The Little Drummer Boy, a more recent Christmas favorite, was written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis. Apparently it was written as a song for young choirs in celebration of Christmas – particularly since the song is written from the perspective of a little boy who comes to see the newborn King.
It reminds me of a simple Christmas poem written by Christina Rosetti (it’s a poem my children had to memorize in kindergarten)
What can I give him – small as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I’d give him a lamb
If I were a wiseman, I’d do my part.
Yet what shall I give him? Give him my heart.
So, which author chose this song as her favorite?
What a fun question, Pepper. I love Christmas music! I listen to carols and songs the entire month of December and never tire of them. “Silent Night” is probably my favorite carol. I always tear up when I sing it. But I’m choosing a sentimental favorite, “The Little Drummer Boy,” my mom’s favorite Christmas song. She’s been gone for twelve years. I miss her, especially at Christmas, her favorite time of the year. In December her Little Drummer Boy music box sets in a special place at our house. The paint is chipped in a spot or two. The sound isn’t perfect but the message of the song remains strong. The little drummer boy had nothing to give the newborn king except a desire to play his drum—the very best he could–for Baby Jesus. The song is a precious reminder that we don’t have to spend money or wear ourselves out to honor those we love with a gift. Especially Jesus. All He wants is our hearts, to come and adore Him with the simple faith of a child.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday we’ll have a poignant post about the song I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
I think Pepper forgot to say that this is Janet talking here. (It’s okay, Pepper. :-)) Janet, I love The Little Drummer Boy too! I was my favorite Christmas movie when I was little and I couldn’t wait for it come on TV every year. (Back then we could only watch a movie once a year–no DVD’s or even VCR’s!) And I’ve always loved that song.
Nice to know you love the song, too, Melanie! Hard to remember when we couldn’t put a movie in a DVD player. Now VCRs are passé though we still have them. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Melanie and Pepper!
Hey, Pepper, what’s your favorite Christmas song?
Janet,
Well, if we’re going with ‘carols’, my favorite is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. I love the sense of anticipation and longing all mingled together.
This Christmas our choir is singing a newly composed Christmas song and I’ve fallen in love with it. It’s called The Yearning. (here- http://www.jwpepper.com/10276203.item )
And another song we’re singing this year is When Love Came Down (here- http://www.jwpepper.com/10009736.item )
Words and music matching makes a song for me 🙂
Thanks for asking, Janet
Both songs are beautiful, inspiring. Are you a member of the choir?
Yep! A soprano 1. How about you?
I like to write music too 🙂