This, the first Canadian Christmas carol, was originally written in the Huron
language using the melody of a 16th century French carol, Une Jeune
Pucelle. This arrangement is as expressive as the story it depicts and
the plaintive melody is elegantly scored and always full of promise.  

The lyrics are:

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 wand'ring hunters heard the hymn:

Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born

In excelsis gloria!

This carol dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest Irish
carols, originating in County Wexford. The Celtic influence is evident
in this sophisticated and superbly crafted arrangement.