Lyrics
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
It's Christmas!
The angels are singing
And I know the reason,
the Savior is born
It's Christmas!
The bells are ringing
And I feel like shouting
Joy to the world!
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
It's Christmas!
The angels are singing
And I know the reason,
the Savior is born
It's Christmas!
The bells are ringing
And I feel like shouting
Joy to the world!
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere!
Go, tell it on the mountain that
Jesus Christ is born!
It's Christmas!
The angels are singing
And I know the reason,
the Savior is born
It's Christmas!
The bells are ringing
And I feel like shouting
Joy to the world!
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
It’s Christmas gathers familiar nativity language into a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. The opening verses picture the child in the manger, watched beneath the night sky, then turn into a prayer for his nearness and care. Those quieter scenes give way to bells, angels, and the announcement that the Savior has been born. The contrast lets wonder and celebration share the same song.
The refrain draws its energy from the good news proclaimed at Bethlehem: the arrival of Christ is a reason to sing and spread joy. Its use of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” broadens the scene from private devotion to public proclamation, sending the message beyond the manger. Luke 2 closely supports the angelic announcement and the sign of the infant lying in a manger. The closing call to tell the news also fits the shepherds, who made known what they had heard after seeing the child.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-12 The angel announces the Savior’s birth and identifies the child lying in a manger.
- Luke 2:17-18 The shepherds spread the message they had received about the newborn child.