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HURON CHRISTMAS CAROL

© Mary M. Alward

In the early 1600’s, John de Brebeuf, a Catholic Jesuit missionary from France, came to live on the shores of Lake Huron, which is now Ontario. His mission, along with other “Blackrobes,” was to bring Christianity to the Huron Indians through the teaching of the Bible.

While in Canada, Father de Brebeuf broke his clavicle. He was sent to Quebec to recuperate and while there, he wrote the first Canadian Christmas carol. It was called Jesus Ahatonnia (Jesus Is Born.) It is a song that describes the birth of Christ in the stable. Many Canadians other than the First Nation Hurons have adapted the Huron Christmas Carol, as one of the songs to celebrate Christmas.

Father de Brebeuf thought that if he presented the Christmas carol to the Huron Nation, it would help in his missionary work and teachings. Jesse Edgar Middleton translated Father de Brebeuf’s carol to English. Middleton died in 1960.

In recent years, Bruce Cockburn recorded the Huron Christmas Carol. The carol was also included in the Methodist Hymnal and in 1971, the Hymn Book of the Anglican Church and the United Church of Canada. The Huron Christmas Carol is also known as ‘Twas In The Moon of WinterTime, and is a beautiful and haunting piece.

The Lyrics to the English version from Bruce Cockburn’s album:

‘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 wandering 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 winter time 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 Kings is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

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 boy who brings you beauty, peace and joy Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

From 1641 to 1644, de Brebeuf served God, by acting as provisioner for Huronia missions on Georgian Bay from an office in Quebec. He had much difficulty with the Iroquois Nation. They continued to attack their enemies, the Huron and ambushed many of de Brebeuf’s shipments. In 1644, de Brebeuf returned to his beloved Huronia.

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