lad presents His very best to the holy Child. He pours his heart into a rhythmic melody played on his drum. The gift of music from this young drummer boy brings joy to the holy Babe. The lad receives a most wondrous reception… a tender smile from the young King that warms his heart and fills him with hope.
† Do you present your best to the King? As believers, our deepest desire is to please our King of Kings… to bring joy to His heart. To know we have in some small, humble way thanked Him for His extravagant, eternal gifts to us. Gifts of love, light, joy, peace, hope… all can be found in Jesus. He is the One we celebrate this holy season. Come to the King of your life.
† Eternal Takeaway: Jesus is the hope of the world and the hope of our lives †
