This is a wonderful new children’s song in our new Hymns – For Home and Church. It is hymn #1209 It was written by American author and composer Traci S Law while living in South Korea. She was expecting a baby of her own and was inspired to write this Christmas lullaby.
She wanted to write something Mary might have sung to the Baby in the manger. She said, “I thought of how He came to save us, all of us. Christ loves us no matter where we are on our path. I think we all have times of feeling close to Him, like a friend, and other times when we feel farther away, like a stranger. But He stays constant, waiting for us patiently, no matter where we are.”
Music Method
I LOVE Alleluia’s. What a wonderful word to worship and praise Jesus Christ. Alleluia means praise the Lord. I usually start with teaching the chorus of a song, because it provides a very successful celebration of working through the “wordy” verses. It gives a feeling of accomplishment when you go to the top of the song and put it all together.
The flipchart and video will use a melody map to show you the direction to move your voice. Having the children move their hands in the direction of the words will help them learn this alleluia melody. They will pick it up quickly and eventually will be able to remember the ups and downs. You, as the conductor, could continue moving your hands in the directions as you lead.
Another quick sidenote is that the words in red on the flipchart and video are the words that you hold out. They are longer notes! That might be fun to explain before you teach those sections and have the children watch for the red parts!
Download a copy of the flipchart here
Little Baby in a Manger flipchart
There is an optional obbligato part during the third chorus. An obbligato is a musical part played by an instrument that complements and adds harmony to a vocal melody. You could have a violin or flute join in your performance of this song.
Gospel Teaching
This song talks about Jesus coming to save us. This might need to be a bit of a conversation as you teach. You could ask:
How can Jesus save His friends?
How can Jesus save strangers?
How can Jesus save you?
How did the Kings and shepherds learn about Jesus?
Why did they come to Him?
How can you kneel before Jesus?
How can you adore Him?
Here is a video for you to practice with
Happy Singing!