pa rum pum pum pum
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.
Christmas is not my Birthday. Yet in the commercialism of the season, it becomes very easy to think that it is. All the ads scream invitations for us to treat ourselves and to celebrate a "year well done." Is Christmas really about us now? We grow up writing lists of our Christmas wishes. (I remember in 5th grade I asked for a boom box, Mariah Carey cd, new pointe shoes, and an american girl doll). And lists are innocent enough -- until they come with entitlement: "I want this because I deserve this." Christmas gifts are not out of a tradition of rewards (contrary to want Santa Claus might say). Christmas gifts come out of a tradition of gratitude, humbleness, generosity, and most of all worship!
Those who came to see the new born Jesus brought gifts to lay at His feet. The wise man didn't bring gold to show that he was the best gift giver; he brought gold because it was precious to him and he wanted to show the depth of his love. The little drummer boy brought forth his talent and played his best for him! In the midst of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, full of heart and joy -- he played his best, glorifying God. It's not about flashy electronics, new wardrobes, or jewelry! This is what Christmas asks of us: that we lay aside our ego, lay aside our sense of entitlement and pride and give freely in celebration that Christ the King is born, humbly giving with all our heart.
It's not wrong to give and receive presents. It's all about the spirit behind it. Jesus did not ask for shiny, expensive, or the most unique gifts on the planet, but was/is pleased when we come before him, giving our best.
{The image above comes from Cool People Cares "Christmas is not my Birthday: 2010 Gifts with and Impact" project -- promoting gifts that mean something not just to the recipient, but to the whole world.}
So true!!! Oh, I just love this post!
ReplyDeleteI love this Blair. Praise Him!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful post! Kisses
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully said. I have scaled way back on gifts it's so easy to get wrapped up in the materialism of the holiday when the mall had the Santa station up and decked out before Halloween. I do think the meaning of the Holiday gets lost in all of the chaos. xo
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's a great reminder to all ans we all sometimes get carried away with the shopping and whatnots. May we give to others because God gave to us.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day Blair! <333
Hi Blair!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I absolutely love it! The sweet colors and lovely posts, such as this one, are a beautiful combination! Definitely a new follower! :)
I totally agree with the fact that this society puts such pressure on everyone to focus on the materialism that comes with the holiday. We can easily forget the real reason for celebrating amongst the colored lights, full stockings and decorated trees. Thank you for the great reminder that we are to give the best of who and what we are to Christ, especially at Christmas! It brings the focus back on Him and off of us. I look forward to reading more posts of yours in the future :)
xoxo
Candice
http://candiceelaineh.blogspot.com
Loved this post, Blair! Amidst seeing everyone's Christmas lists - which like you said, are not necessarily a bad thing - this was a breath of fresh air. :]
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. Very important to remember the true spirit and intent of the season.
ReplyDeleteLovely. We don't do a big present thing here, simple and more of a gesture but I needed to read this today. I've been feeling "put upon" by so many demands and this made me think I need to open my heart and give of my time a little more generously, if not always then at the very least during Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put. Thank you for this reminder! So true!
ReplyDeleteHey, sorry I haven't commented in forever it seems! Today I am listening to all of your wiggles music. :)
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is close to christmas... lol
Blair--thank you so much for resetting my focus today. Sometimes I forget that all the excitement and craziness of the month is completely overshadowed by Christ's birth.
ReplyDeleteLove it, Blair! We all get carried away and forget the true meaning. Thanks for a (nice and lovely) slap upside the head. AKA - reminder!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so much. Christmas is not my birthday.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing Blair :)
xoxo
So beautiful & a perfect reminder for this amazing season. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love this post :)
ReplyDeleteamen girl.
ReplyDeleteAmen! So true and so often forgotten in this age. Thanks for this post, Blair.
ReplyDeleteI love you Blair! and I love this post. Inspires me to add a lil something to my next post :) xo
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. This post just gave me chills, and I happen to be listening to O Holy Night which only emphasized your beautiful point. We need to appreciate the true reason for this season, when Jesus Christ was born.
ReplyDeletelove. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post!
it is very hard not to get caught up in the materialistic part of Christmas. it's always nice to sit back and remind ourselves why we are doing what are doing and the reason we are giving gifts to people we care about. and to try not to think too much about what we're going to get! lovely post.
ReplyDeletelove.Love.LOVE this post!
ReplyDeleteI love the giving way more than the receiving!
ReplyDeleteSO true! I love this post!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! Thanks for helping us all realize the true meaning of the holidays!
ReplyDeleteamen! thank you bringing us back to a true focus on what Christmas is all about!!!
ReplyDeletelove that you posted this! So true!
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! It's all about the spirit and the meaning of Christmas! I am going to be big on teaching my daughter this as she grows older!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this post it reminded me of something Donald Miller tweeted about the other day. He said, "I really wish more stores would take Christ out of Christmas to distance Him from over-consumerism." Its so true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! :)