"An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'.... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!" Luke 2:9-11, 13-14 NRSV

Listen to "The Huron Carol" aka "'Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time."

Saint Jean de Brebeuf, a Jesuit missionary to the Hurons, wrote this carol in their language as both gift and to help in his missionary and teaching efforts. Pere Brebeuf's carol was translated by Jesse Edgar Middleton who died in 1960. The carol was in recent years included in an album by Bruce Cockburn. It was included in "The Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada" in 1971. It is also found in the Methodist Hymnal.

The carol is variously known as "The Huron Carol" or as " 'Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time." The music for this piece is hauntingly beautiful as you can tell from the MIDI now playing. The music, known as Jesous Ahatonhia, was arranged by H. Barrie Cabena. This particular version is from the Christmas music page at Jack's Shack (an incredible collection).

• Lyrics to Huron Carol: Text to lyrics to The Huron Carol from Bruce Cockburn's album.
• Iesus Ahatonhia: Lyrics.
• Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons
• The Huron Relations of 1635" From the Jesuits.
• Brebeuf's Instructions to the Missionaries
• Wyandot Nation of Kansas
• Wendat-Huron Newsletter