December 20, 2005
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 baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Words: Verses 1 & 2, anonymous, in Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America, 1885). Some sources show the author as Martin Luther; this attribution (probably incorrect) is based on the title “Luther’s Cradle Hymn,” given to these words by the composer, James Murray, in his Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses (Cincinnati, Ohio: The John Church Co., 1887). Verse 3 is by John T. McFarland (1851-1913).
Music: “Mueller,” James R. Murray, 1887