"Away in a Manger"

The first publication of "Away in a Manger" was in 1885 in a Lutheran Sunday school book by James R. Murray. The fact that the song was included in the book and was subtitled "Luther's Cradle Hymn (Composed by Martin Luther for his children and still sung by German mothers to their little ones)" created the misconception that the lyrics were actually written by Martin Luther himself. However, no proof that Martin Luther had any hand in the creation of "Away in a Manger" exists. The author of the first two verses is unknown, but the third verse was composed by John T. Mc­Far­land. The music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music. From Martina McBride, Dwight Yoakam and Sufjan Stevens to Julie Andrews, Linda Ronstadt and Nat King Cole -- secular artists have done the song justice for years. As for Christian artists, there are several great versions out there for your listening enjoyment. The Top Christian versions of the carol are found in the following list ...

• Top 10 Versions of "Away in a Manger" by Christian Artists and Bands

Away in a Manger

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 poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til 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 take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Source: Public domain