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."
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