This is the cover art from a lovely book we have. Thomas Kinkade presents the Christmas story and this wonderful song in beautiful detail. I just love this picture. I imagine this is what it looked like before the shepherds came to see him and the wise men arrived with their wonderful gifts.
Mary holding Jesus in the starlight, memorizing his features and marveling--as all mothers do--at the little miracle in her arms. Joseph doing his very best to make their meager quarters as comfortable as possible.
The Lyrics:
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
The stars in the sky look 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 cradle till morning is nigh.
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.
Andrea's Take:
The Bible tells us that Jesus's message is so easy a little child can understand. This song is just that way. It's lyrics and music so simple and beautiful. It's the first Christmas carol I ever learned. Now my daughter loves to sing it too.
The last line is often rendered, "And take us to Heaven to live with thee there."
I prefer "fit us for Heaven" because I think that's exactly what Jesus does with us while we're living on this earth. He shapes us and molds us, making us fit to live with him in Heaven.
I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas with many reminders of the baby in the manger...the man he became...and the Savior he is today.
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