Christmas and Carols

Christmas is a special time for carols. They greet us like old friends each holiday season. For example, "Little Drummer Boy" is a perennial pick. This year I have been touched by a rendition by the Feat group. Their worshipful voices and new words draw the listener into the experience.

We know from the carol that the little drummer boy was poor. He felt he had nothing to bring before a King. The only thing he had was his drum. Then he started to play, and the words came to him. He worshipped. And he beat on his drum. And kept beating and beating, with his focus on pleasing the King.

When we think of giving as an act of worship, we need to stop and really think. Is what we are doing at Christmas centered on the King or more about other things that consume our time and energy? In fact, how much worship happens during the holidays to deeply satisfy us?

Perhaps we could learn a lesson from the Drummer Boy. The only thing we can bring to the King in worship is something unique to us. It is not a matter of money or tinsel on the tree. Like the humble Drummer Boy, we can only bring what we have that is part of us. God has a gift from him inside each of us that differs. And this is what you can bring in worship and awe!

If you can sing, you could lift your voice in a new song. If you like to dance, dance as worship. Dance to Zumba or waltz sedately around. If you are so distressed over something you don't know what to do, offer that thing to the King who listens and comforts. If you have been bad and mean to others, admit your hardened heart. Ask for His forgiveness. He will release you.

"Make clean my heart within me, Lord" So slow down now and take time to listen to what really matters. What can you bring to the King as an act of worship? "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Colossians 3:23