Away in a Manger

One of the most well-known traditional Christmas Carols is ‘Away in a Manger’ and a section reads “The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes*. An idyllic scene intended to bring comfort and joy. Perhaps the writer was also mindful that the reality is very different for many, for babies are crying, people are unsure where to turn, joy has been overshadowed, there is nowhere comfortable to be found.  Seafarers onboard at Christmas feel the absence from family more acutely. May our gift to the Christ child be that by our words and actions we are bearers of comfort and joy to those who need it most and that we are encouraged in doing so by Jesus who out of love for each of us was prepared to be as vulnerable as a baby in a manger.  'I love you Lord Jesus...close by me forever'