Merry Christmas

by Donna K. Weaver

Source

 This lovely carol, Jesous Ahatonhia (Jesus is born),
was written for the Huron Indians in their own language by Father Jean de Brébeuf,
Jesuit missionary to Canada. It was first sung in 1642.
English interpretation by J. E. Middleton


“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 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
Enwrapp’d 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 sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and Heav’n
Is born to day 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.