Little Baby in a Manger

American author and composer Traci S. Law was living in South Korea when she felt inspired to write a Christmas lullaby. Since she didn’t have a piano in her apartment, her bishop gave her a key to the Church building so she could use the piano there. A few times a week, she walked to the chapel, often in quiet reflection, to work on the song that was forming in her heart.

Because she was expecting a baby of her own, she wanted to write something Mary might have sung to the Baby in the manger—and that any of us could sing to express love for the Savior. “I thought of how He came to save us, all of us,” she said. “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.”

Sister Law pictured angels singing the “alleluias” in the chorus and inviting us all to join in their song of praise. She hopes that when someone sings or listens to this song, they will feel one simple truth: Jesus Christ came to save them.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Little Baby in a Manger

On This Page

Scriptures

Principles

Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to save His children.
When we learn about the birth and life of Jesus Christ, we can feel God’s love.
Christmastime helps us remember Jesus Christ and feel thankful for Him.

Questions to Ponder

How did the shepherds show their love for Jesus Christ?
Why did Heavenly Father make a star shine brightly when Jesus Christ was born?
What can you do to remember Jesus Christ at Christmastime?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Visualize the baby Jesus.
- Ask your children to think of a baby they know—maybe a sibling, cousin, neighbor, or friend. You might take a moment to reminisce about when your children were babies and share something they may not remember from their early years. Explain that Jesus Christ was once a tiny newborn, lying in a humble manger. As you sing the song together, invite your children to picture the baby Jesus.
- Explain that soft, quiet songs help babies feel calm and safe and that this song can help us feel Jesus’s love. Invite your child to gently rock an imaginary baby while you sing. The song is written in 3/4 time, so you can sway together to the beat: 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Simple motions like rocking or cupping hands like a cradle can help children feel connected to the idea that Jesus Christ was once a baby too.
Sing “Alleluia!” Listen to the song together as a family. You might follow along with the sheet music and sing the melody together. When you reach the chorus, explain that alleluia is a sacred word that means “Praise the Lord.” It’s a joyful way to show love, gratitude, and praise for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Help your children learn how to say it clearly by sounding it out: “al-le-lu-ia.” Sing the song again, encouraging everyone to sing “Alleluia!” with joy. During the week, ask, “What makes you want to say ‘Alleluia!’ today?” As children share, invite them to think of the lyrics or sing one verse of the song. Help your children see how thinking about this question can help them notice God’s blessings and feel His love in their lives.
Teach how Jesus Christ came to save us. Sing the song slowly with your children. After the phrase “come and save me,” pause and ask, “What does it mean that Jesus came to save us?” Help them understand that Jesus Christ came to bring peace, hope, and a way for us to return to live with Heavenly Father. You might share a simple testimony or a scripture such as 2 Nephi 2:6. After singing, invite your children to decorate a star or heart and write on it “Jesus Christ came to save me.” Hang it somewhere in your home as a reminder of His love throughout the Christmas season.

Music Helps

At the end of the first page, there is a repeat sign with “1. 2.” in brackets. This means that after both verses 1 and 2, you should return to the beginning of the song and sing the next verse. Then for the third verse, skip the measure marked with “1. 2.,” go to the measure marked with “3.,” and sing to the end of the song. These numbered parts are called first, second, and third endings.

“Little Baby in a Manger” multiple endings and obbligato explanation
Above the third-ending bracket are the words “Optional obbligato.” An obbligato is music for an instrument to play along with the congregation’s singing—a way to add beauty and interest to the song. A violin or flute would be a good option for the range of this obbligato.