The Color of Jesus

​In churches throughout North America and Europe, manger scenes, complete with blonde-haired, blue-eyed versions of baby Jesus, are ready for the celebration of Christmas. Of course, this representation of Jesus is historically inaccurate (and many pastors, including this one, seem to relish pointing out the inaccuracy). If our representations of the Christ child lead us to an exclusive Messiah, one that looks like us to the exclusion of others, then we have a problem… a heresy, really.

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​These is, however, another way of looking at the diverse way in which humans imagine the baby that occupies the humble manger. The incarnation of Jesus does indeed mean that God in Christ takes on human flesh in all its various hues and shapes. This is expressed most beautifully in one of my most treasured Christmas carols.
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Some Children See Him was composed by Alfred Burt (April 22, 1920 – February 7, 1954) an American jazz musician who wrote between 1942 and 1954 an annual Christmas carol with an old family friend, Wilha Hutson. He would send the festive song out each year as an annual holiday gift. This was the one he wrote in 1951.

Some children see Him lily white
The baby Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white
With tresses soft and fair

Some children see Him bronzed and brown
The Lord of heav'n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
With dark and heavy hair

Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of golden hue

Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray
Some children see him dark as they
And, oh they love Him too

The children in each different place
Will see the baby Jesus' face
Like theirs, but bright, with heavenly grace
And filled with holy light

Oh, lay aside each earthly thing
And with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King
'Tis love that's born tonight

'Tis love that's born tonight

Love is born. Hope is born. Jesus is born. Look into the face of the child who lies in swaddling clothes and see yourself.  See him white, black, brown, yellow, red; see him with your eyes and hair. He was born for you. Look into his eyes and see the you that God made you to be. That is the miracle of the incarnation. Lay aside each earthly thing that divides humanity and offer a heart open to Jesus and in all his glorious colors, shapes, sizes.

Merry Christmas to each and all.
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Pastor Tim Olson