Away In A Manger

The nativity scene appears in the carol's familiar frame: a baby with "no crib for His bed," "the stars in bright sky" looking down, and "the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay." Jeremy Camp keeps the first verse as written. The second verse adds the lowing cattle and a calm child, "no crying he makes."

From there the carol turns to a child's prayer. "I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky / and stay by my side," the voice asks, and this version extends the request with a repeated "Be near me Lord" that slows the song to a hush. Another pass asks, "Close by me forever and love me, I pray."

The closing petition is for others too: "Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care / and take us to heaven to live with You there." The last lines promise to "be with You, Lord." Luke 2:7 and 2:12 give the manger and the swaddled baby, while Matthew 19:14, where Jesus welcomes the little children, suits the prayer for children at the end.