The Little Drummer Boy - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - December 23, 2025

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"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16

I'll be honest, there are plenty of Christmas jingles that make my head hurt (and are often my husband's favorites, ha!). But the only Christmas hymn that has ever made me wrinkle my nose is "The Little Drummer Boy". Granted, I had no qualms with the little guy; I wanted him to hurry up and get to the manager. Lyrically, the song dragged on, but the lyrics weren't bad. Meanwhile, each musical composition was either a classic version with a choir that sounded as though it was singing a funeral march or a modern rock ' n ' roll version that made me reach for the Ibuprofen. 

However—and this is a big however—after having my son, who is now a romping, stomping toddler, "The Little Drummer Boy" makes me pause in a good way. The lyrics still my frantic mama heart, and I can't help but consider the power of these simple (though repetitive) verses. 

My son has recently discovered how much he loves to dance and sing, and when I hear him stumbling his way through "Jesus Loves Me", I'm pretty sure God is allowing a bit of heaven to kiss earth. It's divine. I have no doubt. So, as I imagine this little drummer boy who seems relatively young, all strapped up with his favorite musical instrument, I see a God who welcomes our talents for His glory. 

While my son already shows incredible rhythm and accurate throwing capabilities, I'm not sure precisely which gifts God has endowed him with. Still, I am sure God grants us, even so young, gifts that bring us true joy when they are used in the name of what is good, true, pure, and lovely. God is so kind as to let us experience joy when we give Him praise. He is not bestowing good things upon us. 

Then there is the undeniable obedience of this little drummer. The lyrics share that people told him to play his drum, and that's what he did. There was no hesitation, no questioning, no weighing the time or finances the journey might cost. He obeyed, and in such blind, willing obedience, he was granted access to God's presence, heaven's Ruler on earth, nestled in a bed of hay. 

What I find so touching in these lyrics is the boy's immediate understanding of God's worth, his natural humility in confessing that he has no gift he believes worthy for the Savior. His raw, honest humility isn't whining or bah-humbug; it's simply him recognizing the unearthly awe and wonder wrapped in swaddling clothes. But Jesus didn't leave his gift of humility without a gift in return. The little drummer had the honor of playing his drum, the thing that surely brought him joy, for the King of kings. And the King's gift in return was His smile, His adoration, His genuine affection for the little one with little to offer. Undoubtedly, this brought the little drummer boy a deep meaning that he would carry from this life into eternity. 

This Christmas hymn, which once made me want to run my head through a wall, has become a prayer of sorts for my toddler son (and the little son I now carry in my womb). I plead with God to grant my boys His undeniable presence and intimacy while they are so young, so that they can grow in their understanding of His goodness and cultivate their God-given talents for His glory. I pray they know they will always mean something more than this world can identify because the God of heaven knows them, smiles upon them, and loves them enough to only ask, despite their sinfulness, that they come. 

And isn't that the miraculous Christmas invitation for us all? 

Let's pray:

Father, in this Christmas season, may we lean into the gift of your presence and salvation. Your humble beginnings on earth remind us that we can come before you as lowly sinners to discover your grace, to find that you smile on your children as they messily pursue you. May we recognize the talents you have given us and use them to your honor and glory. As "O Holy Night" beautifully says, may our souls feel your worth as we celebrate your coming. In your holy name, Jesus, Amen.

 Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mikolette

Peyton Garland is an author, editor, and boy mama who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. Subscribe to her blog Uncured+Okay for more encouragement.

Related Resource: CMA Country Christmas Artists Share Their Stories of Faith

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