This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Jesus in the Manger
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Jesus in the Manger by Henry Thomas Smart — Lyrics
1. Why, Most Highest, art Thou lying,
In a manger poor and low?
Thou, the fires of heav’n supplying,
Come a stable’s cold to know?
Chorus:
O what works of love stupendous
Were salvation’s price!
Burning wert Thou to befriend us,
Exiles from Paradise.
Read full lyrics
About Jesus in the Manger
Henry Thomas Smart was a prominent English organist and composer of the 19th century, known for his contributions to sacred music. This SATB setting of Jesus in the Manger is a reflective Christmas anthem. The text contemplates the divine paradox of Christ's humble birth, questioning the Incarnation: why the all-powerful creator would choose to experience poverty and vulnerability in a manger. The lyrics explore themes of immense love and sacrifice, emphasizing that salvation came at a profound price, with Christ's burning desire to redeem humanity from its fallen state. The chorus powerfully reiterates the stupendous nature of God's love and the cost of our redemption.
