Away in a Manger

In fact, in 1996 it was voted in Britain as being the second most popular Christmas carol of the year.

Not much is known about the history of the lyrics, but contrary to what is generally believed, the song was not written by the famous Martin Luther. Instead, some historians put the origin of the song in Philadelphia around the late 19th century, since that is where it first appeared in print.

As opposed to the lyrics, there are lots of variations of music that have been composed to go along with the lyrics, and one thing that I found interesting is that the popular tune used for Away in a Manger in the UK is different than the one most used in the United States.

Anyway, here you'll find the English version of the song followed by the Spanish translation that is most commonly used in Latin America.

English Version: 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

Spanish Version: Jesús en pesebre

Jesús en pesebre, sin cuna, nació;
Su tierna cabeza en heno durmió.
Los astros, brillando, prestaban su luz
al niño dormido, pequeño Jesús.

Los bueyes bramaron y Él despertó,
mas Cristo fue bueno y nunca lloró.
Te amo, oh Cristo, y mírame, sí,
aquí en mi cuna, pensando en ti.

Te pido, Jesús, que me guardes a mí,
amándome siempre, como te amo a ti.
A todos los niños da tu bendición,
y haznos más dignos de tu gran mansión.

Sidenote: For anyone that's interested in Christmas carols and their relation to events depicted in the Bible, you might find it funny that nowhere in the Bible is there any mention of cattle being present at the birth of the Savior, nor does the Bible say that the baby Jesus didn't cry. Just some poetic license from the author of the lyrics.

Return from Away in a Manger back to Christmas Carols in Spanish.