Justin Rizzo - Away In A Manger (To Be with You) Lyrics
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
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
I love You, Lord Jesus
I can't wait to see
Your face on that day
When you come for me
All shame will be taken
All crying will cease
Your kingdom will increase
And You'll reign as King
Your city descending
I can't wait to see
Your throne and Your glory
When You come for me
I watch and I wait
For Your soon return
Lord, come for us quickly
And restore the earth
Lord, come for us quickly
And restore the earth
Lord, come for us quickly
And restore the earth
Video
Justin Rizzo - Away in a Manger (To Be With You) (Christmas) Lyric Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Justin Rizzo’s reimagined classic, "Away In A Manger (To Be with You)," released on November 11, 2014, as part of his "Christmas (Deluxe Edition)" album, transcends its traditional carol origins to deliver a profound and prophetic message that resonates deeply with the Christian hope. The song initially guides us through the familiar, tender imagery of Christ's humble birth, painting a picture of the little Lord Jesus "laid down His sweet head" in a manger, with "no crib for a bed." This evocative scene immediately transports the heart to Bethlehem, reminding us of the ultimate humility and love displayed in God becoming flesh, as described in John 1:14, where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The simplicity of the stable, the watchful stars, and the sleeping Savior underscore the miraculous reality of Emmanuel, God with us, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6.
However, Rizzo masterfully expands this serene nativity narrative into a fervent prayer and a declaration of expectant faith, extending far beyond the Christmas season. The traditional plea, "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever and love me, I pray," becomes an intensely personal and ever-present desire for God's abiding presence, echoing the promise in James 4:8 that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. This transformation shifts the song from a purely historical reflection to an active engagement with the divine, a longing for an intimate, continuous relationship with the Savior who was born for us. The prayer for children and entry into heaven then serves as a bridge, linking the foundational event of Christ’s birth to the broader scope of His redemptive plan for humanity.
It is in the verses added by Rizzo that the song truly soars into an anthem of future hope. The expression, "I love You, Lord Jesus, I can't wait to see Your face on that day when You come for me," marks a significant thematic shift, moving from the cradle to the clouds. This powerful declaration of anticipation directly references the Second Coming of Christ, a central tenet of Christian eschatology. It calls to mind John 14:3, where Jesus promises, "I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." This personal yearning for Christ's return is then coupled with a vivid portrayal of the ultimate restoration that accompanies His glorious advent. The promise that "All shame will be taken, All crying will cease," aligns perfectly with the comforting words of Revelation 21:4, where God will "wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore."
The vision continues with the grand imagery of Christ's reign: "Your kingdom will increase and You'll reign as King. Your city descending, I can't wait to see Your throne and Your glory." These lines are deeply rooted in prophetic Scripture, envisioning the New Jerusalem descending from heaven (Revelation 21:2) and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom where Christ reigns supreme (Revelation 22:3-5). The song beautifully captures the believer's eager expectation for the consummation of God's plan, where righteousness prevails and His glory is fully revealed. The repeated refrain, "I watch and I wait for Your soon return. Lord, come for us quickly and restore the earth," serves as a fervent prayer and a call to active, hopeful vigilance, echoing the earnest cry of the Apostle John in Revelation 22:20, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" This repeated supplication for restoration underscores the longing for a world redeemed from suffering and sin, aligning with Romans 8:19-22, where creation itself groans for the revealing of the children of God and its liberation from decay.
Justin Rizzo's "Away In A Manger (To Be with You)" is far more than a simple Christmas carol; it’s a profound journey from the manger to the majestic return of Christ, weaving together the profound historical truth of His incarnation with the living, breathing hope of His coming kingdom. It encourages those who engage with the music to reflect not only on the tender miracle of Bethlehem but also on the glorious future that awaits all who long for His presence and the restoration He brings. The song inspires a deeper devotion, a renewed sense of purpose in anticipation, and a worshipful contemplation of Christ as both the infant Savior and the reigning King, making it a timeless anthem for all seasons of faith.