"A Thrill of Hope"

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 356: Today, I am grateful for "a thrill of hope."

What do you hope for this Christmas? 

This image struck me. I love all things related to "light." In fact, "light" might be my "one little word" for 2025. Then, the words struck a chord. "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices." 

The line is straight from the song, "O Holy Night." I have confessed that I have come late to loving this song, but I have finally arrived. 

It is a powerful song, but gentle.  It somehow captures all that was holy about the night of Jesus's birth. Originally in French,"Cantique de Noël" was written by poet Placide Cappeau in 1847 and set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. The poem is straight out of the Gospel of Luke.  

The most popular English rendition was a translation by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. 

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

The original French translated:

To erase the original stain

And to stop his father's wrath:

The whole world trembles with hope

To this night which gives it a savior

People on their knees, await your deliverance

It is as if the song calls for the soul to wake up and recognize the wonder, the hope, and the holy all at the same time. The anticipation builds. Dare we hope for reconciliation and propitiation? 

We can. Hope is thrilling. We tingle with anticipation. Our senses are on high alert. 

In the wholly chaotic Christmas season, do not forget the holy. Pause to ponder the thrill of hope that still waits in a humble manger for an invitation to be Lord of your life. 

Today, I am grateful for "a thrill of hope."

The Census

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 355: Today, I am grateful for the census. 

If you have ever explored genealogy, you spend time in census records. They are quite telling about where people lived, how they lived, and who their neighbors were at the time. The once boring records become quite interesting 50-200 years later.  

For prophecy to be fulfilled, Jesus needed to be born in Bethlehem. I think it fascinating when God uses people in unexpected places to put His plan in motion. 

"At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire." -Luke 2:1 

Augustus made the declaration. Joseph and Mary made the trip. 

The little town of Bethlehem experienced the miracle. The timing was unexpected. The order was from the government, not the church. It all came together as God intended. Something as boring as a census can reveal far more than the number of people who live in the town. 

Today, I am grateful for the census.

The Path of Peace

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 354: Today, I am grateful for the way of peace.

The phrase "don't upset the apple cart" is to change people's plans or expectations in a way that they don't expect and don't appreciate. Thus was the situation for those who would not or could not see the Messiah being born in a stable unfit for a king. 

Unfit or the perfect fit? 

God's ways often include a pause. A waiting space in an unusual place is often part of His plan. His ways are not our ways.  He is predictably unpredictable. 

Zechariah's prophecy came when Mary was with him (and Elizabeth). His state of muteness was lifted and the prophecy came. 

"You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” -Luke 1:77-79

The "Morning Light"... the "Dayspring"... the "Dawn"... or "the Light from Heaven" are one and the same. Finally, the Hope of the World had arrived. His first earthly heartbeat was in the womb. His first human breath was in a stable. 

"He humbled himself in obedience to God..." -Philippians 2:8  

It was the way of the manger before it was the way of the cross.  

Going back to the Hebrew and Greek (with the assistance of Strong's and Thayer's Greek Lexicon), there is a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity: "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is." Blessed assurance! 

It is "the path of" or "the way of peace."  The way of peace is the absolute knowledge that nothing this life brings can separate us from the love of God. 

Today, I am grateful for the way of peace.

Promises Kept

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 353: Today, I am grateful for promises kept.

Integrity matters. It always has. It always will. Truth is not always popular, but it always withstands the light. Truth is a light. 

Why come as a baby? Why come at all? How is it that the long expected Savior came in such an unexpected way? That is all part of the wonder of it all. 

He said he would come, and He did. To be redeemed is to be free. There is a finality about it. When you redeem a coupon, it is done. Used up. Finished. 

 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago." Luke 1:68-70

A king came as a baby fulfilling a promise and countless prophecies from the Old Testament. For the mathematicians and data loving people, there is evidence of the promise, the plan, and "this, too, shall pass." 

He did what he said he would do. In this we can find hope, joy, and the confidence to face whatever comes our way. 

Today, I am grateful for promises kept.

Grown Up Christmas List

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 352: Today, I am grateful for a grown-up Christmas list.

Written by David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner and Amy Grant, "Grown Up Christmas List" captures our ear and our heart at the same time.  I know Amy Grant's version the best. 

Her Christmas albums are some of my favorites. This song captures the hope of Christmas. 

"No more lives torn apart
And wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list."

A grown-up Christmas list focuses on what is important, not stuff. This world is full of brokenness, but the Light of the World came so we might know the peace, truth, light, and life that only he can bring. He mends lives that are torn apart. 

