Nursing Home

On the way to the nursing home for the annual Burt family Christmas Eve program, we had a Mormon Tabernacle CD playing in the van. The King's Singers were singing, "The Little Drummer Boy". I have never really loved this Christmas song, but once I paid attention to the words, it became much more meaningful. Have you ever stopped to really listen to the words? I will include them here minus the "pa rum pum pum pum"'s. 

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 the 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. 

I decided it was time for a teaching moment with the kids. 

It's not always easy to know what we can "give" to Christ for Christmas. But, in the scriptures it teaches, 

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Mat. 25:40

We can "give" to Christ by giving to our fellowmen. But, what do we have to offer? Well, it may not be much, and I suppose it differs from person to person, and family to family. We planned to cheer a heart or two by singing/playing carols of hope, peace, and joy to those who are lonely and struggling through their last stage of life. We can lift a soul and bring a smile to someone's face through music, even if what we have to offer isn't perfect. Although we certainly don't sing and play like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, what we have is sufficient when we have the Spirit of Christ with us. 

First, we set up the nativity, which includes all of the grandchildren. 

Anna was Mary this year. They were very serious back then, don't you think?

Our little family quartet. I feel bad that Marianne is hiding behind her stand.

James learned "Jingle Bells" just for this occasion. It was pretty dang cute.

Magan and Ashley joined us on violin and viola for a few numbers. Notice the nativity below. Sarah, James, and William especially crack me up. Who are their parents anyway??? (We forgot the doll for baby Jesus, by the way. In case you were wondering. Minor detail.)

We didn't get any pictures of the whole clan singing - I suppose because anyone who could take pictures was...singing! William and Sarah each played a piano solo. We also heard some lovely piano playing from Magan, Ashley, and Alece. And, Ashely sang the first verse of Silent Night. It was beautiful!

The Burt brothers contributed by standing around looking cool - when they weren't singing, of course.

I am glad we continue to keep up this tradition every year despite the busy schedules and frantic last-minute preparations for Christmas. It really is a meaningful part of the holiday for us.