“Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world, Red and Yellow, Black, and White, They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” This “children’s hymn” was written by Clarence Herbert Woolston, (1856-1927) a preacher from Philadelphia who wrote several books, including “The Bible Object Book.” The tune was composed by George Fredrick Root originally as a Civil War tune named “Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! The Boys Are Marching!”
The lyrics were inspired by the account of Jesus welcoming children to come unto Him which can be found in Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:13-14, and in Luke 18:16 where He said, “Suffer (Permit) little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” His disciples believed that the children were bothering Jesus, but Jesus enjoyed their company. While many adults might have hung back from approaching Jesus, children have such a natural curiosity and a faith that is innocent and trusting. They loved Jesus and He loved them.
The song goes like this:
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red, brown, yellow
Black and white
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children
Of the world.
Jesus died for all the children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus died for all the children
Of the world.
Jesus rose for all the children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus rose for all the children
Of the world.
When I used to teach a young children’s class, I’d ask, “Does Jesus love pink polka-dotted children? Does Jesus love tall red-headed children with big glasses and freckles? Does Jesus love children in wheelchairs? The answers – Of course! Jesus loves ALL the children!” How we need to remember this point in our society today! According to the scriptures, while there may be many nationalities, there is only one race – the human race! In his sermon on Mars Hill in Athens, Paul said that God “hath made the world and all things therein. . . and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth . . . ” Acts 17:24-26) We are all God’s children and Jesus loves the little children! What a beautiful sentiment that we never get too big to sing! God Bless, Courtney
This rings so true. Every child, regardless of looks or annoying habits should be loved and nurtured; not merely tolerated. God created them too and God doesn’t make any junk.