When the Lord saved me in 1997 at the age of 17, I had artists like Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Led Zeppelin bumping and rocking in my car stereo system, but my much more sanctified and spiritually mature future wife began to introduce me to Christian artists.  One band that really moved me into listening to more Christian music was Jars of Clay.  Their debut self-titled album from 1995 was absolutely awesome and still is!

One of my favorite Christmas songs growing up had always been “The Little Drummer Boy.”  So, when I found out Jars of Clay had a version of it, I had to hear it and have loved it ever since.  They, of course, lend their alternative rock/pop sound to the classic lyrics, which originally went by the title “Carol of the Drum.”  The band’s version of the song has been so popular they’ve released it three different times over the course of their 18-year career (first in 1995 and last in 2007).  It has become a Christmas classic, if no other book but mine!

Here’s a live version of Jars of Clay’s “Drummer Boy” as arranged on their 2007 Christmas Songs album.  Worship the Lord this Wednesday as you prepare your heart for the Celebration of the Incarnation, puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum!

Come, they told me (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
A newborn king to see (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
Our finest gifts we bring (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
To lay before the king (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
So, to honor Him (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
When we come

Little baby (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
I am a poor boy too (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
I have no gifts to bring (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
That’s fit to give a king (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
Shall I play for you (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
On my drum?

Mary nodded (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
The ox and lamb kept time (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
I played my drum for Him (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
I played my best for Him (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
Then, He smiled at me (puh-rrrum-puh-pum-pum)
Me and my drum