God's Giving Still Echoes in
"The Little Drummer Boy"
Jerry Maday  Worcester, Massachusetts
December 25, 2006

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The Celebration of Christmas all around the world can be explained simply as an echo of God's giving. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.Among Christians, one of the most popular Christmas songs specifically about giving is "The Litttle Drummer Boy."

Originally, it was a Czech Christmas song known as "The Carol Of The Drum."  In 1941, Katherine Davis translated it to English and had it published in the US.

In 1957, Henry Onorati did some arranging on this song for Jack Halloran, a very popular choir director in his day, who recorded it with Harry Simeone. From 1958 - 1962 this choir arrangement became a top 40 hit for 5 years straight! The original recording is still a very popular selling CD. (See links at the end of this article.)



After thought...

"Give careful thought..." Haggai 1:5

What would your congregation be like, if every member was in touch with their gifts, and constantly finding ways to serve with them?"

For me, no other Christmas carol softens my heart as much as ???The Little Drummer Boy.??? Why is that? I believe it is because of the thick weaving of Biblical principles in the lyrics, the compelling storyline and the reflective nature of the various drumming alliterations between thoughts. There is time both before and after each line to reflect on the beauty of the created situation. The open 6ths and arpeggiating inner voices under a simple melody effectively add to song's meditative style as well.


Below are some scriptures to enjoy from reflecting on each line of the song??? I am sure the Czech lyricist did not have ALL the scriptures in mind noted below, but he or she was very insightful into God's heart. Anyone of the lines could be a sermon title or lesson point ??? maybe a quiet time or two!

May we all set our hearts on "playing OUR drum" for God in 2007.

Not everyone can do all that you can - so do it with all your heart to honor God, our King. 

And may he smile at your humble heartfelt offerings of awe, thanksgiving and praise.

 

 

Carol of the Drum _ Italian Boys Choir

 

 

 Czech Christmas carols

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Little Drummer Boy" 

???Come??? they told me. Pa rum pa pum pum              

John 1:41-46, Isaiah 66:18-21, Matthew 28:6-7

A new born King to see Pa rum pa pum pum

Psalm 66:5, Psalm 47:2-7, Revelation 15:3-4

Our finest gifts we bring Pa rum pa pum pum

            Mark 14:3, II Timothy 2:15, II Corinthians 8:7

To lay before the king Pa rum pa pum pum ???

Romans 12:1, Psalm 4:5

So to honor him Pa rum pa pum pum ???

Psalm 33:8, Jeremiah 10:7

When we come.

Matthew 11:28, Mark 10:14

 

 

Baby Jesus Pa rum pa pum pum

Isaiah 9:6-9, 11:6-9

I am a poor boy too Pa rum pa pum pum

Isaiah 57:15, II Corinthians 8:9, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 2:14-17

I have no gift to bring Pa rum pa pum pum

Romans 7:18, Luke 17:10, Roman 3:12

That???s fit to give a king Pa rum pa pum pum

Psalm 116:12, Romans 11:35

Shall I play for you Pa rum pa pum pum

Zechariah 8:21-22, Jeremiah 50:4-5

On my Drum?

            I Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8

Mary nodded. Pa rum pa pum pum

                Amos 3:3, Acts 6:5

The ox and lamb kept time Pa rum pa pum pum

                Psalm 50:10-11, Psalm 119:91, Job 38:4-39:30

I played my drum for him Pa rum pa pum pum

                Mark 14:8, Phillipians 4:13

I played my best for him Pa rum pa pum pum???

            Ecclesiastes 9:10, Colossians 3:23, Mark 7:37

Then he smiled at me Pa rum pa pum pum???

Hebrews 13:16, Matthew 25:23, Isaiah 62:5, Zephaniah 3:17

Me and my drum

            Romans 11:13, Matthew 25:20, Judges 6:18, Micah 7:7, Galatians 2:8

See links for some nice recordings to enjoy and a look at the 1941 translation / score... CD of Original Harry Simeone Chorale             

Have Meaningful Christmas
and a Giving New Year!

Jerry Maday

Worcester, Massachusetts

 

Original 1941 Katherine Davis Manuscript     Little Drummer Boy Ray Charles Style

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