[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 200 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as Christmas approaches, I rise 
again to share the history behind one of the most beloved carols, 
``Away in a Manger.''
  People still call this delightful song ``Luther's Cradle Hymn'' and 
believe that Martin Luther sang his own children to sleep with it in 
the 15th century.
  None other than the song's composer, James Murray, promoted this 
charming fable. We really don't know who wrote the words, only that 
they appeared anonymously in a Lutheran publication titled, ``Little 
Children's Book for School and Family'' in 1885.
  When the music first appeared in a children's hymnal 2 years later, 
it was titled, ``Luther's Cradle Hymn.'' James Murray, the editor of 
the hymnal, wrote that the song was composed by Martin Luther for his 
children and still sung by German mothers to their little ones.
  Murray, who was a student of Lowell Mason, composer of ``Joy to the 
World,'' then added his own initials at the end of the song, thereby 
ensuring over a century of confusion.
  The words of the hymn are as follows:

     Away in a manger
     No crib for a bed
     The little Lord Jesus
     Laid down His sweet head
     The stars in the sky
     Look down where He lay
     The little Lord Jesus
     Asleep on the hay
     The cattle are lowing
     The poor baby wakes
     The little Lord Jesus
     No crying He makes
     I love Thee, Lord Jesus
     Look down from the sky
     And stay by my side
     '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
     Take us to heaven
     To live with Thee there.

  Mr. Speaker, I hope we keep the history behind this beautiful song in 
mind as we celebrate the holiday season. On behalf of us in central 
Texas, I wish you a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and a delightful 
Christmas season.

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