"I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." -Romans 1:7

 Grace and peace are perfect gifts. 

Today, I am grateful for a grown-up Christmas list.

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 351: Today, I am grateful Mary pondered. 

I will never lose my sense of awe surrounding the birth of Jesus. The Old Testament was full of prophetic words and signs to look for, but it still moves me when I pause to ponder what it might have been like for Mary, Joseph, and their families. 

When Mary said "yes" and went to her cousin Elizabeth, we have this little glimpse into the excitement that grew as she wrapped her head around her new reality. From shock... to pondering... to an excitement when surrounded by those who knew and believed. 

This is part of what is recorded as "Mary's Song",  

"Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!"" -Luke 1:46-47

The promised Messiah was coming and she would call him "son." From her pregnancy announcement, to Joseph sticking with her, to the trip to Bethlehem, the birth of the baby, and then the shepherds visit - it must have felt like a whirlwind of changes with a roller coaster of emotions. 

Mary was one to "ponder." I love that about her personality. She would take it all in and sit with it. Whatever came her way. Her strength of faith and the depth of her character were evident. I cannot help but smile when I read this passage. 

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." -Luke 2:19

Today, I am grateful Mary pondered. 

The Star

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 350: Today, I am grateful for the star.

Stars are fireballs in the sky. They have fascinated humans since the beginning of time. Each one has a place of its own in the night sky. They have helped guide and direct human travel... and they help us find our way in the dark. 

Our little blue planet takes light and heat from the star we know as the sun. The Son, Jesus, is referred to as "The Light of the World." His life, light, and warmth changes lives. In the past, in the present, and in the days to come... His light guides us and gives us life. 

"The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others, but warm them as well." - N. A. Maxwell 

The royal astrologers from the east asked this questions of Herod:

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” -Luke 2:2

They saw the star and recognized it as special. They followed it, expecting a royal baby to live in a palace. They knew the prophecy and the stars. They followed the star and made their way to find the newborn King. 

The magi did not mean to incite Herod's anger, but wisely recognized it. They did not return to tell King Herod where they found the baby. They would surely return home with an adventure story to tell. 

The wonders of the night sky never cease to create wonder, amazement, and joy. To think our God knows their number and can call them by name without one missing or being left out makes me smile. 

There are so many stars... and then there is "His star." 

Today, I am grateful for the star.

A Prepared Room

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 349: Today, I am grateful for a prepared room.

"Joy to the World" is a favorite Christmas hymn. I think it is a hymn for all seasons. Many years ago, the song was included in our VBS music. The kids loved singing it and we continued to sing it regularly outside of the Advent season. 

The message is for all seasons. 

"Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing."

Issacs Watts, an English hymn writer, wrote and published the lyrics in 1719. The poem was based on Psalm 98. More than a century later in 1839, Lowell Mason arranged an older tune as the music for the lyrics. It is the version of "Joy to the World" we sing today. 

I love all four verses. It is rich with theology, wonder, and hope. One of my favorite lines is in that first verse, "Let every heart prepare him room." The message is clear. The gift has been given, but were we ready to receive it? 

Hospitality is a gift. Some people are naturals. Others are intentional. Hospitality is always beautiful. To make someone feel welcome in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our church pews, or in our communities is part of fulfilling our commission to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

When we travel, we want to stay in places that make us feel welcome by preparing our room. Clean sheets, fresh towels, and a full roll of toilet paper in a clean bathroom are just a start. Recognizing our need for "creature comforts" and preparing for our stay communicates that we are wanted and welcome. Be it in a hotel, a Bed and Breakfast, or a family member's home, we see the preparations and are grateful for the prepared room. 

Sweet Mary and Gentle Joseph did not have a room in the inn, but they prepared in their own way. She bundled the newborn in strips of cloth. I am sure she used the softest cloth strips she could find to bundle her baby boy with Joseph's help. There is nothing like the scent of a newborn baby and the sweet mewing sounds they make as they instinctively seek the comfort of their mother's arms. Joy had arrived. 

"She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."  -Luke 2:7

They had no lodging, but God had prepared a place. The place was unexpected and not what they had hoped for upon entering Bethlehem, but it turned out to be the perfect place for shepherds to visit. It was not a room in an inn, but it was a prepared room. 

As we move closer to Christmas Day this year, let us remember to prepare room in our hearts once again. Let us take in the wonder of the miracle of the Messiah... Immanuel... God with us. 

