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 take us to heaven to live with Thee there
Scriptural Reference:
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and 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 2:6-7
Away In a Manger
Away In a Manger Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
This version of the classic Christmas carol, "Away In A Manger," performed by Acappella, offers a vocal-centric interpretation of the Nativity story. Released on October 20, 2017, the song focuses on the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. The opening verses describe the infant Jesus lying in a manger, which served as His bed, under the watchful gaze of the stars, emphasizing the simplicity and peacefulness of the scene. This imagery directly reflects the biblical narrative of Christ's birth.
The song's portrayal of the scene aligns with the scriptural account found in Luke 2:6-7. This passage explains that Jesus was born and placed in a manger because there was no room available in the inn, highlighting the humble beginning described in the lyrics. The song notes the presence of cattle near the manger and depicts the baby Jesus waking without crying, a detail that adds to the serene atmosphere it aims to convey.
Shifting from the observational account, the lyrics transition to a personal expression of devotion and prayer. The singer expresses love for Lord Jesus and requests His presence and protection, asking Him to stay close and provide love forever. The final lines expand the prayer to include a blessing for all children under divine care and express a hope for eternal life in heaven with God. This section of the song moves beyond the Nativity scene itself to explore themes of faith, personal relationship with Jesus, and the hope of salvation. The Acappella performance style places the emphasis squarely on the vocal harmonies and the message conveyed through the lyrics, contributing to a contemplative and heartfelt rendition of the beloved carol.
