Away in A Manger

About the Carol

"Away in A Manger" was traditionally thought to have been written by Martin Luther, however this claim has come into doubt. The German version of the song seems to be translated from the English, because the meter of the song is not natural to German. The author of the first two verses is not known, but the third verse, a prayer, was added later to the song in Gabriel's Vineyard Songs, published 1892.

Fred Gaely (1894-1976) believed that "Away in a Manger" was a completely American hymn, originating from German Lutherans in Pennsylvania around 1885. Around that time the hymn appeared in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families, published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America for Sunday School.

Lyrics ^{Back to Top ↑}

Analysis of Carol ^{Back to Top ↑}

Just as Luke records, And she [Mary] brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.^{Luke 2:7}

However, many people do not know the reason Jesus was born in a manger. The answer is simple: the Romans were conducting a census and demanded them to be in Bethlehem. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.^{Luke 2:1-5}

As it so happens, baby Jesus was ready to be born. Every mother knows that you cannot delay giving birth. It happens when it happens: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.^{Luke 2:6} Since there was a census, Bethlehem was filled up. The inn did not have room for Joseph and Mary, so they laid Jesus in the manger.

We do not know for certain if Jesus lay in hay or straw, but that is not the point of these lines. Here, the author is showing how humble Jesus's birth was. This is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, laying in the hay. This shows that Jesus is always approachable, he is not guarded by gates, doors, walls, or guards. He understands the plight of the poor, as even his earthly family could not provide a bed for him. It is as Jesus said, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head ^{Matthew 8:20 cf. Luke 9:58}

It logically follows that if Jesus and his family are in a manger, then barn animals are nearby.

his is an interesting line, however there is nothing recorded in the Bible about this. But it makes sense that as perfect human being, even as a babe, Jesus would show peace and bring about peace to his surroundings. That is the point that the author is trying to get across. However, if Jesus could cry as an adult,^{John 11:35} then he could probably cry as a little babe.

More interesting is the fact that the gospels do not record Jesus as ever doing the opposite of crying. That is to say, Jesus never laughed.

A wonderful request asking for our Lord to give us attention.

Another wonderful request, the author truly believes that Jesus answers prayers. Of course, this may not be the most biblical thing. Jesus never once said to prayer to him, only to ask in his name, and even when that happens, Jesus will not pray on our behalf. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf. ^{John 16:26} He explains that it is not necessary, because God loves us.

Jesus cared deeply about children. Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. ^{Matthew 19:14} And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. ^{Mark 9:42}

And of course, child have their angels which look after them specifically. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. ^{Matthew 18:10}

And to make us fit for Heaven, Jesus tells us, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ^{Matthew 18:3}

This process is not likely nice, as Jesus purges the branches that bear fruit so they may bear more. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ^{John 15:2} Purging, or in more modern English, pruning branches, it not a nice process for the branch. It is literally the cutting off of pieces of the plant! It is fallacious to believe that Jesus would want us to have an easy life on Earth (especially when we consider will we have an eternity in heaven) when he directly says otherwise.

We should not forget that he is the good shepherd.^{John 10:1-21} However, even the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the field to find one lost sheep.^{Luke 15:4-7} What happens to the ninety-nine in the field? They are left to tend for themselves, but at least they know what their master wants. For them to stay put. Likewise, even if Jesus is not pruning us, we can still know what he wants. He wants us to do the will of God.^{Matthew 7:21} Jesus even gets frustrated when people say they do, but in actuality do not.^{Luke 6:46}