Merry Christmas!

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

Father,

Today, we celebrate the birth of our Messiah, your Son, Christ Jesus. On this special occasion, we worship you and give thanks for your infallible plan of redemption for your elect. Your saints on earth glorify the birth of our Lord and King. Father, I pray that the love and self-sacrifice of Jesus be felt across the entire world. That every haven of darkness is illuminated by the light of the Lord. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5 ESV) Grant us your peace and grace. In the name of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, True and Faithful, the beautiful name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Away in the Manger:

Author (st. 1-2): Anonymous (1885)

Author (v. 3, attr.): John T. McFarland (1892)

Author (attributed to): Martin Luther