The New Century Hymnal ‎#151

151. 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

1 ’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:

Refrain:
Jesus Emmanuel, 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,
O seed of Manitou,
the holy Child of earth and heaven
is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Child,
who brings you beauty, peace, so mild. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: 'Twas in the moon of wintertime
• Title: 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
• Translator: Jesse Edgar Middleton (1926, alt.)
• Author: Jean de Brébeuf (c. 1643)
• Refrain First Line: Jesus Emmanuel, Jesus is born
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8. with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:11
  ;
  Matthew 1:23
• Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Birth and Infancy; Year A: Epiphany; Year B: Epiphany; Year C: Epiphany
• Copyright: Translation © 1927 The Frederick Harris Music Co., Ltd.
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: UNE JEUNE PUCELLE
• Harmonizer: Jonathan McNair (1993)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8. with refrain
• Key: g minor
• Source: French folk melody, 16th century
• Copyright: Harmonization © 1993 The Pilgrim Press