AWAY IN A MANGER

Sometimes, the greatest things are obscure in history.  Today's Christmas Carol is one of those things.  Shrouded in mystery regarding its origins with the fables being so common as to be considered by many fact, we who are honest do not really know!  But Oh how we love the soothing tones of the melody, the comforting lyrics, and the hopeful meaning for all who put their trust in the Jesus of the Bible!

Here's one account of how it came to be:

In 1887, American hymn writer James R. Murray entitled the tune to “Away in a Manger” as “Luther’s Cradle Hymn.” Murray further stated in his popular songbook, Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses, that Martin Luther had not only written “Away in a Manger,” but had sung it to his children each night before bed. As the song spread across a growing America and people began to sing it at home, in churches, and at schools, they often envisioned legions of German mothers rocking their babies to sleep each night with the strains of “Away in a Manger.” As the song became more popular, some news reports even trumpeted the song’s Teutonic heritage and the powerful inspiration that obviously could come from only the great Luther himself.

Ironically, not only did German mothers of this era not sing “Away in a Manger,” they had never heard it until the song arrived in Europe from its country of origin, the United States. Where Murray got his misinformation on Luther remains a mystery, yet because of his outstanding reputation as a writer and publisher, the story stuck. (From the internet: http://bibleheartburn.com/2013/12/11/the-story-behind-away-in-a-manger , 12/3/2015)

DEVOTION 
Sometimes, we hope to receive the blessings of those who are truly blessed by simply being near them.  You know what I mean.  Who wouldn't want to be best friends with King Midas!  He could give you all the gold you wanted - without anything more than lifting and lowering a finger!  Or hanging out with the popular person.  If he was in, and he accepted you - then YOU were in!  

That's the tenor of our Christmas Carol.  If Jesus is "In" with the Father, blessed by the Father, protected by the Father, then those Jesus wanted near Him would be equally blessed!  And that's not unbiblical in the least.  In fact, He wants us to be so near Him we are IN Him and HE in us.  That union with Christ is the key.  We are to be ONE with Him, not separate from Him.

Romans 8:1 (NKJV)  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Emphasis mine)

This Christmas season - indeed today, as you read this devotional - ask yourself, "Am I IN CHRIST JESUS?"  If so, delight that what love the Father has for Him, He also has for you.  If not, delight that it is His will that will change and that you will receive Jesus IN you and you will be IN Him.  That is simple, but profoundly life changing.  Simply repent of your sins and turn from them to Jesus.  God wants better for you than that.  Believe that and follow Jesus wherever He leads you.  There is NO condemnation by God to those who will walk according to Christ Jesus' leadership.  When you begin to want His will for your life, you will know you are saved!

And that is Just A Thot for today.  May your Christmas be blessed because you are near the Lord Jesus Christ!