Away in the Manger

Nativity with a Torch, by the Le Nain Brothers, c. 1635-40. Private collection. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
Nativity with a Torch, by the Le Nain Brothers, c. 1635-40. Private collection.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Adoration of the Shepherds, by Jacob van Oost I, c. 1630. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
Adoration of the Shepherds, by Jacob van Oost I, c. 1630. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Virgin and Child with St. John the Baptist, by Correggio, c. 1510-20. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
Virgin and Child with St. John the Baptist, by Correggio, c. 1510-20. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.

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 fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

This blog is part of a twelve-part series illustrating classic Christmas carols with classic religious for the twelve days of Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Karina Tabone

Karina Tabone is a wife, mother of four, author, blogger, and lover of Christian artwork. She's the author of the Illustrated Rosary series, which pairs every prayer of the Rosary with beautiful religious artwork. She likes also milkshakes, sunshine, and mystery novels. Follow her on Twitter at @illustr_prayer.

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