Caroling the Gospel (But Not Really), Bonus Round: Some Children See Him

[NOTE:  This is from a series I did on another blog.  Hence the tardiness.  I promise, it was timely when I first wrote it.  The full series is available here.  Enjoy!]

This Christmas carol doesn't actually include the gospel, but it does address an aspect of the Christmas story that is often overlooked.  Written by an American jazz musician in the 1950s, it's probably one of the most politically correct Christmas songs around--which accounts for its popularity among recording artists (though lots of folks are unfamiliar with the song).  I love this Tennessee Ernie Ford version. 

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 Savior whom we kneel beside.
some children see Him almond-eyed,
with skin of yellow hue.
Some children see Him dark as they,
sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.
Some children see him dark as they,
and, ah! 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.
O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering,
come worship now the infant King.
'Tis love that's born tonight!

It's a great reminder that caucasians--or even western culture in general--don't have a corner on the Jesus story.  In all probability, His earthly ethnicity was Middle Eastern (not white), but He is available to all peoples as if He belonged to their race.  The whole point of the incarnation is that He became what we are--God became man.  He became one of us.  Each race has an equal claim to this Christ--He is a high priest for all peoples, and all nations will worship Him.

Interspersed with this reminder that He came as a savior for all races, we see that the baby Jesus was the Lord of Heaven come to earth.  We are to kneel beside him (a combination of kneeling before Him and drawing close to Him), pray to Him, love Him, and worship Him.  He is the embodiment of God's love, filled with grace and light, and He is King. 

Amen.

To read the first entry in the series, 'Caroling the Gospel I: What Child Is This?', click here.