Back to: The Twelve Days of Christmas Carols
Along with “Jesus Loves Me,” “Away in a Manger” is one of the first songs that are taught to children in Sunday school or church. With only three short verses and a very simple tune, it is no small wonder that children pick up on it. It is also popular with adults. 1996 Gallup Poll ranked it joint second among Christmas carols.
The imagery is stark – manger, cattle, and Jesus. the verses start with Jesus in a manger “asleep in the hay” surrounded by the stars and the cattle. The third verse follows the pattern of many hymns by using the form of prayer petitioning Jesus’ presence in the first part of the stanza. It calls out to Jesus to bless children who are probably singing this hymn and the children are calling Jesus to remain close though “I” remains unknown. It builds a bond between children and Jesus. It personifies peace on earth when a savior comes to bring peace, joy, and hope in a single night.