Slideshow image

Returning to Christmas carols people like and for which they have requested a Sanitizer, we turn to the carols about drums. I was asked to write about the carol ”The Little Drummer Boy.” This is an endearing song which calls to mind “In the Bleak Midwinter.” In “The Bleak Midwinter,” the singer has nothing to give the baby Jesus so she gives him her heart. In the Little Drummer Boy, the boy has nothing to give so he plays his drum for Jesus.

A little research taught me that there have been television shows featuring the story. A “stop action “ version was made for television in 1968. But an article by a sympathetic reviewer laments that it is rarely shown any more. The author believes it is because children much prefer “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and because of the Drummer Boys “heavy” biblical references. (The show was awarded 75% by Rotten Tomatoes. By comparison “Home Alone” got 68% and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” got 100%, “Elf” got 84% and “Christmas Story” got 89%. Rotten Tomatoes did not have anything on “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.” For those who don’t know, Rotten Tomatoes rates movies and TV shows).[1] (Fun fact, “Charlie Brown’s Christmas was awarded an Emmy in 1966 for being an outstanding children’s program and Charles Schutz accepting the prize joked, “Charlie Brown is not used to winning, so we thank you.” An upcoming Sanitizer will address the biography of Charles Schulz, creator of Charlie Brown.) I’m not so sure…

At any rate the story is the little drummer boy (Aaron) comes into contact with Magi and ends up in Jerusalem at the stable. There he plays his drum for Jesus and this resonates with the animals who “keep time” with the rhythm.

I find the most touching line is the one where the little drummer boy says to Jesus, “I am a poor boy too.” I think this song resonates so much because it encourages us to “play our best for him.” We do not approach the throne of Jesus with nothing. Each of us has given by God something (s) worthy to honor him. We just need to surrender them in homage.

Now more about drums and Christmas. I mentioned to Jean Thomas how much I liked the carol she loves. “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” I then said how I like that the range of the tune is compatible with original pipe flutes of the Huron tribe. Jean asked, “What about the drums?” I had to admit that I had failed to notice the drums. Not all the performances of the carol on the internet feature the drum. I encourage you to find a rendition that does play the drum prominently. Jean is right. The rhythm provided by the native drum really carries the hallowed beauty of this carol. Many “modern” renditions” do not allow the drum to sound through. It makes a great difference.

By the way, my research this time also taught me that this carol is believed (and surely is) the oldest Christmas carol composed in North America. We will sing it in church next Christmas, you can be sure of that.

Please pray with me. “Lord, native Americans called you gitchi Manitou. We thank you that there are names for you, the only true and living God, in all languages. Most importantly is your name written on the heart. Your Son Jesus was born for all nations, tribes and tongues, including ours. Help us never to forget that ‘red and yellow, black and white,’ they are precious in his sight. ‘Jesus loves the little children of the world.’ And the big ones too. Help us to love neighbor as self and to rejoice in our differences and that we are all sisters and brothers in you, made in your image, everyone. Amen.

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum


A new born king to see
Pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

To lay before the king
Pa rum pum pum pum,

Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum

So to honor him
Pa rum pum pum pum

When we come
Pum pum pum pum


Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pumPa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum

Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum pa rum

Little baby
Pa rum pum pum pum

I am a poor boy too
Pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give our king
Pa rum pum pum pum,

Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum

Shall I play for you
Pa rum pum pum pum
Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum

Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum

I played my drum for him
Pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum

Then he smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new born king to see
Pa rum pum pum pum

Me and my drum
Me and my drum
Me and my drum
Me and my drum
Rum pum pum pum