☝️ Key Points
- The song addresses angels portrayed as guardians of the sleeping child and asks them to sing gentle psalms and protect the child
- It emphasizes the need for divine care and protection in the poverty and cold of the night
- The intense cold and the cold wind blowing through the manger may symbolize the harsh conditions in which Jesus was born
- The song is an emotionally charged plea for protection and care for the child in a cold and harsh world
- It highlights the silence and holiness of the night in which Jesus was born, and asks listeners to listen and watch with awe and admiration
Interpretation
'Lasst uns lauschen' is a 19th-century Christmas carol. It addresses the holy angels, portrayed as protectors and guardians of the sleeping child, presumably the baby Jesus. The text revolves around themes of love, protection, and the sacred silence of Christmas night.
In the first part, the singer addresses the angels who watch among the palm trees. They are asked to sing softly psalms while his beloved (presumably the baby Jesus) sleeps gently.
In the second part, the angels flying over Bethlehem are addressed. They are asked to come and warm, to cradle - a call for care and protection in the poverty and cold of the night.
In the third part, the bitter cold and the cold wind blowing through the manger are emphasized. This could symbolize the harsh conditions in which Jesus was born. The singer asks for help as he lacks the means to adequately protect the child.
Overall, the song is an emotional depiction of love and concern for the sleeping child and a plea for divine protection and care in a cold and harsh world. It highlights the silence and holiness of the night in which Jesus was born and calls to listen and watch in awe and admiration.