"Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum!"

Let’s explore some real-life encounters where little things multiplied into big things.

Consider the story behind the story and a lesson behind the lesson of a Christmas carol you may not know much about. Do you know the original name of "The Little Drummer Boy"? The original name was "Carol of the Drum," written in 1941 by Katherine Davis. The Von Trapp Family Singers, the family portrayed in The Sound of Music, recorded "The Little Drummer Boy" in 1955. While the events in the song probably didn't happen, the carol offers some great lessons and a peaceful melody for us in the car. And this song started small but is now enjoyed by people all over the world. 

Author David McLaughlan gives a summary of The Little Drummer Boy in his book, It’s a Wonderful Life. He writes, “In the movie, Maria (Julie Andrews) makes a difference in the lives of a wealthy family through simple acts, always giving her best.” She sews play clothes for the baron’s children from curtains, lets them climb trees, and allows them to snuggle with her during a thunderstorm. “None of these things cost money, but they mean a lot to the children.” 

Now there’s a life lesson for us! Maria’s use of simple things, along with quality time spent with the Von Trapp children, led to a whole new perspective and attitude in them. We may not have money and priceless gifts as the Magi did, but with young kids, material things don't matter. Time is more valuable than money in children’s eyes. If you don’t have much to give at Christmas, give what you have from the heart. 

The little drummer boy played a tune on his humble, cheap drum. He didn’t compare what he had to offer with what the Magi had given. He gave what he had sincerely and joyfully. The boy offered his best to Jesus in a song. “And He smiled at me, Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum.” The tune must have been good because the ox and lamb kept time with it.  

David McLaughlan writes, “Very few will be able to give as the Magi gave, but each of us can give as the little drummer boy did. He gave a tune. We can offer a prayer, a song, an encouraging word, or a helping hand to someone in need. If we give it to Him (or one of His children) with all our hearts, then it will be enough.” I would add quality time. And if Jesus smiles because of our efforts, well, could there be a better gift, at any time of the year?

Each year at Christmas, we see this beautiful display of God's nature once again — God started small and grew big. Think about when Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. Notice that Jesus didn’t create two new fish; He multiplied the fish. The little boy in this miracle gave baby Jesus what he had. Someone has to offer something first for it to be multiplied. Little becomes much when you place it in God’s hands. 

Christmas was a new beginning, and this changed everything. God started small to go big. God began with a baby, in an obscure part of Israel, with two nobodies, in a manger and stable, because there was no room in town, and was visited by lowly shepherds tending their sheep. (The Magi came a year after Christ was born). Often, when you're down to nothing, God’s up to something.

From time to time, many of us will feel lower than a snake's belly; in fact, you feel like a person in the following story.

"Where would you be if you had all the money your heart desires? If you had no worries? If you come home to find the finest meal awaiting you? Where would you be if your bathwater had been run? If you had perfect children? If your partner was awaiting you with open arms and kisses? So, where would you be? Hello? You’d be in the wrong house!"

Are you in the wrong house? Here’s an encouragement for us: If God started with a baby, don’t be afraid to start again or to start small. Valuable lessons are learned in those ‘small’ days. There’s nothing wrong with starting small. Do you have relationship problems? Do you have financial problems? Need a fresh start? Bring what you have and who you are.  

I remember when I started Central Bindery in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1974, which ran for 46 years. I was my only employee at first. I took a risk with my 24-year-old life and $3000 I had, and I got a loan. But six years later, I had 43 employees. Those six years were a lot of work as I had to learn the industry, learn from my mistakes, and build a business. What happened? Without even knowing it, I gave something first for it to be multiplied, just like that drummer boy.    

Many think some things are too good to be true. Sometimes, good things still happen, like Christmas. Christmas has happened and still happens.  

If you feel like the drummer boy this Christmas, why not give what you have? Give Jesus your small heart and let Him multiply it for others’ benefit. “And He smiled at me, Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum!”