how do you see Him?

Despite the residual effects of a flare-up of tendonitus (caused by hours of scrubbing soot from our floors, etc.) I situated myself at the piano last evening. I allowed myself two tunes of careful choosing: If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee followed by Some Children See Him. This latter hymn is a modern Christmas carol (1954) and a great favorite of mine. (And it is the only hymn I know of in 5/4 time!) I assume that congregations can pull it off because the extra beat at the end of each phrase feels like a lazy fermata. Only their church organist knows for sure....
I don't know anything about Wihla Hutson, the author of these gorgeous lyrics, but I would like to thank her for putting pen to paper. Even a quick read-through of this poem elicits an unbidden emotional response from me. Every time.

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 heaven 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 and heavenly grace,
And filled with holy light.
O lay aside each early thing,
And with thy heart as offering,
Come worship now the infant King,
'Tis love that's born tonight!