by Natalie Lynn Borton
Although my all-time favorite Christmas song is O, Holy Night (specifically the version by The Fray), this season I just can’t get enough of The Little Drummer Boy. It seems to be playing everywhere, and the lyrics are resonating with me in a way they never have before.
Perhaps the problem before was that I’d only heard the ultra-traditional versions, and the words just seemed to blend into the music. Nonetheless, I’ve grown to love this song because of what it’s about: God smiling upon someone bringing their best, even as little as heart-filled drumming.
My favorite version of this song is done by Phil Wickham. A video of him performing live and the lyrics to the song are below. If you can get past all of the pa-rum-pum-pum-pums, I think you’ll agree with me that The Little Drummer Boy is a song for those of us who need to remember the kind of God Jesus really is…
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
Me and my drum.
As I repeatedly watch that video and really let the words seep in, I can’t help but think about what kind of gift I can bring to God during this Advent season. I think perhaps the greatest gift I can bring him right now is consistency and honesty in my time with Him.
Do you believe that Jesus only wants our best, not perfection? What small gifts can you bring to Him this Christmas season?
P.S. I originally posted this article on November 29 on my personal blog, Thoughts by Natalie. You can read it here.