Welcome to part four of our special Christmas series of songs and devotionals! This time we'll look deeper into the night of Jesus' birth and explore Songs of the Infant & Manger.
When we think about the birth of Christ, we think of the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. We think of Mary and Joseph lovingly gazing upon the holy Infant. We think of the shepherds and wise men adoring the babe in a manger. We often picture Jesus' birth through the lens of the nativity scene.
Nativities take their inspiration from Luke's account of Jesus' birth. The familiar imagery of the Nativity often depicts the manger as a clean, straw-filled crib, when in actuality mangers were simply feeding troughs for animals. The Gospel of Luke draws our attention to the manger three times:
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
“And this will be the sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
“And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:16)
When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room at the inn, and they were forced to seek shelter elsewhere. Out of necessity, they spent the night of Jesus' birth in either a stable or a cave, and a manger was used for his crib. Though far from ideal, the manger was a makeshift substitute that held the infant safely inside, with the straw providing some warmth for him.
The first live Nativity scene was originally created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. He wanted people to have a visual reminder of the importance of Christ's birth. Today, nativity scenes have become fixtures in our Christmas traditions. Whether simple or elaborate, we love nativities and what they represent. We place them prominently in our homes, we see them in people's front yards and at churches throughout the Christmas season. Some are made of wood, glass, or porcelain, some are plastic and glow with light, and some consist of real people and animals. Whatever the case, at the center of the nativity is an infant and a manger representing the baby Jesus and the lowly place where He was born.
More than 2,000 years ago, the greatest gift of all came in the form of a precious baby wrapped in swaddling clothes; the very son of God came wrapped in flesh and blood when he took the form of man. He came from the highest place of power and majesty to be born in a lowly manger, and to later die on a rugged cross. And he did it all for us.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)
That is a love beyond words. We are so thankful for Jesus and as we celebrate Christmas let's remember the events surrounding His birth and the humble circumstances in which he was born. Let's remember the life he lived, the lessons he taught, and the sacrifices he made for us. God gave us the greatest gift of all when he gave us His son, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
You can find more devotionals and song selections from our Christmas series in the links below:
The following song selections focus on the Infant and manger, and they remind us of the humble and holy night of Jesus' birth. We hope you’ll consider these beautiful pieces as you plan your music for the Christmas season.
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Sing (with woodwinds and strings)
Arranged by Hal Wright
From the opening instrumental treatment of William Kirkpatrick's Away In A Manger to the exquisite use of SATB adult choir and children's choir together, this arrangement of Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is a can't-miss Christmas anthem. [Limited Orchestration available to Unlimited PLUS Members.]
Manger Medley
Manger Medley (with video track)
Arranged by Russell Mauldin
Russell Mauldin has created an intimate, almost lullaby-like pairing of "Away In A Manger" and "Silent Night" for SATB choir. Perfect for traditional candlelight services, Christmas cantatas, or Christmas services. [Lyric video accompaniment track available for Unlimited PLUS Members.]
Behold Emmanuel
Behold Emmanuel (with orchestra)
Arranged by Bradley Knight, Regi Stone
Both gentle & commanding, "Behold Emmanuel" is a lush, atmospheric ballad, recounting the humble setting & circumstances into which Jesus was born. Arranged for SATB choir with soloist. [Orchestrations available to Unlimited Plus Members]
From the Manger to the Cross
Arranged by Hal Wright
Veteran arranger Hal Wright presents an anthem with a beautiful track and warm harmonies that could be used during Christmas or Easter.
What a Wondrous Gift
What a Wondrous Gift (with orchestration)
Arranged by Hal Wright
A delicate but majestic celebration of the incarnation describing how humanity's need and God's grace meet in a manger babe. For traditional or blended worship settings, this lovely Christmas anthem is arranged for 4-part choir. [Orchestration available to Unlimited PLUS Members]
Away in a Manger
Arranged by Christopher Phillips
Christopher Phillips, Christ Church Nashville's director of worship and arts, presents this simple, flowing piano piece that uses the classic hymn to paint a portrait of Christmas that invokes images of snow falling, starring skies and the best memories of Christmases long ago.
Once Upon a Manger
Arranged by Russell Mauldin
Russell Maudlin's simple arrangement of this delicate Christmas Eve ballad features unison children's choir and optional women's ensemble. Perfect as the centerpiece of a candlelight service.