Strong's says that 'have heard' is entry 8085, Shama', which means to hear intelligently (often with the implication of attention, obedience, etc.). It is the Qal Perfect tense, which indicates a completed action.
'crying out' is actually a noun, Tsa'aqah, Strong's 6818, a shriek. Bible Study Tools dotcom renders it a cry of distress (especially as heard by God).
'because of', Strong's 6440, is Paniym, which means face, person or presence
and finally, 'slave drivers' ('taskmasters in KJV and ESV) is Nagas, Strong's 5065, which is, with the participle, driver, taskmaster, ruler, oppressor, tyrant, lord, exacter of tribute.
I have heard their cry of distress in the face of their oppressors is a fair translation.
They were sorely oppressed by the Egyptians. The first century Jews were sorely oppressed (including the exaction of tribute) by the Romans.
God heard their cry of distress.
So...what is oppressing you this Advent season? Is there a tyrant exacting tribute? Maybe not a person, but...a habit? A frame of mind? Fear or anxiety? Exhaustion?
He is paying attention to your distress cry as you face your oppressor. Just has He has indeed seen...He has also heard.
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