The Gift of Christmas

Created by Phil Barfoot Arranged by Dave Williamson

Optional Narrative and Dramatic Scripts

Narrative Script Pages 2-4

Dramatic Script # 1 (by Pete Battaglia) Pages 5-12

Dramatic Script # 2 (by Dwaine Stroud and David Jones) Pages 13-26

There are three options for you to use: The narrative script or one of the two dramatic scripts listed above. You may make as many copies as you need for your cast.

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THE GIFT OF CHRISTMASNARRATION

SONG: CHRISTMAS TOGETHER

NARRATION:That night was a grand celebration! God’s greatest gift come to earth in the form of a beautiful, fragile little baby boy. Hope was born that night in a humble cattle stall. The Savior of the world, God’s only son, born in an obscure, lowly manger.

This was the fulfillment of what the angel had proclaimed to Mary when he said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His Kingdom will never end!”

Mary was humbled that God would choose her to deliver the Promised One, the Messiah. As she realized the incredible miracle that was taking place, she responded with these powerful words of praise: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”

SONG: MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD

NARRATION: Angels filled the sky that night. The entire heavenly host were praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

After the shepherds heard this spectacular proclamation, they could hardly wait- they ran to Bethlehem to see and worship the Christ Child, their newborn Savior!

SONG: GLORIA

NARRATION: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God! Prince of Peace, Emmanuel: God with us! Alpha, Omega, Beginning and the End! Deliverer, Son of Righteousness, Holy One! Morning

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Star, Breath of Life, Great I AM, Friend! King of kings, Lord of lords... all powerful names for this Holy Child.

He was God come to earth in human form- our long awaited Savior, Redeemer... Yahweh!

SONG: YAHWEH

NARRATION: O, the deep, deep love of Jesus!

That from Heaven He would come,Leaving all His Kingly glory

To be born as flesh and blood!O, the deep, deep love of Jesus!

Mary’s Baby, Calvary’s Lamb;Humbly took our sins upon Him,Though He was the Great I AM.

SONG: WHAT CHILD IS THIS

NARRATION: Born to glorify the Father, Jesus would soon be despised and rejected by men. His side would be pierced with a cruel sword. His precious head would wear a crown of thorns. In a mockery of a trial, He would be condemned to the crucifixion of a common criminal!The prophet Isaiah warned that Jesus would be “pierced for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities”. The punishment that would bring us peace would be upon Him, and by His wounds we would be healed.

Jesus would soon be crushed like a rose. But when you crush a rose, the fragrance of that flower becomes even greater. That fragrance of hope would reach out to every soul, offering forgiveness, reconciling us to God and promising the gift of eternal life!

SONG: ROSE OF BETHLEHEM

TESTIMONY: Appropriately setting up “Miracle In A Manger”

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SONG: MIRACLE IN A MANGER

NARRATION:It was a miracle like the world had never witnessed before! The Lamb of God, entering into this busy, hectic world in a lowly manger stall. As the Lamb of God, only He could be offered as the true sacrifice for our sins. It was not the blood of goats or rams, but the precious blood of Jesus Christ that would now offer each of us complete forgiveness of sin and eternal life without end!

SONG: LOOK TO THE LAMB

TESTIMONY: Appropriately setting up “It Never Grows Old”

SONG: IT NEVER GROWS OLD

SONG: CHILDREN, GO WHERE I SEND THEE

NARRATION:From the cradle to the cross, from the humiliation of His crucifixion to the power of His triumphant resurrection. From the rejection of men to the glory of the right hand of the Father. Millions of people from every tribe and tongue and nation, will one day stand before His throne in worship. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Much more than just a frail baby born into poverty and lowliness. He was, He is, He forever will be the one and only Hope of the world, Peace to the distressed, Love for the broken, Joy for the mourner- the Gift of the Father!

He is Jesus, our Emmanuel! Joy to the world- the Lord is come!

SONG: LIVING NATIVITY MEDLEY

(Optional: Invite congregation to sing along from ms. 14 through ms. 205.)

