Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky, look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The dawn of salvation beginning to break
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, oh gift from above
The King of the heavens forever with us
I worship You, Jesus for all of my days
The highest of praises be unto Your name
My God and my Savior, my King and my friend
Yours is the glory, forever amen
Yours is the glory, forever amen
Yours is the glory, forever amen
Away In A Manger (Forever Amen)
Away In A Manger (Forever Amen) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 18, 2020, Phil Wickham's rendition and expansion of "Away In A Manger," aptly titled "Away In A Manger (Forever Amen)," arrives as a resonant contemplation on the Nativity story, stretching its significance beyond the humble stable to encompass the eternal nature of the One born there. This track doesn't merely cover the beloved traditional melody; it thoughtfully grafts a new section onto it, moving from the peaceful scene of the infant Jesus lying in the manger to a declaration of His everlasting dominion and divine identity. The song's narrative unfolds from the simple visual of the baby in the feed trough, a picture painted vividly in Scripture (Luke 2:7), embodying humility and vulnerability, to a powerful affirmation that this seemingly ordinary child is none other than the King of Kings, the Alpha and the Omega, the one whose reign has no end.
The core meaning of "Away In A Manger (Forever Amen)" lies in bridging the profound contrast between Christ's initial earthly arrival and His ultimate eternal glory. The traditional verses softly capture the tenderness and wonder of the moment, inviting us to kneel by the manger. Wickham's addition, however, pivots this scene toward theology, reminding us that the baby in the straw is the very Word who was with God and was God (John 1:1, 14), who, though existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). The "Forever Amen" section serves as a vital bridge, pulling the Christmas story forward, declaring that this savior born in Bethlehem is not just a historical figure, but the eternally reigning Lord (Revelation 1:8, Hebrews 13:8). It transforms a lullaby-like carol into an anthem of worship to the King whose kingdom will endure forever (Daniel 7:14).
Analyzing the musical and vocal performance, the track maintains a reverence befitting the subject matter, beginning with a gentle familiarity before building into a more expansive, worshipful soundscape. The arrangement supports the lyrical journey, starting intimately and growing in scope as the eternal truth is revealed. Wickham's voice carries a clear sincerity, allowing the weight of the message to land without distraction. The traditional part is handled with tender respect, while the new section introduces a soaring quality, reflecting the ascension from earthly humility to divine majesty. This shift in dynamics and instrumentation underscores the theological point: the baby who came to us in vulnerability is the same one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). The addition serves not as a departure, but as a necessary completion of the Christmas narrative, reminding everyone engaging with this music that the story doesn't end at the manger; it continues with the resurrection, ascension, and promised return of the eternal Christ. It calls forth a response of worship and awe, connecting the quiet mystery of Christmas morning with the roaring declaration of His everlasting Lordship, echoing the truth that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
