Pathways Press.com

Written by David Herman, Adult Ministry Director at The Village Church.

 Christmas is most magical when you’re a child. When I was a boy, we played the 1965 Christmas album from the Harry Simeone Chorale on repeat so often we could put shopping centers to shame. Since The Little Drummer Boy was the first song on the vinyl, it’s probably the one I heard most. Its constant masculine vocal strums underlie its feminine vocals throughout, suggesting a boy who loved playing his favorite toy all the time. And when your favorite toy is a drum, your parents likely heartily encourage time outside. So, we imagine this novice musician wandering around the neighborhood one evening and curiously joining a peculiar procession into a local barn. Seemingly the sole guest without a gift, this little boy on this silent night tentatively pa-rum pum-pums a rhythm to please this newborn king. A kindergartener among adults. By far the loudest in a room with travel-worn parents and their infant so tender and mild. Woefully out of place. “Then he smiled at me.” If there was ever any doubt of acceptance in that boy’s heart, it vanished in that instant. If there’s ever any doubt God loves you and receives what you have to offer him, spend some time with a newborn. When my little daughter smiles at me, her opinion outweighs that of every other human being in the world. It’s magical. And that’s the smile of God!

I played my best for Him. Pa rum ump um pum. Rum ump um pum. Rum ump um pum. Then He smiled at me. Pa rum ump um pum. Me and my drum. Mary nodded. Pa rum ump um pum. The ox and lamb kept time. Pa rum ump um pum. I played my drum for Him.