I absolutely love this time of year and the Christmas holiday. I have such good memories growing up, with the house all decorated and all of the pretty lights, time with friends and family, gift giving (and receiving) and, of course, good food. I figure that, since it’s the Christmas season – and I love it so much – I would write a bit about some of my favorite Christmas songs and what they mean to me.
(I had to take this picture because it was my little guy that put the presents in baby Jesus’ arms and I thought it was so cute)
The Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me,
A new born King to see,
Our finest gifts we bring,
To lay before the King,
So to honour Him,
When we come.
Little Baby,
I am a poor boy to,
I have no gift to bring,
That’s fit to give a king,
Shall I play for you,
On my drum?
Mary nodded,
The ox and lamb kept time,
I played my drum for Him,
I played my best for Him,
Then He smiled at me,
Me and my drum.
(To hear Josh Groban’s version of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRCEqDc4jD8)
This song, “The Little Drummer Boy” has really spoken deeply to me in the past and I absolutely love its message. I started my missionary career in 2000 and have been all over the world since then. But when I got pregnant with my first son I fell into a bit of a depression, thinking that my life was all over. I couldn’t see how I would be relevant as a missionary anymore. I would say to God, “So what then God? Am I just going to be a mother and wife? Is that all you have for me now?” (as if that wasn’t important and relevant enough already).
Soon after having Caue (that’s my son’s name), we left Brazil for a time of training and investing in our areas of work. It was during that time that God really spoke into my life, using this song. I was doing a music for missions school and was really seeking God about how I could really be relevant. Finally, after a few weeks of praying and pleading for an answer God brought the remembrance of this song to mind.
The first verse speaks of a king being born. Now, being a king was a big thing. He was the one who created all the laws, led the justice systems and overseed his kingdom as he saw fit (http://www.ehow.com/info_8392008_duties-kings.html). Three wise men came to see this new king and bring him gifts in order to show their respect and reverence. In order to honour him.
The second verse speaks of a poor little boy. He wasn’t of any importance. No one knew who he was. No one traveled half way across the world to visit him. He was just a humble little guy. He didn’t even have enough money to bring the king a gift. He thought he didn’t have anything of worth. So he offered to play his little drum for him.
Now the third verse is the one I love the most. It speaks of how this little guy didn’t let social differences stand in the way of him giving his all for the king. He played his drum for him. He played his best for him. With the little he had. I’m sure he wasn’t the best drummer in the world. He just gave it his all, no matter what. And then it came… the king… the son of God… the ruler of all… SMILED AT HIM. How precious is that. He didn’t smile at him because he had kept good rythm. He didn’t smile at him because he was perfect. He didn’t smile at him because he was refined and well-trained. NO! He smiled at him because of his humble heart. Because in his humility he offered his best.
Do you think you have to be perfect to be relevant? Do you think you have be well educated and trained to make a difference in this world. I couldn’t see how I could be relevant after having children. Now I know that – in what ever I do – if I do my best out of humility of heart – that is a powerful tool in the hands of an almighty God. And the king will smile on me.
Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Ok, now for the food part. I know that it is winter time for most that are reading this and soups, stews and other hot dishes are what’s popular right now. However, in Brazil we celebrate Christmas in the summer and it is blazing hot. My recipe for you today is something that many would probably prefer in the summer, but I really like this salad so am sharing it with you today.
- 1 1/2 cups kale
- 1/2 tomato
- 1/4 red pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 Tommy mango
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- your choice of protein
- top with cilantro and season as desired.
I used a can of tuna as my protein, but you can use whatever you desire.
Related articles
- The Little Drummer Boy (remedyministries.wordpress.com)
- The Little Drummer Boy (inbetweenthelinesblog.wordpress.com)
stacilys.wordpress.com 