Today, I am grateful for a prepared room.

The Crippled Lamb

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 348: Today, I am grateful for "The Crippled Lamb."

It is one of my all time favorite Christmas stories. It captures the wonder of the night Jesus was born from the perspective of some of the animals in the stable. It is a perfect story that centers around a crippled lamb named Joshua and a wise old cow named Abigail who mothered him through life's heartaches. 

Abigail's wisdom ran deep. Joshua was often left with her in the stable, because his imperfect leg would not allow him to keep up with the shepherds and the flocks when they would go to the far pastures. They developed a special friendship. She was a comforter and an encourager when other lambs were mean to him. She would tell him:

"Don't be sad little Joshua. God has a special place for those who feel left out." -Abigail, the Old Brown Cow

If this book is not on your shelf, it is the perfect Christmas book to give. It captures the special story of the night Jesus from a different perspective. If you enjoy the story of "The Little Drummer Boy," you will love "The Crippled Lamb." 

We get so caught up in today's troubles that we forget our God is a "big picture" God with a timeline that stretches into eternity. Our God never hurries and he never shows up late. His timing is usually a mystery until it is in the rearview mirror... sometimes for generations. 

"They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger." -Luke 2:16

The fictional tale captures some of the wonder of that very special night. The world looks at strength, prestige, power, and wealth. The Lord looks at the heart. 

Today, I am grateful for "The Crippled Lamb."

Jingle Bells

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 347: Today, I am grateful for jingle bells. 

There is something about the sound of jingle bells that always makes me smile. It is the most gentle sound, even when there are many of them ringing together. They do not cause the startle response associated with many buzzers and bells. In fact, I find myself pausing to listen whenever I hear them. 

 We have a long strip of jingle bells on our slider door for Miss Daisy Mae to ring when she wants or needs to go outside. I do not know if we trained her or she trained us. She loves knowing she can get our attention. 

The soft sound of jingle bells is almost magical. It makes children think of Santa and his sleigh. It makes me think of vintage sleigh rides and that classic Christmas song, "Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling, ting, ting, tingling, too... It's such lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you."  

This passage creates an image of Christ's return: 

"On that day even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: Holy to the Lord." -Zechariah 14:20

What a glorious sound! Other passages talk about trumpets sounding. Perhaps there will be jingling bells, too. 

Today, I am grateful for jingle bells. 

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 346: Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights.  

I love Christmas lights. They had so much ambiance to any room. When they are the only source of light in the room, you realize how much light they give off. 

We use white Christmas lights in our house. They illuminate just enough light to make a dark room bright enough for simple tasks. 

I am reminded of Jesus's reference to light and life:

"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”" - John 8:12

Christmas lights are special. Savor them this season.  

Today, I am grateful for Christmas lights.  

Advent

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 345: Today, I am grateful for the Advent season.

Sometimes getting ready for a special event is as much fun as the actual event. When our hearts are reprogramed for service, there is joy in the process. Some people are naturals at hospitality. Others work at it. Both are gifts of love. 

When Mary hurried to Elizabeth's home, she found a warm welcome. Baby John lept in Elizabeth's womb. For those who have experienced pregnancy, the baby moving inside is really special. Knowing the baby is alive, growing, and preparing to make their entrance at birth is a comfort. It is a time of wonder. 

"Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home." -Luke 1:56

Imagine the two mothers - one old and one young - sharing the new experiences that came with their pregnancies.  They knew what they knew. They trusted God. They surely savored their season together. Zechariah was not talking, so I am sure Elizabeth welcomed Mary's company and conversation. 

Advent helps us prepare our hearts each year. The story is retold, but it never gets old. We prepare our homes and our hearts. We share the joy with family and friends. It is a season of preparations, watching, waiting, and embracing hope. 

God with us... Immanuel. It never gets old. 

Today, I am grateful for the Advent season.

"And the Angel Left Her."

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 344: Today, I am grateful "the angel left her."

Every year in the advent season, we read the same passages again and again. What is amazing to me... and evidence of God's living, breathing, and holy word... is that the passages come alive and speak new truths every single time. This year is no different. Luke 1:38 may be my passage for the season.

 "Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her." -Luke 1:38

The messenger angel, Gabriel, shows up, unexpectedly. Who would not be terrified? Especially a young woman, not much beyond girlhood. What an unexpected disruption to her life as she was planning for her life with her fiancé. Talk about an "unplanned pregnancy!" 

