Experience the Magic of Christmas with 'Away In The Manger' - A Timeless Holiday Classic

Discover the beauty of the classic Christmas carol, Away in the Manger. Listen to heartwarming renditions and embrace the holiday spirit.

Are you tired of the same old Christmas carols every year? Let me introduce you to a classic tune that has stood the test of time: Away in a Manger. This beloved hymn has been sung for generations and has become a staple in Christmas celebrations around the world.

But have you ever stopped to think about the lyrics? Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. Sounds cozy, right? But what about the fact that the Son of God was born in a stable surrounded by animals? Talk about a unique birth story!

Speaking of unique, did you know there are actually two different versions of Away in a Manger? The first version is more well-known and starts with the line Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The second version, also called Luther's Cradle Hymn, begins with Away in a manger, no crib nor a bed. It may seem like a small difference, but it's enough to cause a debate among Christmas carol enthusiasts.

Now let's talk about the tune itself. Away in a Manger has a gentle, lullaby-like melody that can transport you to a peaceful state of mind. It's the perfect song to listen to while sipping hot cocoa by the fire or wrapping presents for loved ones. And with so many different renditions out there, you're sure to find a version that suits your taste.

But wait, there's more! Did you know that Away in a Manger has been covered by some unexpected artists? You can find a punk rock version by Bad Religion, a reggae rendition by Jimmy Buffett, and even a country twist by Alan Jackson. Who knew this classic hymn could be so versatile?

Despite its popularity, Away in a Manger has also faced some controversy over the years. Some people have criticized the lyrics for portraying a sanitized version of Jesus' birth, ignoring the harsh realities of poverty and oppression that he would have faced. Others have taken issue with the line the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes, arguing that it perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes.

But at the end of the day, Away in a Manger remains a beloved Christmas carol that brings joy to millions of people around the world. Its simple yet powerful message of hope and love resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. So this holiday season, why not take a moment to appreciate this timeless tune and all that it represents?

Whether you prefer the traditional version or a more modern interpretation, Away in a Manger is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. So grab a cup of eggnog, gather your loved ones, and sing along to this classic carol. Who knows, you may even discover a newfound appreciation for this beloved hymn!

The Classic Christmas Song We All Know and Love

It's that time of year again where we all gather around the fireplace, sip on hot cocoa, and sing our favorite Christmas tunes. One of those classic songs that always seems to make an appearance is Away in a Manger. It's a beautiful melody with heartfelt lyrics that remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. But let's be honest, there are some things about this song that just don't quite add up. Let's take a closer look.

What Kind of Bedding is This?

The first line of the song states, Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. Wait a minute, no crib for a bed? So what's in the manger then? And where did the baby Jesus sleep? Did Mary just lay him on a pile of hay? That can't be comfortable. And speaking of hay, have you ever tried sleeping on it? It's itchy, scratchy, and definitely not the type of bedding fit for a king.

What Exactly is a Little Lord Jesus?

The second line of the song refers to baby Jesus as a little Lord Jesus. Now, I'm not a religious scholar or anything, but isn't Jesus supposed to be the Lord? So if he's already the Lord, why do we need to refer to him as a little Lord? And while we're at it, how exactly do you become a Lord? Do you have to slay a dragon or something?

Shepherds Quaking Where?

The third line of the song says, The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Okay, fair enough. But then the fourth line throws a curveball and says, The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. So which is it? Was he asleep or awake? And if he was awake, why wasn't he crying when there were cows mooing and sheep baaing all around him? And where did these shepherds come from that were quaking in their boots? Were they just passing by or did they have some sort of vested interest in this whole baby situation?

Who Exactly is The Little Lord Jesus Talking To?

The second verse of the song starts off with, The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. Wait a minute, didn't we just hear this in the first verse? And then the next line says, I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. Hold up, who's talking here? Is it the baby Jesus talking to himself? Or is it Mary talking to Jesus? And why is she asking him to stay by the cradle until morning? Isn't he kinda already there?

What's with All the No Crying He Makes Statements?

Okay, we get it. Baby Jesus was a pretty chill dude and didn't cry much. But do we really need to keep mentioning it every other line? It's like the songwriter was trying to prove a point or something. Look how calm and serene this baby is! He's not even crying! We get it, dude.

Why are People Giving Jesus Gifts He Can't Use?

The third verse of the song mentions the wise men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Okay, cool. But did they not realize that these were all pretty useless gifts for a baby? I mean, what's a baby going to do with gold? Chew on it? And frankincense and myrrh? Did they think Mary was going to burn it as incense or something?

Why Does this Song Make Me Want to Cry?

Okay, let's be real here. As silly as some of the lyrics may be, there's still something about this song that just tugs at your heartstrings. Maybe it's the soft melody or the sweet sentiment behind the words. Or maybe it's just the fact that it's a classic Christmas song that we've all been singing since we were kids. Whatever it is, there's no denying the emotional impact this song can have.

Wrap it Up, Folks

So there you have it, folks. Away in a Manger may have some questionable lyrics, but it's still a beloved Christmas classic that we all know and love. So next time you're gathered around the fire, sipping on cocoa, and belting out those familiar words, just remember to take everything with a grain of salt. After all, it's the spirit of the season that truly matters.

Baby Jesus Gets His Lullaby

Ah, the sweet sound of Away in a Manger, the ultimate lullaby for Baby Jesus. But wait, no crib? That can't be comfortable! Luckily, Joseph was there to make sure he didn't roll out. Can you imagine the lyrics he must have heard? Sleep in heavenly peace, more like sleep on scratchy hay with cows mooing in the background. But hey, it worked, Baby Jesus was sleeping like a, well, baby.

