countdown timer based on server clock and php variable from SQL database

I need to create a 'live' countdown timer on my page, which counts down the difference between the server clock, and a unique date and time held on an SQL database.  Different users will have different times in their profiles, so the timer needs to act upon a variable called from the SQL database.  I know a bit of PHP but no javascript, and am wondering if this is the right language to use to solve my problem?  

I am hoping I can copy a simple javascript countdown code from somewhere, and insert php to call the variable (i.e. instead of writing "2006" in the javascript for the clock, I write in a php tag with an echo call to the $variable), but am unsure if the languages will work together in this way.

Any tips on where to look, how to approach this problem would be most appreciated.