I Have No Gift To Bring

I seem to be drawn to songs about simple, personal, heartfelt gifts this Christmas. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ on Friday, I offer a selection that takes me back to my childhood.

"The Little Drummer Boy" was always a favorite of my Mom and my Grandmother, not because they had a deep love for the melody or the lyrics - but because there was something special about that little boy, their little boy, playing his drum. For many years, from the age of 9 or 10 until my teens, I took out my snare drum and played along with this classic carol. Like many tweens and teen-agers, I remember trying so hard to be cool that I couldn't possibly have heard the message, but obviously some of it stayed with me.

"I have no gift to bring, thats fit to give a King - Shall I play for you, on my drum? - I played my drum for Him, I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me, me and my drum." What a powerful gift, taking your talent and sharing it with others. The love you pour into performing is readily seen and felt by others. Shepherds and wise men came to see Him and bring Him gifts, yet it wasn't gold that made Him smile - it was the boy and his drum playing. I'd say that gift was fit to give a King, wouldn't you?

Merry Christmas and Peace, Mark

What Can I Give Him ?

As the weather's turned colder the past few days, I've been reminiscing about winters past. One of the most memorable was 1978/79, when we had 20+ days of sub-zero temperatures and the most snow on record! I'm pretty sure we sang this weeks SOTW each and every Sunday that winter....

Despite the constant trip to frigid times, In the Bleak Midwinter has become one of my favorite Christmas carols. I selected an updated version by Paul Colman Trio from a compilation CD - City on a Hill, It's Christmas Time. I like its simple message: Give Him what you can, your heart will more than suffice.

Such a Tiny Offering

Why does it feel like the Christmas season has really snuck up on me? With just over two weeks before the "big day", my holiday preparations are way behind schedule. This week I chose a song by MercyMe because it really got me moving toward the celebration of Jesus' birth. "God With Us" reminded me that Emmanuel was coming. The season of preparing and rejoicing - Advent and Christmas - were here.

The lines near the end of the song kept going through my mind - "Such a tiny offering, compared to Calvary.....For you alone be glorified. Emmanuel, God with us!" I thought of the poor widow who gave two coins - a pittance, compared to what others offered - yet it was considered the greatest gift because it was all she had. Its not always the size of the present, but the depth of love that goes into it.

As we make our offerings to family and friends this Christmas, lets try to be more personal and less materialistic. And let's remember our "tiny gifts", glorifying the Christ Child - true offerings of ourselves.