(From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Music_(label))
Away in a Manger
Hillsong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
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
Till morning is night
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
Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
The song ‘Away in a Manger’ captures the most sacred moment of the birth of Jesus Christ- His arrival in the manger. This event that marks the beginning of a new era for believers worldwide; hence the song's message is filled with hope, love, and adoration. The lyrics convey the message that Baby Jesus was not born in a palace, but in a humble stable because there was no room for Him in the inn. The opening line “Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,” clearly shows that the family was not privileged and had to make do with whatever was available. This also serves to emphasize the humility of Jesus’ entrance into the world.
The second stanza goes on to paint a beautiful picture of the stars looking down on Baby Jesus, who was comfortably lying on hay. The lyrics in this stanza “The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay," show that nature was part of the blessed moment of Jesus' birth.
The song culminates with the prayer-like lyrics, where the child is eager to experience the love and protection of Baby Jesus. The lyrics, “Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever, and love me, I pray,” showcase a pure, childlike faith that seeks comfort and protection from the divine.
Overall, Hillsong's rendition of ‘Away in a Manger' is a heartfelt expression of love and devotion to Jesus, who is the central figure of the Christian faith. The song is a beautiful reminder of the humble beginnings of the Savior and his love for all who believe in Him.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger
The Lord Jesus was born in a modest stable
No crib for a bed
Instead of a comfortable bed, Jesus had only a manger
The little Lord Jesus
Jesus, full of grace and mercy
Lay down His sweet head
He rested His head amid the hay
The stars in the sky
The sky provided the only light
Looked down where He lay
The stars shone upon the Lord Jesus
The little Lord Jesus
Jesus, full of grace and mercy
Asleep on the hay
Jesus slept on the humble hay
The cattle are lowing
The animals made noises as they slept
The Baby awakes
He wakes up and becomes alert
But little Lord Jesus
Jesus, full of grace and mercy
No crying He makes
He did not cry as a newborn
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
I love and worship you, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
Please watch over us from your heavenly throne
And stay by my cradle
Please stay near me and guide me through life
Till morning is night
Stay with me through eternity
Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask for you to be close to me
I ask Thee to stay
Please stay with me forever
Close by me forever
Stay with me always
And love me, I pray
Love me with your perfect love
Bless all the dear children
Bless all the children who are dear to you
In Thy tender care
Please take special care of them
And take us to heaven
Bring us to your eternal kingdom
To live with Thee there
To be with you forever in your presence
Away in a manger
The Lord Jesus was born in a modest stable
No crib for a bed
Instead of a comfortable bed, Jesus had only a manger
The little Lord Jesus
Jesus, full of grace and mercy
Lay down His sweet head
He rested His head amid the hay
The stars in the sky
The sky provided the only light
Looked down where He lay
The stars shone upon the Lord Jesus
The little Lord Jesus
Jesus, full of grace and mercy
Asleep on the hay
Jesus slept on the humble hay
Contributed by Adeline N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Juliet
on The Potter's Hand
Yes God's reassuring words to us again and again to be with us as long as our hearts are bound to Him