“Away in a Manger” is one of my favorite hymns (songs). I sing it all year, not just at Christmas time. The words are simple and yet I feel them in my heart every time I sing them.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay; the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing. The Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.
I love You, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my cradle ’til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with You there.
Although the carol is attributed to Martin Luther, the earliest publication was in the 1880’s in the United States. The writer is lost to history. But I don’t have to know who wrote it to love the words and to pray them as I sing them. The third verse, especially, brings tears to my eyes as I think of Jesus blessing all children. I affirm that I want Jesus to live in my heart and make me ready to live with him in heaven. I love to sing the carol and I love to hear it sung. This version is one that I enjoy hearing anytime.
Yesterday, “Away in a Manger” was the prayer song during worship. As I prayed the words, I thought about how Jesus, away in a manger, created a Way to God for us. God tried so many different ways to get us to live in relationship with God. God tried creation, the Law, the prophets, but humans have always been determined to go their own way, instead of God’s way. Finally, God sent Jesus to be a bridge between humans and heaven and it worked. From the earliest telling of birth story, diverse people have been attracted to Jesus. We are pulled into the story and find our way through Jesus.
Jesus said “I am the Way” (John 14:6). When we follow Jesus and give our lives to him, we find our way. A way when we thought there was no way. A way when we felt lost and far from God. Jesus shows us the way of love and peace, hope and joy. By putting our lives in his care, we find our way to God.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with You there.
May you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas, following the way shown to us by our Savior Jesus.