"God with us" calls for "us with God." It starts with a holy "Yes." Wow!

Mary in a matter of minutes would decide if she would say, "Yes." to what the angel disclosed as God's plan for her life. Talk about a "special agent" in God's special forces. She did not train for the assignment, but all of her life led up to it. Her relationship with God prepared her to be the one prophesized in Isaiah:

"Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin[a] will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). -Isaiah 7:13-14" 

Yes, she knew the scriptures. Did she ever dream she would be "the one" selected? Probably not.

Oh sweet Mary... soon to be literally "the Mother of God" ... when faced with the biggest decision of her life, she answered with a holy "Yes." 

This year, what struck me as new was the last part of Luke 1:38... "And then the angel left her."  

The angel did not say, "Hey, let's meet again next week for coffee to go over any questions or concerns you might have." No, the angel dropped the bombshell and then... he left her! My mind cannot begin to conceive what she was feeling. 

Honored but anxious? Overwhelmed? Shocked? Terrified... trembling... yet, somehow in a moment... a peace floods over her spirit as she accepts the call to be the mother of the Messiah. She finds her "holy yes." 

The angel left her, but not without the news of her cousin, Elizabeth's shocking late in life pregnancy would be an encouragement for Mary. Elizabeth would provide her with companionship and someone to talk to about unexpected interruptions from God's plan. Mary responded in faith, and God provided her a special comfort in Elizabeth's situation. Not the same, but connected. Elizabeth and Zechariah would raise "John the Baptist" as we know him. Mary and Joseph would raise Yeshua... Immanuel... "God with us." 

The angel left her after she said, "Yes." Her trust and her faith was what God required. She had to choose to believe and receive the assignment. I love when the scriptures say, "She pondered these things in her heart." Her humility and sincerity are evidence of her character and grace. 

For 400 years, God had been silent. Never absent, but watching with quiet authority until the time was right. The girl was right. The man was right. The two of them accepted the mission before them. They became God's special agents. Once the assignment was received, the source of the orders left. 

Today, I am grateful "the angel left her."

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 343: Today, I am grateful for "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."

There is something about the old Christmas hymn, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" that illuminates my imagination. When I hear the tune, I can see the scene in my mind. That one moment in time replays every time I hear or sing that song. 

I love the story about the little boy who thought the angels singing were named Harold. Can you hear the heavenly direction? "All angels named Harold, report immediately to the shepherds field outside of Bethlehem to announce Jesus's birth." It is a cute story. It shows the power of language. There is a difference between a herald and a Harold. 

The real event would have been terrifying and awesome at the same time. To have Heaven's choir show up in the middle of your night shift job would have been shocking, even to those who were used to the unusual things that happen when the sun goes down. 

The passage in "The Message" version creates a wonderful word picture in modern language:

There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him." -Luke 2:8-12  (The Message)

Oh, the wonder of it all! 

Today, I am grateful for "Hark the Herald Angel's Sing."

What Child Is This?

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 342: Today, I am grateful for the song, "What Child Is This?" 

William Chatterton Dix wrote the hymn, "What Child Is This?" in 1865. He was the son of a surgeon and found himself dealing with an illness that a surgery could not fix. He was 29 years old at the time living in Glasgow, Scotland. It is believed his business was insurance but his passion was the poetry of worship. 

Illness is humbling. Some say William Dix was quite depressed from his illness when he penned "What Child Is This?" Perhaps, he was. Set to the familiar and haunting tune of "Greensleeves," a Christmas classic was born. The minor key would echo his state of sadness. The words speak of something different. Hope. 

With his own body broken down by illness, it seems that William Dix found himself humbly kneeling at the manger. As he fought for his life, death in his youth seemed like a real possibility. He came face to face with the big questions of life. He had to determine for himself what he believed about Jesus. What did he believe? 

What Child is This?

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping,
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him!
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him!
Raise, raise the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!

Had Dix led a life without distress,  would he have written this beautiful hymn? I cannot say for certain, but I doubt it. Verse two speak volumes. Typically in youth, we spend very little time focusing on our bodies and health. We take it for granted. Dix did not. 

Jesus took on human flesh with its frailty, weaknesses, and susceptibility to illness. Dix saw that through his own brush with illness and a long recovery. He did recover, but I suspect he did not forget. 

The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word Made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!

There is a scripture that captures the hope and the truth in Christ's deity and his humanity. It reads like a truth-bomb. I liked it in "The Message" translation:

1-3 Going through a long line of prophets, God has been addressing our ancestors in different ways for centuries. Recently he spoke to us directly through his Son. By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words!

