Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace
Gathering Music: Huron Carol
The “Huron Carol” (or “‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”) is a Christmas hymn, written in 1643 by Jean de Brébeuf, a Christian missionary at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Canada.
‘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 wandering 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 Enwrapp’d His beauty round
And 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 fur and beaver pelt
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.