One of Us

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14)

In One of Us, the American singer-songwriter Joan Osborne asks what if God was one of us, and if God had a face, what would it look like? The video clip takes place in an amusement park, where people of different genders, ages, and races line up behind a life-sized cut-out depicting Michaelangelo's God, place their faces in the opening in its head, and have their photos taken. Although this may seem irreverent, to me, Ms. Osborne offers a thoughtful contemporary reflection on the Incarnation.

God’s coming to us in human form, in the person of Jesus Christ, lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It is a major theme in music, in visual art, and especially in the Christmas crèche scene, a beloved tradition of this holy season. St Joseph’s Oratory mounts an annual exhibition of nativity sets from around the world.

This year, the hipster crèche from the United States raised eyebrows. Inside a stable with a solar panel on its roof, Joseph is taking a selfie of the Holy Family. Mary is holding a cup of take-out coffee in one hand, and making a peace sign with the other. Outside, a cow bearing the brand '100% organic' is eating gluten-free feed. An angel with a tablet computer is leading the Magi, who are carrying gifts from the retailer Amazon and riding Segway scooters. As Fr. Keith said in his Christmas Eve sermon, only baby Jesus looks normal.

When I saw a photograph of this controversial crèche in Le Devoir, I found it amusing. By contrast, seen in the context of the exhibition, it follows the tradition of depicting the birth of Christ to reflect a particular culture and era. The figurines offer a rich diversity of skin tones, facial features, and costumes. There are modern industrial workers, and women bearing firewood, fruit, and freshly-churned butter. My favourite was a tiny, minimalist set from Cambodia. Mary and Joseph sit with their heels tucked under them, their hands folded in prayer, their lovely faces suffused with peace and joy. Their Son, lying calmly in the manger, meets their gaze with outstretched arms and a smile of pure love.

Although God first became one of us at a specific place and time, the gift of the divine presence in Jesus Christ remains with us everywhere and always. It continues to inspire artists to express the faith, and to challenge us to see with fresh eyes and to hear with open ears. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Wendy+