This beautiful song is sung by Tom Jackson.
The Huron Carol is Canada’s oldest Christmas song, written probably around 1642 by Jean de Brebeuf, a Jesuit missionary among the Hurons in Canada.The English lyrics were
written in 1926 by Jesse Edgar Middleton.
The song tells the story of the first Christmas using imagery familiar to Huron culture in the early 20th century.
The babe is born not in a stable but a hunting lodge and is wrapped in rabbit skin. He is surrounded by hunters, not shepherds, and visited by chiefs who bring gifts of fox and beaver pelts.
The song has become a Canadian classic sung by many artists but Tom Jackson is it’s most well-known performer.
Tom Jackson was born at One Arrow First Nation Reserve in Saskatchewan on Oct 27 1948. He dropped out of high school at 15 and lived on the streets of Winnipeg for the next 7 years. During this time he formed bonds with the outcast and marginalized and decided to use his beautiful baritone voice to bring about change. He turned to radio and television, produced programs for the CBC, wrote plays and was a DJ.
Jackson has also appeared in several television roles, has been awarded prestigious Canadian music and acting awards and is a member of The Order of Canada. He holds nine honourary degrees from Canadian Universities and is a beloved and respected spokesperson for Aboriginal issues. For over twenty years he traveled across Canada with the Huron Carol Benefit Concert, singing this song and raising millions for food banks and other charitable causes.
“You don’t have to change the whole world, you just have to change your world, and the rest will follow.”
Tom Jackson
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 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
Enwrapp'd His beauty round;
But 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 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.
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
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