Christmas time

I'm gonna be real here - the holidays are hard for me.  It can take a lot of effort to enjoy all that the season brings.  There is one Christmas song, though, that is very special to me and always seems help me feel more of what Christmas is about. It touches my heart and often even brings a tear to my eye: The Little Drummer Boy.

I have loved this carol since my childhood, but as I've gotten older, I've come to see there is precious truth taught in this simple song.

Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born and raised in humble circumstances.  Some of those who believed in the prophesied Messiah sought Him out to see Him, to meet Him.  In the story of this carol, they bring their finest gifts to honor the new born king.  The little boy had no fine gifts to bring, but offered to play his drum to honor Jesus. And he did - he played his drum and played his best.  And then is the most precious line in the entire song, "then He smiled at me, me and my drum."

This sweet song teaches of a loving and accepting Savior.  It teaches that wealth has nothing to do with what a "fine" gift is.  It teaches that offering the best of what we have is not only enough, but an honor.

Every year, I hope for myself to find more joy during this season of celebrating the birth of Christ.  Every year, it is difficult.  But every year, this favorite carol helps me along.

"Come they told me

A new born king to see
Our finest gifts we bring
To lay before the king
So to honor him
When we come

Baby Jesus
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

Mary nodded
The ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for him
I played my best for him
Then he smiled at me
Me and my drum"