Today's Weihnachtslied (German for Christmas carol) dates back to the Austria in the early 1800's. Unfortunately, that is the extent of any authoritative information on the carol's origin. It is still used by parents as a soothing lullaby and over the years, numerous composers have crafted many adaptations to the melody (here is a modern interpretation by Mannheim Steamroller).

As you have seen with other carols, it can be difficult to know just how many verses make up the original version. The arrangements you may be most familiar with usually stop at three or four, but there are manuscripts that show up to six.

The five verses considered part of the original work (by those with far more knowledge than I) are below along with the most common English version. Here is the literal, condensed translation:

The carol paints such a beautiful picture of the humble stable enveloped in angelic harmony with Mary caring for recently born son, joining in the chorus with her own melody, singing the child to sleep. It foreshadows the hard life He will have that will ultimately pave the path to our salvation. It ends with Jesus' earthly guardian being able to join his wife and son in slumber knowing the Heavenly Father himself is watching over them and has His heavenly host standing watch.

With such a wonderful message of hope, caring and security, I can see why parents still sing this to their children and I hope we "grown ups" are also comforted knowing the God of the Universe cared enough for us to set these events in motion that we might no longer fear death.