The Son Is Higher than Angels

3-6 After he finished the sacrifice for sins, the Son took his honored place high in the heavens right alongside God, far higher than any angel in rank and rule. Did God ever say to an angel, “You’re my Son; today I celebrate you” or “I’m his Father, he’s my Son”? When he presents his honored Son to the world, he says, “All angels must worship him.” -Hebrews 1:1-6 (MSG)

I choose to believe. If I am wrong, I've lost nothing by living a life centered in seeking the goodness and light of Jesus daily. Honestly, His nearness and the ways he shows up in unexpected moments reinforces my faith daily. For those who reject Him, eternity is a long time.

I am grateful for the Word made flesh.   

Today, I am grateful for the song, "What Child Is This?"

 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 341: Today, I am grateful for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

This old carol comes from England, but the author is unknown. It is thought to be from the 1600's when caroling was a common practice. In the 1600's the word "rest" meant "keep." Today we would say "God keep you" or perhaps "God bless you" is even a better modern translation. Yes, sometimes old English needs a modern translation for understanding, but I am grateful for those who stick to the original lyrics. 

Christmas carols sweep us back in time and inspire hope for tomorrow at the same time. As a little girl when we would visit different churches, I would look for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in the pew hymnals. You can learn much about a house of worship from their hymnal.  The Christmas songs were some of my favorites then and now. 

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is unusual for its minor key. Songs in the minor keys create a soulful, almost sorrowful feeling. The tune and lyrics come together to create something special. The words are of hope and light, while the melody weeps. At the heart of the song is an invitation to come together in community to celebrate the newborn King. 

When we come together in worship, generosity, and service, we discover comfort and joy in the process. 

"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people." -Philemon 6-7

Be refreshed. Claim the hope. Join the song. Embrace community. 

Today, I am grateful for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

The Little Drummer Boy

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 340: Today, I am grateful for "The Little Drummer Boy." 

The songs of Christmas are on my mind. 

"The Little Drummer Boy" was written by Katherine Davis in 1941. Its original title was "Carol of the Bells." The arrangement was a cappella with the bass voices providing the drum beat. 

A little over a decade and a second world war later, in 1952, the Trapp Family singers(the Sound of Music family) recorded a version of the song that gained popularity. In a world that was weary from war, it was well received. 

Other artists added it to their Christmas albums, including Jack Holloran with an altered arrangement of the song by Henry Ororati and Harry Simone. It was a big hit and Henry Ororati, Harry Simone, and Katherine K. Davis are all credited with writing "The Little Drummer Boy." My current favorite versions are For King & Country and Pentatonix. 

There is something so simple, sincere, and heartfelt about the song that makes it timeless. 

The shepherds in the fields on the night Jesus was born most likely had the musical instruments used to entertain themselves and scare off predators. The lyre(harp), the flute, and the shofar(horn) are referenced in the Bible as shepherd's instruments. The drum is not listed. Drums were more typically used in celebrations and at festivals. 

The song is not meant to have Biblical accuracy. It is a musical snapshot of a child's heart. Children love to give gifts but they have limited resources. Children watch with great anticipation to see the recipient's response when they give a gift. They give with pure, undefiled hearts. 

Is it any wonder that Jesus clearly states that we must become like children?

"Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." -Matthew 18:3-5

"The Little Drummer Boy" resonates with something in our souls. We, too, come to Jesus with nothing fit for a king. Our messy lives, broken dreams, and bad decisions are often all we have left when we finally find our way to the manger with hearts pounding and tears flowing because we have nothing better to give. 

In that moment of full submission and recognition of Christ as Lord, our weary hearts begin to beat a little stronger. Rum-pa-pa-pum... rum-pa-pa-pum... rum-pa-pa-pum... until our heartbeat is in sync with His. 

"Then He smiled at me pa-rum-pa-pa-pum... me and my drum."  

Today, I am grateful for "The Little Drummer Boy." 

Poignant Questions: Mary Did You Know?

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 339: Today, I am grateful for poignant questions like "Mary, did you know?"

Mark Lowery wrote the lyrics to "Mary, Did You Know" but it was many years later that Buddy Greene provided the tune. I heard him talk about carrying the lyrics around in his pocket. He knew it was special and wanted to get it just right. 

"Mary, Did You Know?" is a question that was surely asked of Jesus's mother. How did she answer? We do not know, but we know that she knew more than she disclosed at times. 

