By Randy Haglund
Do you have a favorite Christmas carol? Most people do. Mine is The Little Drummer Boy.
Many Christmas carols have been around for centuries, but this one is fairly recent; written in 1941 by Katherine K. Davis, a music teacher and writer. She wrote over 600 songs, but none have been nearly as popular as this one. First recorded and released by the Trapp Family Singers in 1951, it became prevalent in the late ‘50’s and has been recorded by thousands of artists since then.
Its popularity crosses all genres and seems to be growing even more as of late. On YouTube you can find hundreds of renditions; some splendid, and others not-so-much. I recommend versions by Pentatonix, For King and Country, Carrie Underwood, Gentri, Bob Seger, Josh Groban, and Roger Whitaker. There’s even a duet by Bing Crosby and David Bowie!
We hear lots of Christmas music this time of year. I enjoy it. But The Little Drummer Boy is truly a carol. Meaning, it is a song of worship. It’s not about Santa, or Christmas trees, or chestnuts roasting on an open fire. It is about Jesus — the reason for the season.
Some people are surprised when I tell them it’s my favorite. One person said, “But it’s not even a true story. There was no drummer boy at the birth of Jesus. Your favorite carol is based on a myth!”
Yup.
I loved this song since I was young. Originally I was drawn to it because I like songs with a beat. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there’s another reason I love the song so much. It may not be a biblical story, but it definitely has a biblical message. One that resonates with everyone.
It’s the story of a poor boy who was invited to come to see a newborn king. Many were bringing gifts to honor this royal baby. Lavish gifts worthy of a king. Things like gold, frankincense, and myrrh (expensive aromatic fragrances with medicinal properties.)
The young boy wanted to go, but he felt inadequate. Having no gift worthy of a king, all he had was his drum.
But he went anyway. When he arrived he saw the baby Jesus lying in a manger.
Turning to Mary, he asked, “May I play for him?”
She nodded, and he played. Pah rum pum pum pum.
I love the last line of the song. Then — He smiled at me.
I am so glad that Jesus smiled at me!
I got nuthin’! No gold, frankincense or myrrh. Very little talent. I can’t even play the drums! Nothing that I bring to Jesus is fit to honor a king. The King of Kings. The Creator and sustainer of the Universe! And my savior!
Yet Jesus not only accepts my meager gift, but is pleased with it.
How mind-blowing is that?
That’s why this is my favorite carol. Because I am the little drummer boy. And so are you.
The book of Hebrews in the New Testament says to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God. And when we do, God is pleased with it.[i]
Nothing brings me more joy than knowing that the baby in a manger is the savior that has given me life.
New life. Eternal life. Abundant life.
But he also gives me the privilege of coming and presenting to him my little offering of praise. And it brings Him pleasure!
This holiday season, let us offer up our most important gift to the savior that was born in Bethlehem so long ago. All he wants for Christmas is us.
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Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol? Which one, and why?
[i] Hebrews 13:15-16
This really touched my heart Thank you Randy Little Drummer Boy is my favorite carol also
I’m so glad you liked it! I have met many others who call this one their favorite!
Yes, a classic favorite!! Thanks for this reminder of the Child of Bethlehem!
So many favorites, but a more recent Song – “Mary Did Your Know”.
Yes, thats a good one too ! Writyen by Mark Lowry!
Beautiful story about the Drummer Boy!
Thanks, Verna!