GREGORIAN The Huron Carol - Catholic Christmas Songs #tag: This is Canada's oldest Christmas Carol. It was written by a Jesuit
missionary to the Huron people, Jean de Brebeuf, in 1643. This, of
course, is the English version of the song, which varies from the
original. The recording is from the CD 'A Noteworthy Christmas', and is
performed by the Exultate Chamber Singers. This version eliminates the
third verse; the full text follows:
'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 En-wrapped 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 Heav'n 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.
