Huron Carol Lyrics

The Huron Carol ('Twas In The Moon of Winter Time)



'Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had

fled

That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;

Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering

hunters heard the hymn,

Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis

gloria.



Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was

found;

A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round

But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang

loud and high

Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis

gloria.



The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and

fair

As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.

The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox

and beaver pelt.

Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis

gloria.



O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou

The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for

you.

Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty

peace and joy.

Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis

gloria.



Words: Jean de Brebeuf, ca. 1643; trans by Jesse Edgar

Middleton, 1926

Music: French Canadian melody (tune name: Jesous

Ahatonhia)