Away in a manger, no crib for a bed (StF 191ii)
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Parallels have often been drawn between the plight of refugees and the story of Jesus and his family, escaping the murderous intent of King Herod following his birth in Bethlehem. See for example the song by John Bell and Graham Bell, Down the road run refugees (website only). Related connections have been made with Palestinians in particular, most recently since the attack on Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent destruction of Gaza.
In Bethlehem, at Christmas 2023, the Lutheran Church created a nativity scene to reflect the reality of children living and being born in Palestine today, placing the symbolic baby Jesus in a manger of rubble and destruction (pictured).
Sometimes we might feel that the suggested parallels can't sufficiently capture the differences and the nuances. Nevertheless, the love and pain felt by God wherever there is suffering or fear is always a present reality.
The Revd Lu Skerratt-Love (they/them), a Church of England curate currently working in Liverpool, submitted to Singing the Faith Plus a striking adaptation of Away in a manger, which begins "Away and in danger, no crib for a bed, a young girl called Mary lay down her sweet head..." They write that their hymn was crafted:
"... in response to what was beginning to appear on our TV screens in late 2023, with no idea the conflict and suffering would continue well into 2025, with horrors that only ever seem to be defying words. It seemed fitting for Christmas of 2023, especially for Munther Isaac's 'Christ's in the Rubble'. But I had hoped and prayed it would not have to be sung again. I don't think I could write it now as nothing tangible seems to make sense. However, sometimes all we can rely on is the Hope beyond all Hope."
Here is the third verse of Lu's re-working, which you may consider using in place of the existing verse 3, or adding as a new verse 4.
O God of true justice, O God of deep peace,
bring healing to places where wars never cease.
Bless all your dear children, alone and afraid;
the baby you've sent us transforms all you've made.
Additional words © 2023 Lu Skerratt-Love