One of my favorite Christmas songs, “The Little
Drummer Boy” (especially the David Bowie/Bing Crosby version) has been banned
from many churches these days. It really
is quite a shame. While simplistic in
its melody and no, there was no drummer boy at the nativity scene, it does
speak some biblical truth. The little
drummer boy “was a poor boy too”, but he recognized the baby he was playing for
was a poor King. It reminded me of a
verse in our most recent lesson. “Has
not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith
and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love Him?” (James 2:5)
Other poor visitors to the manger scene, who are in
the Bible were shepherds. Isn’t it wonderful that a lowly group of smelly
shepherds were the first to receive the Messiah’s birth announcement? “Do not be afraid,” the angel tells them, and
gives them a sign that must have made the shepherds feel at home: “You will
find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” The messiah they were to visit was lying in a
smelly barn inside the suburbs of Bethlehem.
The shepherds represent for us a picture of the far-reaching nature of
God’s love. God’s message of salvation
has the power to break through all barriers.
The little drummer boy may not have been in the Bible, but he does
represent us, before we were saved.
Before we knew Jesus as our Savior, we were poor in so many ways. Now, we are united to Christ. The Kingdom He shares with us makes us richer
beyond our imaginations. Merry Christmas
and remember, the gift of your salvation you celebrate this season is the most
precious and most costly gift you will ever receive.
