17th December
Written by Jenny Gallimore
Away in a Manger
“Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray”
Away in a Manger is a Christmas carol that all school children know and love. It is a staple of the school Nativity show. Every year, children don their tea towels on their heads and sing (or shout!) along to the music, bringing tears to their loving parents’ eyes. We hear this carol so often that it is easy to forget to really listen to the words that the children are singing.
The words, "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, close by me forever and love me I pray," offer a profound yet simple theological reflection on the relationship between Christ and humanity. These lines express a longing for intimacy with Jesus, a prayerful plea for His presence and love to remain constant. These lines of the carol also evoke a sense of childlike trust and dependence. Just as a child looks to a parent for security, guidance, and affection; we too look to Jesus for closeness, protection, and love.
The plea for Jesus to "stay" also speaks to the human need for constancy and assurance. Life is often marked by uncertainty and change, and in such moments, we need the steadfast presence of Jesus. The prayer for Him to stay close by to us recognises that while human relationships may falter or circumstances may shift, the presence of Jesus is an unwavering source of peace and security. It’s a recognition that Christ’s nearness is not just for moments of joy, but also for times of difficulty, loss, and doubt.
There is nothing quite like watching your child take part in their school Nativity play. As I watched both of my children take part in their respective nativities, I was overwhelmed with pride, emotion and, at times, laughter at the sheer comedic value of 5-year-olds on the stage with their chaotic and joyful performances. There is something quite profound in children’s exuberance and joy at Christmas time. And while “Away in a Manger” will always remind me of my children’s Nativity plays, it also invites a deeper recognition of God’s incarnational love, the assurance of his constant companionship and the power of his grace-filled love.