Did she hold up a finger for his healing touch when she cut her finger? Did he multiply the flour and oil when the rations were low in their humble home? Did he inspire awe as she watched him interact with the other children? 

The scriptures do not tell us very much about Jesus's childhood. We do know that the first public miracle recorded happened at the wedding of a family friend. Jesus turned the water into the finest wine. Mary knew he could help. 

The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”  “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” -John 2:3-5

"Do whatever he tells you." was a statement of confidence from the Mother of the Messiah. In a blink, her first born baby boy was a grown man in his thirties. Was she excited for others to know what she had pondered in her heart for so many years? 

She was the mother of the Messiah. She was completely human, yet she had carried the holy child in her womb. Can we even imagine it? The wonder and the wonderful combined. 

Today, I am grateful for poignant questions like "Mary, did you know?"

House of Bread

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 338: Today, I am grateful for the house of bread.

In our little village, we have a Great Harvest Bread Company. It is my favorite local house of bread. I could live on the bread and soups and be quite content. 

"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" is a well known Christmas hymn. The name of the town, Bethlehem, actually means "House of Bread" in the original Hebrew. 

Bread is a part of nearly every culture. Most have a signature bread. There are different breads mentioned throughout the Bible. God provided the Israelites manna - a daily bread from Heaven- for forty years in the wilderness. 

Unleavened bread is associated with Passover, as the people did not wait for the bread to rise before leaving captivity in Egypt. 

The Bethlehem prophecy in Micah 5:2 states:

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf."

Bread is humble and basic. It helps sustain life for many across the globe. In the little town of Bethlehem, a baby was placed in a manger over 2000 years ago. A manger is a place the sheep and other animals feed. Coincidence? We must decide for ourselves what we believe. 

"Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35

Today, I am grateful for the house of bread.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 337: Today, I am grateful for the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" 

The song was written in 1962 by a husband and wife writing team. Gloria Shayne wrote the music and her husband, Noël Regney, penned the lyrics. It was in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the many fears associated with war. It truly is one of my favorite modern Christmas songs, although it is old enough to classify as an "oldies" song. 

At church on Sunday, the magnificent Kathy McKearn played the song as a solo with the handbells. I am always in awe of her talent. I would get lost and be confused if I were managing that many handbells at one time. She does it with grace and finesse.  "Do You Hear What I Hear?" on the handbells was incredible. From the depth of the big bells to the light feeling of the upper octaves, we enjoyed every note, it was wonderful. 

The lyrics resonate as much today as they did in 1962. Peace, goodness, and light were born in a stable more than 2000 years ago. Hope arrived in the form of a baby. A new baby is always a miracle. The Christ child was the answer to many prayers after years of waiting. He did not look as they expected him to look. He did not arrive in the way that was anticipate, although the prophet Isaiah foretold of the coming Messiah. 

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!"-Isaiah 9:6-7

The prophecies were fulfilled. The promise kept.  God had been silent for 400 years, but He was never absent. The timing had to be just right. Mary was the right girl. Joseph was the right man to comfort, love, and protect her. Jesus was not unexpected, but they did not anticipate they would have a front row seat. 

"Pray for peace, people everywhere! Listen to what I say! The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light. He will bring us goodness and light."

Today, I am grateful for the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" 

Rahab

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 336: Today, I am grateful for Rahab.

The first Sunday of Advent is here. It is hard to believe another year has entered into the last month. We begin to mark the Sundays until Christmas. Anticipation, hope, and the wonder of the Christmas miracle are celebrated. It is all quite beautiful. 

Because God is love, the human story continues to unfold. No one is perfect. Some have more sordid pasts than others. Every mention of Rahab is a reminder that our God redeems and restores. 

Rahab's courage to hide Joshua and the other spies did not go unnoticed. She put her life on the line. She was not forgotten by those she protected. God changes labels and rewrites stories. 

No mess is too big or too small. He is faithful.  

Today, I am grateful for Rahab.

My Spot

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 335: Today, I am grateful for “my spot.”

We all have places we consider “our spot.” At the family table, on the sofa, and in the church pew. Establishing “my spot” creates a sense of belonging. We humans have a deep rooted need to  belong. 

Belonging is a human need. Establishing our place in the family, the community, and the universe is important. We all need “a spot.” 

 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.“ -Isaiah 43:1

We are wanted. We have a spot at the table. 

Today, I am grateful for “my spot.”