Father Job asked for the little drummer boy.
During the Epiphany, I think
about what gifts I can bring. This thought reminds me of childhood song and TV
show, “The Little Drummer Boy.”
It takes place at the time of
Jesus’ birth. The little drummer boy had witnessed his parents death. The only
joy in his life was a drum his father had given him and his traveling companions,
a lamb, a donkey, and a camel that danced as he played.
The boy meets three kings traveling
to find the infant Jesus. Soon after, the boy’s lamb is severely injured. Returning
to the wise men, they tell him only the King of Kings can help, “Go and look
upon the infant Jesus.”
Seeing the baby Jesus, the little
drummer boy was moved to give the only gift his has, to play his drum for him.
Come they told me, parum papum pum- A new born King to see, parum papum pum.”
The baby Jesus smiled. In that
smile, the drummer boy finds joy.
This story is not in the bible; but,
it is the story of Epiphany. The finding of Jesus, realizing there is something
more, and discovering Jesus our salvation.
The Gospel tells us the magi were
foreigners to Israel. Yet, they realize the truth: Christ is for all - God’s
salvation is for all. Lord all the nations shall adore
you.
The Christ child smiled on many,
the shepherds, the wise men, and if he was there, the little drummer boy. He
smiles on us, even today. The world needs the gift found in the joy of that
smile. What gift do you bring?
This past week, I met to discuss outreach
programs with construction companies. These companies have adopted schools. One
member questioned, “Do we Care About
these schools or do we Care For
these schools? He continued, “There is a big difference.”
If you cares about the outreach all
you need to see is the company name on the billboard. If you care for the
outreach you want to see it thrive.
What a great question to ask on
Faith and Church, Do You Care About them
or Do You Care For them? I think there is a difference.
To care about something is to have an interest; but, if you care for something it is more about
love. You want to see it thrive.
Herod cared about Jesus.
He wanted to know who he was for his own reason. Mary and Joseph cared for Jesus. They
loved him. They wanted to see him thrive.
Herod’s priests and scribes cared
about Jesus. They knew prophesy and where the messiah was to be born. The magi cared for Jesus bringing
gifts so that he could thrive. They payed homage child then protected him by
leaving another way.
God cares for & loves us. He protects us in adversity and
defends those who put their trust in him. He is our refuge and our strength. He
cares for & loves us to
send his only begotten son.
Jesus went to the cross because
He cares for & loves us. God cares for us.
As believers we want to care for & love the things
Jesus told us to do, we care for &
love the church and all she asks us to do, and we care for & love the things the Holy Spirit brings. We care for & love each other.
About Faith and Church, Do You Care About them or Do You Care For & love them? What
gifts do you have to share?
Maybe something as simple as the
little drummer boy’s gift:
I played my drum for Him, parum papum pum I
played my best for Him, parum papum pum, parum papum pum, rum pum-pum-pum,
Then He smiled at me, parum papum
pum. Me and my drum.
My brothers and sisters what gift
do you bring for the care & love
of faith and for the care & love of church. What gift do
you bring to care for & love
each other?
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