the little drummer boy

 



this is a reprint from last year, but I feel compelled to rerun it once more. Take time on Thanksgiving to remember your TRUE blessing...and save the commercialism for later!
 

 thank you to Kathryn Davis, Henry Onorati and the Harry Simeone Choral for this beautiful song!!

I was at the largest shopping mall in the US this weekend, the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. I am guessing that there were at least half a million people there, if not more. There was no time or room for even people watching, as everyone was in such a hurry. The noise, plus the hustle, bustle activity wore thin very quickly. The shops here are mostly high end, depending on your bank account. Even the dollar store was packed! I looked around in awe at the commercialism that was so rampant and wondered...

who really needs all this STUFF?

We stopped at a chocolate candy store... $11.50 per half pound of chocolate! Another store had baby clothes that cost more than I could ever hope to spend...considering that babies outgrow things in just days to weeks, it just didn't seem fitting that they could be so expensive!

I felt like Charlie Brown: "does anyone here know what the true meaning of Christmas is? ANYONE?"

This morning I found a nice, local but small radio station whose broadcast area is about 50 miles in any direction. I left it on and listened contentedly as beautiful music...Christmas music played. This wasn't the secular, happy stuff of the other Top 40 stations, rather this was mostly orchestrated quiet hymns that gave me pause to reflect on the season, sweet religious tunes that floated above and around me. I know all the words, so I didn't miss that part of it. Then as I sat in quiet contemplation, I heard the soft thrums of my most favorite Christmas song, sung by a quiet voiced young gal. Shivers ran up and down my spine as it played:

 "Come, they told me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Our newborn King to see
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
To lay before the King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum ...So to honor Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
When we come...."

I thought about what it may have been like to be a spectator at this event, of kings from afar, dressed in fine silks and linens, with gold and silver brocades, turbans and bearing gifts that no one could comprehend in such a simple time. Especially not me. (This was how I felt at the mall on Saturday.) In fact, I am not even worthy to look upon this event, yet I stay. I feel compelled to do something...but I have nothing to offer...after all, what future king would look upon me with any favor?  ...and yet.....

 "Little Baby
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum....I have no gift to bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
That's fit to give a King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum...Shall I play for You?
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
On my drum, on my drum...."

I thought about what it may have been like back then, offering all that I have and am for this future king. Sweat rolls down my back, drips into my eyes as I continue to play on my simple instrument, oblivious to the stares of all who gather around me. My mind is focused only on the music.  Finally, I am finished. Mary looks to her baby, as if seeking approval.

"Then He smiled at me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Me and my drum...When we come...
Me and my drum....."


It is then I realize that I have not only given the best gift, I am given the best gift of all....out of love comes wisdom....I have been met with approval by One who is pleased!


So...in this time of the "gimmees"...think about this. You don't have to get all caught up in the trappings of fine gifts and expense. Give from your heart...give all that you have and give cheerfully. Instead of feeling compelled to give to a relative or friend that maybe you just don't feel needs another expensive scarf or leather belt, give instead to the poor...the homeless, give of your time to the lonely, to those in nursing homes...to the indigent...it is there that God is...not at the Mall, but rather, with His people in the face of those who have been forgotten.