About the Song
When Alan Jackson sings a Christmas hymn, it doesn’t feel like a performance—it feels like a prayer. That’s especially true in his beautiful rendition of “Away in a Manger”, released in 2002 on the holiday album Let It Be Christmas. With his unmistakable voice and humble style, Alan offers a version of this timeless carol that feels both deeply personal and universally comforting.
“Away in a Manger” has long been one of the most beloved hymns of the season. Its gentle lullaby melody and simple words evoke the peaceful night of Christ’s birth, surrounded by hay and hope. Alan Jackson doesn’t try to modernize or embellish it—instead, he stays true to its roots. Soft acoustic guitar, tender piano, and subtle strings set the tone, allowing the reverence of the lyrics and the purity of his voice to shine through.
His approach is quiet and respectful, the way you’d imagine it being sung in a small country church on Christmas Eve—candles glowing, snow falling softly outside, and hearts focused on the manger, not the mayhem. There’s no showmanship here. Just stillness, belief, and a deep sense of peace.
As part of Let It Be Christmas, an album filled with both sacred and secular songs of the season, “Away in a Manger” stands out for its emotional simplicity. It reminds us that Christmas doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most powerful moments come in whispers, in hushes, in the faith of a child born in a barn.
For many listeners, especially those raised on traditional hymns and Alan’s unmistakable blend of gospel-tinged country, this version of “Away in a Manger” feels like home. It’s a return to the heart of the holiday—not the gifts or the lights, but the story at the center of it all.
And in that story, as Alan gently sings, lies the true miracle of Christmas.