"'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime"

This morning the band played a hymn called "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime," known here and there as the "Huron Carol." It has a beautiful minor-key melody, which we surrounded with the main riff from "Witchy Woman" by the Eagles. A strange pairing, but it worked. The melody enhances the lyric, which has a nice old-world feel but which, if thought about too much, is probably a little patronizing ("children of the forest" and all that).

The hymn felt right for the season, and I enjoyed playing it. Hopefully folks from the congregation enjoyed it as well. (I know some of them did!)

'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
Enwrapped His beauty 'round;
And 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 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!"

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh244.sht