The Booth Brothers - Away In A Manger 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
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
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - Away in a Manger [Live] ft. The Booth Brothers
Meaning & Inspiration
The live rendition of "Away In A Manger" featuring The Booth Brothers, released on September 7, 2012, as part of a Bill & Gloria Gaither presentation, offers a deeply moving reflection on the Nativity story. This timeless carol, often attributed to Martin Luther but more likely originating from the 19th century in America, paints a vivid and tender picture of Christ's birth, stripping away the grandeur often associated with royalty to highlight the profound humility of God becoming man. The song’s power lies not in its complex composition, but in its profound simplicity, inviting all to contemplate the foundational truth of Christian faith: the incarnation of Jesus.
The narrative begins with the iconic imagery of "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed," immediately establishing the stark and humble conditions of Jesus' birth. This detail isn't merely descriptive; it's central to understanding Christ's mission. It echoes Philippians 2:6-8, which speaks of Jesus, "who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he emptied himself by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross." The lack of a proper crib, the straw of the manger, and the simple setting underscore God's deliberate choice to enter the world not with pomp and power, but in vulnerability and poverty, demonstrating a divine love that condescends to meet humanity at its lowest point. The peaceful image of "The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay" suggests a divine calm amidst earthly squalor, a prophetic hint of the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) who would bring tranquility to a troubled world.
As the second stanza unfolds, "The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes," a striking detail emerges. This depiction of an infant Jesus, undisturbed by the world's noises, choosing not to cry, subtly points to His unique nature. While fully human, He is also fully God. This isn't just a sweet detail; it speaks to His divine sovereignty and perfect peace, even in infancy. It sets Him apart from every other child born, hinting at the sinless nature of the One who would one day bear the sins of the world. The shift in perspective then moves from observation to adoration, with the heartfelt plea, "I love Thee, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle, 'Til morning is nigh." This transition transforms the historical account into a personal prayer, illustrating how the truth of the Nativity should lead to an intimate desire for God's presence in one's own life. It mirrors the longing expressed in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."
The final stanza deepens this personal connection, extending the request for divine presence beyond a fleeting moment: "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever, And love me I pray." This is no longer just about the manger scene but about a lifelong walk with Christ. It reflects the promise Jesus Himself gave in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age," and the comfort found in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The prayer expands to encompass others, "Bless all the dear children, In Thy tender care," reminding us of Jesus' special affection for children (Matthew 19:14) and the need for childlike faith in entering the Kingdom of Heaven. The song culminates with the ultimate hope of every believer: "And take us to Heaven, To live with Thee there." This final aspiration connects the humble birth in the manger directly to the promise of eternal life and fellowship with God, a truth central to John 3:16, that "whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The Booth Brothers' delivery, while primarily focused on the lyrical message, amplifies this journey from humble beginnings to heavenly hope, ensuring the enduring message of salvation through Christ resonates deeply and inspires a heartfelt response of faith and adoration.