Traveling In Style

Mary was one smart cookie, she knew exactly what was needed for a cross-country journey while nine months pregnant; a donkey. Yup, a small, stubborn, four-legged form of transportation. Nothing screams luxury quite like a jarring ride on a donkey's back, especially when you're carrying the future savior of humanity.

No Reservations? No Problem!

Mary and Joseph didn't need to worry about making hotel reservations for their journey. They got a free stay at an animal inn. Just imagine the smell, and the sounds, and the hygiene standards, or lack thereof. At least Baby Jesus had some comfy straw to lay his head on. It's not the Ritz, but it'll do.

Precocious Shepherds

What a surprise it must have been for Mary and Joseph to have shepherds drop by to see their newborn son. But these shepherds weren't just any old shepherds, they were precocious ones. Who else would think it's a good idea to show up to meet a baby with gifts of wool and cheese? But hey, it's the thought that counts. And maybe Baby Jesus was a fan of cheese, who knows?

Wise Men Gifting Frankincense

The wise men didn't just travel to see Baby Jesus, they brought some exotic gifts too. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Now we know what gold is but who on earth wants to be given a resin known as frankincense? And why was it so valuable? Baby Jesus was born in a barn, he might have preferred a onesie or a diaper instead. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?

Joseph: The Original Uber Driver

If there was ever a story of a legendary driver, it has to be Joseph. Traveling through treacherous terrain with Mary and a baby, he faced all sorts of challenges, from avoiding Herod's henchmen to outrunning bandits. There are no reviews to be found but if Joseph did have a passenger rating, we bet it was five stars.

The First Nativity Scene

Who needs fancy Christmas decorations when you have the original Nativity scene? The perfect way to bring the Christmas story to life in your own home. Don't forget to add some barnyard animals, some shepherds, and the three wise men. Now just make sure to keep the cats and dogs away from the baby.

Silent Night, Holy Cow

While Away in the Manger may be a classic, Silent Night could give it a run for its money. You can't deny the charm of a song that talks about round yon virgin mother and child and all is calm, all is bright. But let's be real, if you were in a barn surrounded by animals, there's no way it was quiet. Maybe it was more like, Silent night, holy cow, please stop mooing, I need some sleep now.

Jesus, A Baby of Many Names

Baby Jesus has many names: The Prince of Peace, The King of Kings, Emmanuel, Son of God, and the list goes on. But have you ever stopped to think about how Baby Jesus himself would introduce himself? Hi, I'm Baby Jesus, nice to meet you. Just got born, you might have heard of me. He may be the savior of humanity, but he's also just a cute little baby with a big destiny.

The Greatest Gift

The real gift of Christmas is love, and Baby Jesus is the ultimate symbol of that love. It's amazing how a tiny baby born in a manger can bring people from all over the world together, year after year. And through it all, the story never grows old. So go ahead, sing Away in a Manger or Silent Night or any other Christmas carol you love. Embrace the spirit of the holiday and spread some joy. After all, it's what Baby Jesus would want.

My Point of View: Away In The Manger

Pros and Cons of Away In The Manger

Away In The Manger is a classic Christmas carol that has been sung for generations. However, like any song, it has its pros and cons. Here are some of my thoughts:

Pros:

The melody is simple and easy to sing along to.
The lyrics tell the story of the nativity scene, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.
It is a peaceful and calming song, perfect for creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Cons:

The lyrics can be seen as outdated and not politically correct, such as the line the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
It is often overplayed during the holiday season, leading to fatigue and annoyance for some listeners.
The slow tempo may not be suitable for those who prefer more upbeat Christmas music.

Despite these cons, Away In The Manger remains a beloved Christmas carol that many people continue to enjoy. Plus, it's hard not to feel a little nostalgic when singing along to this song!

Humorous Tone:

Let's face it - Away In The Manger is not exactly a party anthem. If you're looking to get the crowd hyped up, you might want to skip this one. But if you're in the mood for a little peace and quiet, then it's the perfect song for you! Just make sure to have some eggnog on hand to keep things interesting.

And don't worry if you can't hit all the high notes - after a few sips of that eggnog, no one will even notice!

Table Information:

Keyword	Definition
Nativity Scene	A depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ, typically featuring Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in a stable or manger.
Politically Correct	Conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated.
Fatigue	Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.
Nostalgic	A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.
Party Anthem	A song that is popular and upbeat, typically played at parties or other social gatherings.

Closing Message: Don't Let the Manger Hit You on the Way Out!

Well, folks, we've reached the end of our journey through the beloved Christmas carol Away in the Manger. I hope you've enjoyed our little tour through the lyrics and learned something new along the way. Or at the very least, I hope I've helped you kill some time on your lunch break.

Now, before you go, let's take a moment to reflect on what we've learned. We've discovered that baby Jesus was a bit of a crybaby (no judgment, we've all been there), that cows apparently have a thing for newborns, and that Mary and Joseph were not above using a manger as a makeshift crib.

But most importantly, we've learned that Away in the Manger is a timeless classic that never fails to get us in the holiday spirit. Whether you're a devout Christian or just someone who loves a good tune, this song has something for everyone.

So, as you go about your day humming away in a manger, no crib for a bed, remember that you're part of a long tradition of people who have found comfort and joy in these simple lyrics. And if anyone gives you a funny look for singing a Christmas carol in March, just tell them you're getting a head start on next year's festivities.

Before I let you go, though, I have one last request. If you haven't already, take a moment to listen to your favorite version of Away in the Manger. Whether it's Bing Crosby, Pentatonix, or your kid sister's recorder ensemble, give it a listen and let yourself be transported to a simpler time when the world was full of wonder and possibility.

And with that, I bid you adieu. May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be filled with cow-filled mangers and crying babies. See you next time!

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