There are many wonderful Christmas songs that I never tired of hearing or singing. O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World. Many “secular” songs that are timeless. The Christmas Song, Silver Bells, I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
But the very worst – the worst – Christmas song (YES- I know – maybe you’ll respond to this!) is The Little Drummer Boy. The version that is most popular has 23 “parumpapumpums” in it. That is about 22 too many! I turn it off every time. My hands move toward my ears.
But. But. I decided to look more closely at the words. And when I get beyond the parumpapumpums, the words are marvelous.
Come, they told me a new born King to see
Our finest gifts we bring to lay before the King
So to honor Him when we come
Little baby, I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring, that’s fit to give a King
Shall I play for you, on my drum
Mary nodded, the ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for Him, I played my best for Him
Then He smiled at me, me and my drum.
In the beginning there was a sense of awe. These newly converted, water baptized, Spirit-filled believers were full of awe. Acts tells us that they were in awe at the mighty signs and wonders that God was doing in and through them. There was an air of expectancy. They wanted to be together. They did not want to miss a thing. At any moment something spectacular might happen. And they continued together in one mind, and in gladness and sincerity of heart, with joy.
When I first trusted Christ and was Spirit baptized some 46 years ago, I began attending a little meeting in Cullowhee at WCU. It was just about 10 or 12 college students, and a couple of professors. We met on Saturday nights in a house. Here we were, 18-19-20 year old students using our Saturday night in worship and study while the rest of the campus was “out and about.” I’ve been there. Many of you have as well.
How I looked forward to that meeting. I did not want to miss it. There was such anticipation. We started calling it “Saturday Night Live.” We were getting to know our Savior, and with each chorus, each Scripture song, we seemed to grow closer. More in love. We were young. We were foolish. We came early and stayed late. It was a celebration.
Then. I got married. Then I got a job. Then I had kids. Then I had responsibilities. Then I got busy. I “matured.” And the excitement, the anticipation began to wane. And, then I discovered that many times I found excuses to skip.
What happened? Obviously God moved, right? He changed, right? Well we know the answers to those 2 questions. It’s all on me.
The closest pattern to New Testament worship meeting guidelines that I can find is in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14.
1 Cor. 14.26 “When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”
Paul writes in chapter 14 and verse 26 “When you assemble”. When you assemble. Just this Sunday morning I was “assembled.” And in this assembly there is the possibility that EACH ONE has something. to give. Something to offer. Something to strengthen the Body. Jesus revealing Himself in and through the Body.
Did I – did you – enter “the assembly” today presenting ourselves to our Father as a living sacrifice, making ourselves available to Him. Did I come with gladness and sincerity of heart? Did I come with anticipation? Did I bring my drum – my gift – and “play my best for Him?”
Paul continues, in verse 6, to say that God works all things in all persons. To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. One has a word of wisdom, another has a word of knowledge. Another has faith. Another has a prophecy. Another effects miracles.
Surely there is a mistake!!
I have no gift to bring! I am just a poor boy! I have nothing fit for a King! I am not part of the “each one.” I am excluded from “all.”
If this is my attitude, then I may as well turn my face away from Jesus and call Him a liar! The drummer boy was poor, but he had a drum. And so do I.
AND —I can rediscover my joy. My anticipation. My excitement.
When you assemble! Each one! Holy Spirit in me. Same Holy Spirit in you!
There are many different meetings that we can attend. I guess all are good. Bible studies. Prayer groups. Women’s meetings. But there is normally only one corporate meeting per week for most of us. It should be special. It should be something I do not want to miss.It should be something that produces awe, because at any moment God could and might do something unforgettable.
And what have I brought? Maybe I only have a little bitty drum. A broken tambourine. A rusty gift that used to be vibrant in me. So I say today, to myself first, and to you, that we should refocus ourselves on this time together. I COME TODAY WITH WHAT I HAVE. LORD, USE ME IF YOU PLEASE. WHAT I HAVE I YIELD TO YOU, AND IF YOU DESIRE TO MINISTER THROUGH ME TODAY TO STRENGTHEN SOMEONE THEN I WILL BE BLESSED AND HONORED.
I OFFER YOU MY DRUM. I WILL PLAY MY BEST FOR YOU – TODAY.
And in my spirit, I believe that the Lord Himself will smile at us, when we come together offering what we have and believing that He delights in seeing His church built up.
So create in me a clean heart. O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of salvation.
Well, enough for now. I have more to add. But maybe another day.
i