Do you ever think about how people see Jesus? Personally, I think they see him like themselves.

There is a song called “Some Children See Him” written by Albert Burt, the son of an Episcopal priest. My source said that Bates Gilbert Burt, the father, grew tired of the generic greeting cards and decided to write a song, put together with some art, and mail it to those he usually sent cards to. The response he received inspired him to adopt the tradition.

Burt’s son, Albert was classically trained in music. Since the elder Burt was limited by his lack of formal musical training, he vowed that his son would not have this limitation. Albert received a degree in music from the University of Michigan. Shortly after graduation his father proposed that Albert write the music for the family Christmas card that year.

It is said that it took him just fifteen minutes to compose the song that his father added the words to. When the elder Burt passed the task of writing the family’s greeting fell to Albert. Since he was not a lyricist, he enlisted the help of family friend, Wihla Hutson.

That Christmas, Anne, Albert’s wife was expecting their first child. She met with Hutson and the words readily flowed for their greeting. Hutson realized that an African person would see Jesus as a black baby. A Chinese child would see baby Jesus as a child with almond eyes. An Indian child would see Jesus having dark skin and hair. Although this carol was written that year it did not make it as their greeting because the tune was not written until it was too late.

Two years later the words and music came together as “Some Children See Him”. Burt was not to see the success of his venture. He died of complications of cancer before it ever was performed.

The words of the song are beautiful as is the music. I include the words so that you all can enjoy. The collaboration of Hutson and Burt is the result that produced this beautiful song.

Some Children See Him

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 came down.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown

With dark and wavy hair.

Some children see Him almond-eyed

With skin of golden hue

Some children see Him almond-eyes

With skin of golden hue.

Some children see Him dark as they

Sweet Mary’s son to whom they 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

Come worship now the infant King

‘Tis love that’s born tonight.

While I was preparing this I listened to the song. It is truly beautiful and provides a new perspective on this baby that we celebrate this Christmas.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate. To have it make some difference that you have lived and live well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

This song I believe fulfills this purpose for Burt and Hutson.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.