December 5: Still, Still, Still

Second Week of Advent: Peace
December 5: Still, Still, Still (Austrian) - Links and Lyrics Below

Still, Still, Still is a beautiful Christmas song, better described as a lullaby. While the actual origin of this Austrian song is lost to history, it can be traced as far back as the 1810’s. Over the years, the words have been slightly changed, but the enchanting arrangement of the melody results in the sensation of the melodic motion of a rocking cradle.

The peaceful nature of the music is further reproduced in the words of the three stanzas. “Still, still, still” depicts Mary rocking baby Jesus tightly in her arms, as she protects him from the winter cold. Stanza two continues this image with, “Sleep, sleep, sleep” bringing to mind the peaceful baby Jesus as he is being watched over by Mary and the angels. And, “Dream, dream, dream” elicits the vision of a multitude of jubilant angels watching in wonder as they contemplate the “joyous day to come.”

Perhaps, this Christmas lullaby is so well loved because of its quiet and calming nature. Throughout the ages, listening to music has been used to bring a calmness to the body and, as any mother of an infant knows, enhances sleep. As it is written in Proverbs 3:24, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” In today’s world, who doesn’t need to engage in the songs of the Christmas season to bring to mind the reason we celebrate this beautiful time of year?

Kay Wilson
Retired Friends Pastor


Link to Spotify Playlist

Link to YouTube Playlist



Still, still, still
One can hear the falling snow
For all is hushed
The world is sleeping
Holy star, its vigil keeping
Still, still, still
One can hear the falling snow

Sleep, sleep, sleep
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth
The night is peaceful all around You
Close Your eyes
Let sleep surround You
Sleep, sleep, sleep
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth

Dream, dream, dream
Of the joyous day to come
While guardian angels without number
Watch You as You sweetly slumber
Dream, dream, dream
Of the joyous day to come




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