They're putting decorations up in front of my old church
The shepherds and the wise men and the hay
There's Joseph and his Mary lookin' down at Heaven's birth
And the angel's saying don't you be afraid
It makes me stop and think about how You showed up down here
In a humble bed made of nails and wood
You could have picked a palace, something more fit for a King
But then the story wouldn't be as good
From the highest of the high
To the lowest of the low
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go
For the lonely and the lost
There's no sinner too far gone to find a Savior
Lying in the manger
There's a star up in the sky that's calling all the least of these
Come make your way to where your hope is found
If I'm honest some days I feel too far out of reach
But the manger reminds me love reached down
From the highest of the high
To the lowest of the low
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go
For the lonely and the lost
There's no sinner too far gone to find a Savior
Lying in the manger
You were carried by a manger and just 33 years later
By a rugged cross made from nails and wood
And the tears fill up my eyes, You didn't have to give Your life
But then the story wouldn't be as good
From the highest of the high
To the lowest of the low
That stable tells a story of the distance You will go
For the lonely and the lost
There's no sinner too far gone to find a Savior
Lying in the manger
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 in the hay
The Manger
The Manger Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Josh Turner's song "The Manger," released on November 18, 2022, offers a contemplative reflection on the Nativity story, prompted by observing a church's outdoor Christmas decorations. The lyrics immediately set the scene with familiar figures like the shepherds, wise men, Joseph, and Mary, gathered around the humble setting of hay and the manger. This visual anchors the listener in the traditional Christmas narrative, leading to a deeper consideration of the significance of the event it depicts.
The song quickly moves beyond a simple description to ponder the profound paradox of the Messiah's birth. The lyrics highlight the stark contrast between Jesus' divine status and His chosen arrival in a "humble bed made of nails and wood," referring to the manger. It questions why a being capable of choosing a palace would opt for such lowliness, concluding that this very humility is what makes the story resonate so deeply. This perspective emphasizes the intentionality of God's plan, where the setting of the birth is not merely circumstantial but integral to its meaning.
The central theme revolves around the immense distance covered by God in coming to humanity. The chorus powerfully states, "From the highest of the high to the lowest of the low, that stable tells a story of the distance You will go." This encapsulates the core Christian belief in the incarnation – the divine taking on human form and vulnerability. The song specifically highlights the object of this journey: "the lonely and the lost," offering the assurance that "no sinner too far gone" is beyond the reach of the Savior found "lying in the manger." It underscores the universal accessibility of grace and hope offered through this humble beginning.
The third verse introduces a personal element, acknowledging the star guiding "the least of these" towards hope. The singer admits to days when they feel "too far out of reach," a relatable human feeling of inadequacy or distance from God. However, the manger serves as a tangible reminder that "love reached down." This reinforces the song's message that God's initiative in coming to earth bridges any perceived gap, offering a source of comfort and reassurance to those who feel lost or distant. The manger isn't just a historical artifact but a symbol of God's active pursuit of humanity.
Connecting the beginning and the end of Christ's earthly life, the song draws a poignant parallel between the manger and the cross. It notes that Jesus was "carried by a manger" and just 33 years later, "By a rugged cross made from nails and wood." This linkage between the humble birth and the sacrificial death, both involving wood and a form of restraint or carrying, underscores the complete trajectory of Christ's mission. The lyrics express emotional depth, stating that tears fill the eyes, recognizing the voluntary nature of this ultimate sacrifice. Like the humble birth, the sacrifice on the cross is presented as essential to the power and impact of the "story." This reflects themes found in scriptures that speak to Christ humbling himself and offering his life for others.
The inclusion of lines from the traditional carol "Away in a Manger" in the closing part of the song provides a sense of continuity and familiarity. It grounds the song within the broader tradition of Christmas worship and reiterates the simple yet profound image of "The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head... asleep in the hay." This final touch reinforces the core message of humility, peace, and the divine presence in the most unexpected and unassuming place, leaving the listener with a sense of hope and wonder inspired by the timeless story of the manger.
