Unbelievable? What’s Wrong with “Away in a Manger”? Unbelievable Christmas Bonus with N. T. Wright
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Dec 24, 2025 
N. T. Wright, a renowned theologian and former Bishop of Durham, dives into the world of Christmas carols. He passionately critiques 'Away in a Manger' for its misleading implications about Jesus, while praising 'O Come All Ye Faithful' for its rich theological roots. Wright advocates for hymns that evoke a biblical understanding of hope rather than sentimentality, challenging songwriters to create thoughtful, new compositions. This festive discussion promises to reshape your Christmas hymn experience!
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High Christology In Classic Hymns
- O Come All Ye Faithful teaches high Christology using Nicene language about God becoming flesh.
- N.T. Wright says such hymns help congregations grasp incarnation and John 1 themes.
Beware Sentimental Misrepresentations
- Away In A Manger risks implying Jesus didn't cry, which echoes docetism.
- Wright argues this sentimental image can mislead theology about Jesus' humanity.
Don't Domesticatize The Nativity
- Some carol lines domesticate Jesus into a model child, which can distort the Christmas message.
- Wright warns that hymns like Once in Royal David's City risk teaching conformity rather than God's disruptive arrival.