The principal message of this Cantata is that we should be prepared for the Day of the Lord.
The opening chorus relates the Gospel account of the unwise virgins, who were not prepared to receive their Lord, and the cantata includes two sublime love-duets between Jesus and the faithful soul.
The final chorale reassures the Lord that faithful Christians will be ready to meet him when he calls. The three vocal soloists and chorus are joined by an ensemble of oboes, cor anglais, bassoon, horn, string and organ.