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The Gift of Christmas Dramatic Script # 1

By Pete Battaglia

I. Celebrating the Gift of the Season, the Savior, and the Miracle in the Manger- Christmas Together with Come On, Ring Those Bells- My Soul Magnifies the Lord- Miracle in a Manger

II. Celebrating the Gift of the Story that Never Grows Old- Living Nativity Medley- It Never Grows Old

III. Celebrating the Gift with Angels, Shepherds, and Kings- Gloria- Yahweh with He Lives- What Child Is This- Rose of Bethlehem

IV. Celebrating the Gift of the Father’s Invitation to Come- Invitation from the Pastor

V. Celebrating the Gift of Those Who Have Shared the Hope- Look to the Lamb with Behold the Lamb

VI. Celebrating the Gift of Sharing Hope with Others- Children, Go Where I Send Thee

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The Gift of Christmas Dramatic Script # 1By Pete Battaglia

I. Celebrating the Gift of the Season, the Savior, and the Miracle in the Manger

Christmas Together with Come On, Ring Those Bells - Opening Song This is a seasonal song of celebration with Choir and Orchestra. It should be enhanced with bright and colorful lighting, a very seasonal background with snowflakes, and perhaps bells on the walls; cast dressed in seasonal colors. Choir is in loft for start of song. During the song, various groups of seasonally dressed cast enter to enhance and act out lyrics as they occur. A family group is gathering on the right front set and preparing the set for a gathering complete with a tree to decorate and light up, refreshments, presents, etc. This should be an extended family with all ages represented, (Grandparents, Mom and Dad, Teenager, 2 children, and perhaps some extended family like an aunt and uncle. (Around nine people) They are all in and out doing various additions to the set (simple) like a manger scene, a fire, the tree, decorations, presents, stockings, mistletoe, and by end of the song all have taken their places on the set. Other small groups could be a tree group, a caroling group, a bell ringing group, shoppers, and other family groups. They move about from place to place to enhance the seasonal setting of the song. By “Come On Ring those Bells,” all cast is across the front sing along. During the final chorus, the family is in place on the set. The remaining cast move across to gather on the manger set (left side) and greet and continue celebrating. (Optional): All join hands on next to last “together,” and then do hand raise on last “together.”

End of Song, lighting transition signals all to drop hands, extended cast exits room from manger set, and extended family group takes their seats on right set. Dad steps forward to speak. To family and to audience:

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Dad: Greetings everyone, greetings! I’m so glad you could come tonight to our family gathering in preparation for Christmas. You know it’s just a few days away and we really want to be ready to make the most of this special time of year. (all heartily agree) Mom: Tonight we really want to get ready to celebrate God’s precious gift to us!

Dad: That’s right sweetheart, and as we do we’ll take time to share the hope we all have because of that gift. So right now, why don’t we start our time together with a song of praise to thank God for all the great things He’s done for us!

(Dad and Mom take their place in the set which is dimmed but stays on as the family sings along the choir.)

My Soul Magnifies The Lord

Mom: How wonderful it is to sing songs of praise to the Lord for all He’s done!

Dad: Yes, and especially at this time of the year, as we think about what happened for us so long ago in Bethlehem.

Mom: You are so right, honey, what God did there was…, well, nothing short of a miracle!

Dad: Yes, it was absolutely a “Miracle in a Manger!”

Miracle in a Manger

The Family sings along with the choir.

Lighting again enhances the song. Background could be manger silhouettes and animal gobos creating a large manger scene on the walls, along with moving lights to enhance the celebrative nature of the song.

II. Celebrating the Gift of the Story that Never Grows Old Dad: (with Bible in hand) Tonight we’ll be doing something that has really become a family tradition for us at Christmas; we’ll read the story of Christmas right from God’s Word, and sing some of our favorite carols! Mom: But you know...this is so much more than something we do just for the sake of tradition. We tell the old, old story because we know it’s true! And because we love to hear it again and again; and because it reminds us of how far God was willing to go to show His love for us.

Dad: (turning to congregation) So tonight, join us as we once again share the hope, by telling the story, and singing the carols… of Christmas!

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(Dad and mom take their seats and Dad takes his Bible to read the Christmas story as a narration in the next song. The congregation is directed to sing along.

Living Nativity Medley

During the song, a living nativity is set with the entering of Biblical cast, along with Mary and Joseph and the baby to the manger set. A few angels are used to enhance the story, perhaps with some choreography at points. The Shepherds enter at various times as indicated by the reading. This is basically a small living nativity that sets the scene of the narration as Dad reads. Congregation and family sings along.

