The Manger

Cradled in a manger, meanly,
Laid the Son of Man His head;
Sleeping His first earthly slumber
Where the oxen had been fed.
Happy were those shepherds listening
To the holy angel’s word;
Happy they within that stable
Worshipping their infant Lord.

Happy all who hear the message
Of His coming from above;
Happier still who hail His coming,
And with praises greet His love.
Blessèd Savior, Christ most holy,
In a manger Thou didst rest;
Canst Thou stoop again, yet lower,
And abide within my breast?

Evil things are there before Thee;
In the heart, where they have fed,
Wilt Thou pitifully enter,
Son of Man, and lay Thy head?
Enter, then, O Christ most holy;
Make a Christmas in my heart;
Make a heaven of my manger:
It is heaven where Thou art.

And to those who never listened
To the message of Thy birth,
Who have winter, but no Christmas
Bringing them Thy peace on earth,
Send to these the joyful tidings;
By all people, in each home,
Be there heard the Christmas anthem;
Praise to God, the Christ has come!

I had never heard this carol before until I poked around this site, and found a treasure trove of beautiful music. I highly recommend it for a beautiful collection of Christmas music, guaranteed to lift your heart.

How much I need this reminder of His humility in coming down to earth! And yet, if we come to Him in love and repentance, He stoops still further and comes to dwell in our heart. He comes and He cleans out our hearts, taking away the stony sinful heart and giving us a heart of flesh to love and serve Him evermore.

When Christ is in your heart, Heaven is carried with you wherever you go. He will never leave you, nor foresake you. How barren, how cold, how lonely must a heart be which has never known Him! They are like Narnia under the White Witch - always winter, but never Christmas.

If you do not know Him, read that final verse again, and ask the Lord of All to come and ignite His eternal flame in the cold hearth of your heart.

After all, He was born to give us life - and to give it abundantly.

Humble yourself. Follow His example and humble yourself and give yourself to Him. He has never turned away any person who seeks Him.

(Adam has recieved very few submissions for the Carnival of Christmas: won't you participate and send him a post?)

First post ... previous post ... next post

Christmas

Comments

[Adam Graham]

1.

Thanks for all the publicity. I look forward to your submission as well. It looks like it'll be a great carnival. Thanks for all your help.

[David]

2.

Wow. Lovely tune, powerful words (including your own).

Thanks!

[Always On Watch]

3.

Got me on this one. I've never heard it before. Absolutely beautiful!