The Gift of the Heart

Today’s message was written by Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

One of the most beloved legends of Christmas is the story of “The Little Drummer Boy.” When the Christ child was born, according to the story, many beautiful gifts were brought to the manger, gifts of great beauty and splendor. But one small boy was very poor and had nothing to offer the Lord. This made him very sad. But then he thoughts, “I know what I can do, I can play my drum for him.” And so he did – “pa rum pum pum pum – pa rum pum pum pum.” He played with all the love in his heart. And as he played, so the legend tells us, the Christ Child smiled, showing that at Christmas, the gift of love is the best gift of all. 

You see, it was not so much what the drummer boy did as how and why he did it. The real key was not his drum playing. I’m sure there were better drummers around. It was his spirit, his attitude of love, his desire to celebrate, his willingness to give of himself – those were the things that made the Christ child smile. And they still do!

What can we give to the Christ Child in the Christmas season this year? What are the best gifts you and I can bring to the manger? What can we give him? 

In 1872, Christina Rossetti wrote a beautiful poem with these poignant words:

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would give Him a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man,
I would do my part,
But what I can I give Him:
I give my heart.

Let us pray: Loving God, who came into the world clothed in our garment of flesh and who willingly gave yourself to the cross, clothe us in your own Spirit, that persons will recognize you in us and receive your great gift of love. In the name of Jesus, your greatest gift. Amen.