1. Away In a Manger
Author Unknown, 1885 (verses 1 & 2)
Verse 3: Attributed to John Thomas McFarland
Music: "Mueller" by James Ramsey Murray
alternate music:"The Cradle Song"
by William J. Kirkpatrick
Away in a manger, no crib for a (His) bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the (poor)Baby (wakes)awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my(the)cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for(take us to) Heaven to live with Thee there.
For many years this simple but moving Christmas carol
was attributed to Martin Luther but most scholars
now believe that he was not the author.
There are several versions of the lyrics with minor variations.
There are also two popular versions of the music.
For most children this is the first Christmas carol they learn.
(followed closely by Jingle Bells, I'm sure)
I thought I'd give you a link to the following article, because it touches
on a religious fad that has reoccured on this theme many times in Christian history-
the bashing of Christmas carols ( and other Christmas traditions)
Frankly I consider people who are slamming Christmas carols are not only
doing a repulsive imitation of Scrooge, but they are also "straining out gnats".
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill
and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law:
justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you
should have done without neglecting the others.
You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!
Jesus -Matt. 23:23-24
Thankfully I'm not afraid of free thinking so I posted the article
to get you thinking!
Away With 'Away in the Manger?
an article , Christianity Today
|
