One of the favorite Christmas songs for many is the “Little Drummer Boy.” It is a story that is not Biblical, but it does drive home a Biblical message. We come to worship God and serve him with the gifts and talents that we have. We are not to compare our ability to worship and serve with what others can do. We, of course, recognize that every gift, drumming, singing, teaching, serving is from God. And so, when we worship and serve him in ministry, we are giving back to God that which he has given to us.
But I found this picture that put a different twist on the song that I thought at first was funny, and secondly also gave to us a message that we need to read and take to heart. Sometimes we are not as discerning and sensitive as we should be. This does not mean that our intentions or motivation are faulty. Sometimes those are well-meaning. But they are not always sensitive to the situation. Therefore, we can do and say and give things that are not needed, necessary or helpful.
The little drummer boy was thinking about what might be needed, what might be helpful, what might be good at this time. But in this twist, what Mary needed was silence and a chance to rest and even to take a little nap.
We encounter many people at this time of the year in a variety of situations. What we don’t often know what is the situation which they are in and what they really need. We may guess, but what we need to do is to be discerning, sensitive, and even ask. Maybe they need a break. Maybe they need you to just to be present. Maybe they need a simple “thank you.” Let us not push our own agenda or ideas or opinions onto their situation. This encouragement is not just good during the Christmas season, but throughout the year.
Paul wrote, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2.4) Let us help make this a great Christmas season for everyone as we try harder to be sensitive and discerning to the needs and interests of others.
In Christ Alone
Bermudian Church
No responses yet