Away in a Manger a lullaby for Baby Jesus

It is always important to give credit to songwriters but it is almost a certainty that we will never find out who did Away in a Manger. But no matter. Whoever he was deserves a huge thank you for coming up with the sweetest lullaby for the baby Jesus.

- BABY A. GIL

The Christmas celebration has reached its peak. Presents, cards, greetings have been exchanged. As the joyous season begins to wind down and before the ornaments and the creche get put away, I would like to milk the occasion to its utmost before this year ends. That, of course, includes giving another listen to Christmas music.

Christmas carols are among the most beautiful songs ever written. Think Silent Night, O Holy Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, The First Noel and many others. These tunes are so simple but so full of the Christmas message of peace and love. Performed all over the world during the Yuletide season, they are also among the most enduring.

Some of these carols date back to the fourth century. I google-checked and found Jesus Light of Nations composed by St. Hilary of Poitier and Of the Father's Love Begotten by the Roman Christian poet Prudentius.