Track 3: Away in the Manger

Authors:  Stanzas 1 and 2 are attributed to Martin Luther (1500’s), Stanza 3 was written by John T. McFarland in 1892

Tune:  Cradle Song (Britian)  Mueller (United States)

The first two stanzas are attributed to Martin Luther, as a song he sang to his children.  The melody was composed hundreds of years later and has two different melodies, both sound like lullabies.  The lyrics gently celebrate Jesus as a baby.  Sleeping quietly in a manger while surrounded by the gentle sounds of farm animals.  

Based on Luke 2:7. She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them the Inn.

This is one of the most well-known and popular Christmas hymns.  I remember its’ melody throughout my life; a music box, Sunday school, Christmas pageants and Christmas Eve services.  Isn’t it remarkable that it may have started in Marin Luther’s home in the 1500’s and continues to fill our senses in 2023.

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