Christmas IX - Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, bishops and teachers of the faith

 

Drummers Drumming

 1 Jn 2:22-29; Ps 98:1-5; Jn 1:19-28 

The Ninth Day of Christmas -  January 2  

 

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine drummers drumming . . .  At last my favourite gift for the popular Christmas song for a well-wishing suitor to provide many gifts to his (her) intended to please the receiver of true love. This gift is certainly my favourite in that I can think of nothing better than drummers and a series of drums to add to the noise of a busy and hectic season.  

 

The Gospel reading for this day, while not addressing drums and noise makers directly, does tell us that whatever the son does, he can only do what he sees the Father do:  

 

Jesus gave them this answer: Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.  For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.  Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him. Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. We are taught by our father.

 

John 5:19-24 

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Why the drummers and drums and why do they strike my fancy?  Drums were probably the first musical instrument humans ever developed and played. The were simple: merely a log and tanned stretched animal skin. They kept rhythm and emulated heart beats and breathing rates. And would soothe babies into slumber and calm others. Played loudly they forecast thunder, war and battles or approaching armies and well as ceremonies. 

 

These are gifts of the father. There was also the tale of a young shepherd boy, who at a loss for a present for the baby Jesus, played his drum for Him, a rum paa paa pum,

 

In Junior and Senior High School, I seriously took up the drums with the school bands and the highlight was the Tympani or as we called them Kettle drums. Often the resounding vibrations could be felt by the various woodwinds, strings and brass in front and well into the first few rows of audience. The highlight of my tympani career in school, was an impromptu performance of George of the Jungle on the tympani for the student body just before the mass tune-up. That may have been a Sin of the Son.  

 

Some of you that are keeping track of the days and themes may be questioning how day nine became drummers drumming.   My research into the days of the song has found at least four references to which gift is on what day. Some references are day ten and twelve, others include day nine (church nursery book) and my necktie made of fine Japanese silk indicate day eleven -  apologies to those who may follow with their stories,

 

Michael Larsen

 

 

Carol of the Bells  Percussion Ensemble and Drumline