Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

“’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,” also known as the Huron Carol, is a unique Christmas hymn originally written by St. Jean de Brébeuf, a French Jesuit missionary to the Huron people in Canada during the 17th century. The hymn was later translated into English by Jesse Edgar Middleton in 1926, making it widely known in English speaking congregations.

The hymn presents the story of Christ’s birth in a cultural setting familiar to the Huron people. Instead of traditional Middle Eastern imagery, it describes the nativity using elements of Indigenous life, such as a lodge instead of a stable and hunters instead of shepherds. This contextual approach helped communicate the gospel message in a way that was understandable and meaningful to the people Brébeuf was serving.

The hymn is based on the biblical account in Luke 2:1–14, which tells of the birth of Jesus and the announcement to the shepherds. It celebrates the coming of the Savior with joy and wonder, emphasizing that Christ came for all people, across every culture and nation.

Another key theme is the incarnation described in John 1:14, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The hymn reflects this truth by portraying Christ entering into human life in a humble and accessible way.

The message also connects with 2 Corinthians 8:9, which speaks of Christ becoming poor so that others might become rich, and Philippians 2:6–7, which describes His humility in taking on human form. These themes highlight the depth of Christ’s love and the sacrifice involved in His coming.

“’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” remains a beloved Christmas carol that demonstrates how the gospel can be expressed within different cultural contexts. Through its message, it invites all people to rejoice in the birth of Christ, the Savior who came for the whole world.