Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 586-596

I have been enjoying Christmas carols, old and new this last little while.  

I found this beautiful Huron Indian carol,  Jesous Ahatonhia (Jesus is Born) in a lovely old hymn book from the Church of England.  The Indian words were written by St. Jean de Brebeuf circa 1643 and were translated by J. Edgar Middleton in 1926.

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 wondering 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 enwrapped 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 winter-time 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.

*(The mighty Lord of all the world.)

Truly, God has revealed Himself to every tribe and tongue . . . every people group is precious in His sight.

Continuing the counting of His gracious gifts . . .

586.  Surprise dinner out
587.  Pretty lights at night
588.  Another ultrasound on my leg veins . . . excellent blood flow
589.  Winter beauty

590.  Home made chicken soup  . . . so comforting
591.  Ginger snaps, lemon crinkles, peppermint fudge, French Cake and caramel cracker toffee

592.  Parcel on the way to grandkids
593.  Christmas cards arriving in the mailbox

594.  Experiencing a little of what permanently disabled folks go through
595.  Beautiful Christmas concert

596.  Music that brings me to tears

"Joy to the earth, this newborn king 

has come to bear our suffering, 

to break the curse that binds us here . . .

Peace on earth, is born in a manger

for love has come to earth

The lame will walk, the blind will see,

the captive hearts will be set free

He has come to save the day.

Joining the grateful community at . . .