Unwrapping the Carols of Christmas; Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger is a Christmas carol first published in teh late nineteenth century and used widely throughout the English-speaking world. Although it was long claimed to be the work of German religious reformer Martin Luther, the carol is now thought to be wholly American in origin. No matter its origin, Away in a Manger is perhaps the most fitting carol for Christmas not the gold or the glitter. Chrstmas is neither the wrappins nor the trappings. It is the story of God humbling himself to become a bby. Born in a very crude manger yet sent to save a world. The simple story of Away In A Manger could not be more apropos to begin this series. So in keeping with what I would call the simplistic fram of the manger, the teaching this morning comes from two simple verses found in the Gospel of Luke 2:6-7.