This was one of the first Christmas songs that I learned to play on the piano when I was in kindergarten or first grade. It was already my favorite Christmas carol at that time, but now it will always hold a special place in my heart. As a little girl, I was absolutely obsessed with the nativity, Baby Jesus in particular. We could not pass a nativity scene without me having to stop and stare at it for the longest time.
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
This has become one of my very favorite Christmas songs in recent years. I love to listen to it, sing it, and play it on the piano. Playing it on the piano is probably my favorite way to enjoy it.
O Holy Night O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends. He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Fascinating tidbit for you: The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).
