Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Huron Carol

['Twas in the Moon of Wintertime]


'Twas in the moon of wintertime
When all the birds had fled,
That God the Lord of all the earth
Sent angel choirs instead.
Before their light the stars grew dim
And wond'ring 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
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!


O children of the forest free,
The angels' song is true.
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!   

---Jean de Brebeuf; 16th century; translated J.E. Middleton, 1926 (altered)

http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/twas_in_the_moon_of_wintertime.htm