Jesous Ahatonhia

This carol, the title of which translates to "Jesus is Born," was written by Father Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary to Canada, for the Huron, in 1642. He wrote it in their language; this interpretation is by J. E. Middleton.

by Father Jean de Brébeuf

'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--
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;
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 Heaven
   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.

Christmas Poems
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