Gather Comprehensive ‎#361

361. '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:
Jesus your king is born;
Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.

2 The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory 'round
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.

3 O children of the forest free,
The angel song is true;
The holy child of earth and sky
Is born this 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.

Text Information

• First Line: 'Twas in the moon of wintertime
• Title: 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
• Author: Jean de Brebeuf, 1563-1649
• Translator: Jesse E. Middleton, 1872-1960
• Refrain First Line: Jesus your king is born
• Meter: 8 6 8 6 88 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1994
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:9-11
  ;
  Luke 2:7-18
• Topic: Seasons and Feasts: Epiphany
• Copyright: English text © 1927, Frederick Harris Music Co. Ltd.
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: UNE JEUNE PUCELLE
• Arranger: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
• Meter: 8 6 8 6 88 with refrain
• Key: g minor
• Copyright: Arr. © 1992, GIA Publications, Inc.