Twas's in the Moon of Wintertime is a sacred Canadian
Christmas carol by Jean de Brebeuf, a Canadian Jesuit priest. The melody is
based off the French folk song Une jeune pucelle (A young
maiden).The carol was originally in the Huron language named Jesous Ahatonhia (meaning
Jesus is born), then translated into French, then to English by Jess E.
Middleton in 1926. The melody is celebratory and uplifting and at times sounds
at time like the modern popularized American carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The
song tells the story of Jesus’ birth but in a way to respect the Huron’s
culture. The mood is supposed creates
a vivid picture of moonlight shining on the snow during the glory of Jesus's birth. Each stanza also ends with the phrase "Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
Lyrics:
'Twas in the moon of winter-time
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wandering hunter 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
Enwrapp'd 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."
O children of the forest free,
O sons 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."
Lyrics:
'Twas in the moon of winter-time
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wandering hunter 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
Enwrapp'd 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."
O children of the forest free,
O sons 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."