On April 7, 2008, Gifford started co-hosting the fourth hour of NBC's Today Show with Hoda Kotb. The show's ratings increased by 14 points within the first two months of Gifford's arrival.
Away In a Manger
Kathie Lee Gifford Lyrics
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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,
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 fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
Kathie Lee Gifford's rendition of 'Away in a Manger' is a heartwarming rendition of a Christmas classic. In the first verse, we see the picture of the manger, where there is no crib for the baby Jesus to rest his head. And so He is laid down in the hay, with the stars shining above Him. This gives us a contrast to what we typically associate with the birth of a king or prince - luxury, opulence and comfort. Instead, the Savior of the world is born humbly in a stable, surrounded by animals and placed in a manger. Despite the humble surroundings, the little Lord Jesus looks peaceful and at rest on the hay.
In the second verse, we see the cattle lowing, causing the Lord Jesus to stir from his slumber. But even as a baby, he does not cry. This is a reminder of the Lord's divine nature, even as an infant in a manger. The singer expresses love for the Lord and invites him to stay close by until the morning arrives. The final verse is a tender prayer to the Lord, asking him to stay close forever and bless all the dear children in his tender care. The singer acknowledges that the Lord is the one who prepares us for heaven one day, and so she prays that He would prepare us for His eternal home.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus was laid to rest in a manger as there was no proper place for him to sleep.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his Sweet head.
The little Lord Jesus laid his head down peacefully, ready to rest.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The stars shone down from the sky, watching over where the little Lord Jesus was sleeping.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The little Lord Jesus slept soundly on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The cattle are mooing and waking up the little Lord Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
The little Lord Jesus doesn't cry when he wakes up.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
I love you, Lord Jesus, and I'm asking you to watch over me.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Please stay by my side until morning comes, Lord Jesus.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Lord Jesus, please be close to me and stay with me always.
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Please always be near me and love me, Lord Jesus.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
Please bless and take care of all the children, Lord Jesus.
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
Prepare us to live in heaven with you, Lord Jesus.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, EVAN JOLLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind