Huron Carol
One of the oldest North American songs translated from
French to Huron to French to English in 1926 by St. Jean de Brebeuf
Arrangement by Penny Buhr Johnson
Soulmates Forever
© Penny Buhr Johnson, 2006

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 wond'ring hunters heard the hymn:

Jesus your King is born,
Jesus is born,
In excelsius gloria

Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped his beauty round:
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel-song rang loud and high,

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

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.