Lyrics AWAY IN A MANGER Tradition has it this hymn was written by Martin Luther. Unfortuneately, this isn't so. Ironically, it isn't even well known in Germany! In 1857 James R Murray published the song in a children's songbook and called it Luther's Cradle Hymn. Unfortuneately, people believed him. The words are actually from a Lutheran Sunday School book and were written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! It is frequently sung to the tune of Flow Gently Sweet Afton. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in 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 cradle 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.