Royal Performances

I didn't consciously think that sitting on the edge of my seat would help me drink in the symphony music any deeper, but I certainly was going to try. Up went the binoculars, down went the lights, and out came the world-renowned pianist. I'd watched a documentary years ago depicting her gold medal performance at a highly acclaimed international piano competition, but to watch her play in front of me nine years later, was an incredible honor. After adjusting her dress, carefully positioning her hands on the keys, and taking a deep breath, Rachmaninoff's finger-bending concerto began to flow from the ornate Steinway on center stage. I'd learned a bit about the historical background of the piece and its composer, so I had a deeper understanding of the music my ears feasted on. Thirty minutes later, the unrelenting ovations from the audience provoked the performer to play one last classical piece. I was in awe of the talent God had given this young performer.

Yet, her performance didn't draw me to tears like another instrumentalist does. Year after year, every time I hear the song, I inevitably tear up. I don't know anything about the composer, nor do I know the historical background of when this piece was written...but when I read the story behind the music, the melody will play in my memory and I become nearly inseparable in identifying with the soloist who performs.

Here are the lyrics from the "Little Drummer Boy."

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.

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 the King, (pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,)

Shall I play for you, (pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum)?

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.

So whatever your "drum" may be; however meager, simple, or small your gift seems to you, let's play our best for King Jesus...and see Him smile with pleasure at your performance to bless Him. Col. 3:23-24 NIV "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."