by 
Wednesday, December 7
Then He smiled at me, parumpapumpum, me and my drum.
From Little Drummer Boy
By Rev. Arlene Franks
As a child, I always looked forward to watching the 1968 Rankin-Bass Christmas TV special The Little Drummer Boy. It dramatizes the song, telling the tale of a boy, Aaron, who has been orphaned and sold into slavery. He’s been so emotionally damaged by life’s events that he builds a shell around himself. Refusing to smile, or even talk much, he ferociously states to his master, “I hate all people!”
With just his drum and his lamb to keep him company, the boy takes on a journey of life-changing proportions. He and his captors meet the wise men who are following the star to the manger where the Christ child lies.
When they get there, he sees the others giving the baby gifts of great magnitude, but he is ashamed because he has nothing of value. Then, remembering that he does have one thing to give the baby, he begins to play his drum. The baby Jesus smiles, and his life is changed forever.
I felt such relief each year when once again, he felt the love of a family in the parents’ nodding to the music and the Christ Child’s smile.
I know what it’s like to not be able to give the gifts of things—gold, expensive perfumes, fancy electronics. And I am far richer in that regard than most of the world, and in fact, much of this country. But I’ve learned along the way that if I give of myself without selfishness or guile, it is enough. Christ’s love for me and you is given freely, unconditionally, without expectations of anything in return. We, too, are asked to give extravagantly of ourselves, not because we must, but because we are able.
Prayer: God of love, God of peace, God of all good gifts, let us come to You with the gift of ourselves and take out into the world Your gifts of kindness, compassion and justice. Amen.
