The Pinecone
|
December 2014
• 9 •
f r om Don J oh n s on , K i r b y P i n e s Chap l a i n
Chaplain’s COrner
December
Vesper Services
December 4th
Reverend Birgitte French
CrossRoads United Methodist Church
December 11th
Reverend Dr. David Breckenridge
First Baptist Church
December 18th
Reverend Jimmy Latimer
Redeemer Evangelical Church
December 25th
No Vespers
It has become a Christmas carol
favorite even though its story is not really
a part of the original biblical telling of
the birth of Christ 2,000 years ago. In
the Bible, Luke records the census that
mandated Joseph and his betrothed wife,
Mary, to make the trip from Nazareth
in Southern Galilee to Bethlehem in
Judea. He mentions the crowded inn,
the shepherds, the angelic proclamation
and the heavenly praise of such an event.
Matthew sets forth the story of the
eastern wise men travelling with their
gifts for the star proclaimed king. But
nowhere is there an inclusion of a small
boy and his drum. This story is attributed
to Katherine K. Davis with a date of
1941.
What can we learn from this carol
that, without historical significance, has
become so well known and loved?
“
The Little Drummer Boy” was
invited to something special. He could
join others witnessing the birth of a new
born king. Unlike others in the Christmas
story who brought extravagant gifts that
were costly and valuable symbolized
by their silver, gold and myrrh, the
young boy had little to offer. He had
The Little Drummer Boy
only himself, a “poor boy too,” and his
drum, certainly not an expensive musical
item and certainly not the level of gift
appropriate for a person of honor and
prestige.
In the carol’s story, the young boy
acknowledged how impoverished he
was but asked Mary if he could play on
his drum for the new king. The animals
moved in time to the drummed song.
The drummer boy with such meager
provisions still did his best. And when
the playing was over, he noticed the
child’s response. It was a smile. It was
approval and applause in this special
way.
What about us? We certainly can
identify with the drummer boy. We seem
to be unimportant. We have so little. But
if we come to the king of Christmas we
will find a welcome. What little we are
and have if offered will be received. No
matter how limited our talent and gift
may be, we can do our best. And we will
receive the smile of approval. Can it
really be? Will the King lovingly accept
our coming and giving? Oh, yes!
Victorian poetess, Christina Rossetti,
stated it so well:
What shall I give Him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I’d give Him a lamb!
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part!
But such as I have I give Him,
I give Him my heart.
May God hear our “pa rum pump pum
pum” from whatever drum we can play
on today.
Till next time, Don Johnson, KPChaplain
