no white JESUS {christmas, part 1}
i love christmas SO MUCH. i love sharing the stories of God's peace and His Son Jesus' birth with the children + families of my church.
there's just one problem i run into each year when looking for nativity play sets, christmas books + bibles, and biblical images of the nativity family.
EVERY PERSON IS WHITE.
oddly enough, JESUS + HIS FAMILY WERE NOT WHITE.
thus making it very difficult to teach the biblical story of Christmas in an accurate way to children. {jesus was born in the middle east, and many scholars believe jesus had brownish skin.}
seriously, though. have you ever tried to buy a nativity play set at target? impossible.
last christmas, our insanely-gifted graphic designers molly + aaron created artwork for us to use at willow chicago. this led me to wonder if other church leaders were experiencing similar issues.
i give to you: no white JESUS. this christmas, let's say no to: white dolls wrapped in blankets representing baby jesus, and bibles, books, videos that only show white pictures of jesus' family.
deal?
if it's helpful -- download our images. we'd love to share them! {also, you can click the "God Brings Peace" image on the left sidebar anytime to download the images.}
oh, and while we're on the topic: use the hashtag #nowhiteJESUS on twitter to share what you're doing this christmas. let's turn this tide around for good -- and for our children.
next post: my favorite #nowhiteJESUS resources that do exist.