Carol at the Manger (Holy Child within the manger)

This Christmas hymn is addressed to the Christ-child in the manger. It was written by American Lutheran composer and pastoral musician, Marty Haugen (b 1950).

It was first published in 1987 by GIA Publications in Haugen's "Night of Silence" collection, and later included in the collection "Anthology II: 1985-1989 – The Best of Marty Haugen"

The text has meter 8.7.8.7 D. It is set to a tune, also by Haugen, called JOYOUS LIGHT. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of Y, the first few notes of the melody are EF G E c c B G, with accompanying chords Eb / Ab / Eb.

Downloads

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Arranged by Haugen for unison choir and two C instruments

Examples

Singer with piano accompaniment - low recording volume:

Cantor and children's choir with small orchestra - professional recording:

Solo singer with guitar - original recording:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1 Holy Child within the manger, long ago yet ever near;
.....teach us now where you are found.

2. Once again we tell the story, how your love for us was shown
.... kindle ev’ry land and race.

3. Holy Child within the manger, lead us ever in your way,
.... and our spirits strong and true.

See more ...

• Christmas hymns
• Hymns about Jesus

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
1 Holy Child within the manger, long ago yet ever near; Come as friend to ev’ry stranger, come as hope for ev’ry fear. As you lived to heal the broken, greet the outcast, free the bound As you taught us love unspoken, teach us now where you are found. 2. Once again we tell the story, how your love for us was shown When the Image of your glory wore an image like our own. Come, enlighten with your wisdom, come, and fill us with your grace. May the fire of your compassion kindle ev’ry land and race. 3. Holy Child within the manger, lead us ever in your way, So we see in ev’ry stranger how you come to us today. In our lives and in our living give us strength to live in you, That our hearts might be forgiving and our spirits strong and true.