61
'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
1. '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.
2. Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender Babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty round.
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.
3. O children of the forest free,
O you 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: Native American (Huron) Jean de Brebeuf, c. 1641 English text: Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926
MUSIC: French carol, 16th century
Theme: Christmas