The Little Drummer Boy is a classic song written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis, recorded by countless musicians and artists on numerous Christmas records.  This classic stands out on its own with a unique kind of reverence.

All of us are different with our own individual drum of talent.  The last time I played a snare drum was in junior high led by band director Johnny Albea at Turrentine Middle School in Burlington, North Carolina back in the 70s.  I regret not continuing in the band through my high school years as I love music. However, I did have the privilege of singing at various Christmas Eve services at a church in Tennessee back in the 90s.

Have you quit playing the drum or talent that God gave you to play? Was it due to criticism? When singer Lauren Daigle played her drum through her unique voice on the talk show Ellen, she received criticism from some Christians on social media.  

God gave each of us a special gift and He blesses us when we use it for His credit or glory, regardless of what others think.  Listen to some of the lyrics from The Little Drummer Boy:

“Our finest gifts we bring

Pa rum pum pum pum

To lay before the king

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

Shall I play for you

Pa rum pum pum pum…”

Listen to how another young boy gave what he had…

“Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?”  He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!”  Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said.  So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish.  And they all ate as much as they wanted.” (John 6:5-11, NLT)

What are your 5 loaves and 2 fish?  Do you feel your gifts are insignificant, so you refuse to step up to the plate?  Do you believe that God can use your gifting for His purposes, even if you don’t receive any accolades?  

The use of your talent may fill a hunger in another person’s life. This is the season of faith. God gave you a gift and if you refuse to open it, you will keep others from being filled with blessings.  This is the season of giving. Why not play “your” drum?

thanks to Daniel Marshall for the drum pics.

remaining pictures courtesy of “Nelson & his Nikon”