'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 hunter 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
Enwrapp'd his beauty round;
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high... refrain
O children of the forest free,
O sons 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. refrain