Top Ten Christian Christmas Songs #2

#2 Away in a Manger

The first publication of "Away in a Manger" was in 1885 in a Lutheran Sunday school book by James R. Murray. The fact that the song was included in the book and was subtitled "Luther's Cradle Hymn (Composed by Martin Luther for his children and still sung by German mothers to their little ones)" created the misconception that the lyrics were actually written by Martin Luther himself. However, no proof that Martin Luther had any hand in the creation of "Away in a Manger" exists. The author of the first two verses is unknown, but the third verse was composed by John T. Mc­Far­land. The music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. From Martina McBride, Dwight Yoakam and Sufjan Stevens to Julie Andrews, Linda Ronstadt and Nat King Cole -- secular as well as Christian artists have done the song justice for years. 

Away in a manger 
No crib for His bed 
The little Lord Jesus 
Laid down His sweet head 
The stars in the bright sky 
Looked down where He lay 
The little Lord Jesus 
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing 
The poor Baby wakes 
But little Lord Jesus 
No crying He makes 
I love Thee, Lord Jesus 
Look down from the sky 
And stay by my side, 
'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