The lyrics of "While You Were Sleeping" tell the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, emphasizing the lack of recognition and acknowledgement by the people who were present at the time. The song then parallels this with the indifference of Jerusalem to His sacrifice and the warning to America about being asleep and missing the return of Jesus.

Read more
image

Meaning of "While You Were Sleeping" by Casting Crowns


The lyrics of "While You Were Sleeping" by Casting Crowns draw attention to the idea that even amidst significant events, people can remain oblivious and indifferent. The song uses historical events like the birth of Jesus and his sacrifice to highlight this theme. Bethlehem, a town where Jesus was born, is depicted as unaware of the gravity of the event and as having "no room for its King." This lack of recognition serves as a metaphor for how people can be blind to the presence or significance of divine moments in their lives. The song then extends this theme to Jerusalem, a place where Jesus was crucified, to underscore how even after His ultimate sacrifice, there was still indifference. Finally, the song addresses the United States of America, portraying a society preoccupied with superficial concerns and ideologies that distract from spiritual truths. The reference to Jesus' return symbolizes the potential consequences of remaining spiritually asleep and missing important revelations. Overall, "While You Were Sleeping" serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of remaining vigilant and receptive to divine messages.