A theological controversy surounding this popular Christmas carol, centers on the line “the little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes,” which has been taken by some as denying Christ the full attributes of humanity, by not behaving like a real human child. But, theological disputes over the wording of this simple lullaby, detract from the beauty of the child-like innocence of it.
The Gospels tell us almost nothing about Christ’s infancy and early life, and many of its most familiar features are later inventions and embellishments, hallowed by long use: the animals peering patiently at us from inside the stable; the three kings with their crowns and gowns; and, above all, the bleak midwinter. But, there are no frosty winds in Luke's gospel. And anyway, the lyricist doesn’t say that the baby Jesus doesn’t cry at all, ever — just not at this particular moment.
I composed my own unique arrangement of this, by changing the time signature and melody line slightly.
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