Читать книгу Best Loved Hymns and Readings - Martin Manser - Страница 15

Extraordinarily, no one knows who wrote this hugely popular children’s Christmas carol, although the third verse is known to have been the work of John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913). Because it was first published in a Lutheran hymnal early in the nineteenth century it was assumed for many years that it was composed by Martin Luther himself, but this appears to be an erroneous attribution.

Away in a manger, no crib for a 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 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.

Be near me, Lord Jesus: I ask Thee to stay

Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray;

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

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