I played my best for Him

I was listening to the classic Christmas song 'The Little Drummer Boy' today. After listening to it a few times, I was inspired to challenge you from a few lines from the lyrics of that song. And, then to ask you a few questions.


Here are the lyrics of note:


I have no gift to bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
That's fit to give a King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

Shall I play for You
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
On my drum, on my drum

I played my drum for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I played my best for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum

Then He smiled at me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Me and my drum


What caught my attention most was the simplicity of the offering from this little drummer boy. In the story of Christmas, so much emphasis is placed upon the gifts that are offered by the wise men/magi as they tour toward the Christ child. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Each a significant statement. The gold for the symbolism of a king and royalty. The frankincense as a symbolism of the levitical anointing and presence of the Spirit, and the myrrh as a symbol of the suffering the messiah would endure. All that is significant.


But, the greatest of gifts that could be offered to Christ can be seen in the symbolism of this classic Christmas song by Katherine Davis and Henry Onorati. My challenge to you is to be willing to bring your best gift to Christ. Even if it is as simple and naive as playing a drum for the King. 


Can you hear the song? Do you see the image? The little drummer boy who has worked his craft of percussion until he is accomplished and confident with his skill. He is standing before the little Child and playing with al of his might. I can see him strain to play each rhythm and with his eyes closed offer his worship as purely as he can. Everyone is standing around watching this little drummer and amazed at his skill. It is this picture I think we can all relate to.

The lyrics say it well. "I played my drum for Him. I played my best for Him." This is the spirit behind our best gift. We do what we can and we do the best we can with what we have. It doesn't matter how expensive our gift. What matters is the heart of our giving. 


And so, I have two questions to each of us. First, what do we have to offer the King?  And second, when we realize what our gift is, are we willing to give it to Christ with our best effort? That will assure us of seeing the smile of the baby as we 'play' before Him.