AWAY IN A MANGER
(Luther's Cradle Hymn)
"She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and
placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7
Words: Verses 1 & 2, anonymous; appeared in Little Children's Book for
Schools and Families, by J.C. File (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America, 1885). Some sources show
the author as Martin Luther; this attribution (probably incorect) is
based on the title "Luther's Cradle Hymn," given to these words by the
composer, James Murray. Verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913).
Music: "Mueller," James Ramsey Murray, 1887.
Away in a manger, no crib for a 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 Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til 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 heaven to live with Thee there.