284. 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

1 ’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 wand'ring hunters heard the hymn:

Refrain:
Jesus your king is born!
Jesus is born,
in excelsis gloria!

2 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: [Refrain]

3 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. [Refrain]

4 O children of the forest free,
the angel 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. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: 'Twas in the moon of wintertime
Title: 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Author: Jean de Brébeuf, 1593-1649
Translator: Jesse E. Middleton, 1872-1960 (alt.)
Refrain First Line: Jesus you king is born!
Meter: 8 6 8 6 8 8
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Topic: Christmas; Songs for Children
Copyright: © 1927 The Frederick Harris Music Company
Notes: Now Public Domain.
Tune Information
Name: UNE JEUNE PUCELLE
Meter: 8 6 8 6 8 8
Key: g minor
Source: French folk tune, c. 16th cent.



Media
Audio recording: MP3
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