Lighting sets a starry night scene with enhancements to the manger. Angel multitudes as mentioned, and other enhancements to scene. (Biblical cast exits along the way and will re-enter later in program.)

(Optional): On the last segment of the song during the final reading, children’s choirs enter singing the last section of the medley (perhaps along with a few additional angels) and take their place on the steps to help lead the next song. We go right into the child’s solo, and the next song. (Optional: Kids sing along on refrains, and song ending.)

It Never Grows Old with Tell Me The Story of Jesus

Nativity stays in place. During the song, members of the family move from the right set across to kneel at the the manger in small groups of two and three, and then exit the set.

III. Celebrating the Gift with Angels, Shepherds, and Kings

Dad comes all the way around back to the right set by the end of this song. He addresses the congregation and says: (spotlight):

Dad: So now we have heard the story from God’s word. But… what if … what if for the next few moments we could hear the story once again? But this time we could hear it from the perspective of some of those who actually experienced all that happened. Listen now as more of the story of Christmas comes to life…

(Spot picks up an Angel on the manger set who steps forward to speak.)

Angel shares a testimony:

Angel Testimony: We couldn’t believe it when we heard the news! We had known for the longest time that the Father, our Creator was going to do something very unique and special to show His love to

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all mankind. So when the day was approaching, well, you can just imagine our excitement! We were all wondering just how it would all play out, and just what we would be doing as a part of the plan. When our instructions came, they almost seemed too simple. All we had to do was just what we were created for… to simply give glory to God! Why… that’s what angels love to do!!!There is no higher or greater calling than to let all that is within us give praise to our Creator! So… the time came! We were astounded to find that we would be gathering in great numbers, a multitude of us in fact, to announce that the Father, the Great I Am, would be born as a child, a man, to fully and completely identify with His creation. We were even more amazed that we would be sharing this most important news with the humblest of human kind: simple shepherds guarding their flocks by night. But we were none the less overwhelmed with the beauty and simplicity of what the Father had planned, and now we would be praising Him as the Son… for you see all the glory and fullness of the Father will dwell in Him, and He will be called Emmanuel, God with us.He will now be the Great Shepherd, and in time the Man of Sorrows Who will be the perfect sacrifice for sin! How simple, yet wonderful the plan! So… on that special night we set out to do what angels do best… and we filled the night sky to sing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” that is… Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, good will towards men!!!

(Leads into the next song during which all the angel hosts and Gabriel possibly do choreography. Soloist and Choir sing song.)

Gloria

(Lighting on this song is bright and white as possible to enhance the angels choreography. Spots on the soloist center stage.)

Black out at end of song (for the angels to exit just after last pose and song cut off.)

Then spot picks up a shepherd for his testimony. (It may be that they have exited earlier and return now, or that they have remained near the manger and one steps forward to do the testimony.)

(Note: Yahweh is said each time in a mysterious, whispered voice with lots of breath and the utmost respect and reverence.)

Shepherd Testimony: Yes, the announcement from the angels of the greatest news ever shared with mankind came to us… lowly shepherds! Humble and seemingly uneducated men. Uneducated that is perhaps in the eyes of the religious leaders of our day… but you must understand that we had studied the prophecies from the time we were old enough to visit the temple. Our parents passed on to us the blessed hope that one day Messiah would come, the One Who would save us from sin. Our love for God was great! So great in fact that out of respect we feared to say His name. So we came up with many ways to describe Him; the Great I Am. The term we used the

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most was… “Yahweh.” You see, to us that name embodied all we had come to know and love about God. It was as descriptive in sound as it was in meaning. It literally means “to be,” reminding us that our Creator depends on no one to exist. He depends on nothing else, yet on Him all things rest and have their existence. “Yahweh… was coming in the form of our Messiah, we just didn’t know what His form would be. Then… came that night! We were all in the fields doing our usual work, caring for our sheep diligently, guarding, guiding, protecting. Suddenly he appeared to us! The angel of the Lord came and told us the news we had been praying for that very night, “For unto you a child is born!” And then with him stood the heavenly hosts, millions of them… angels everywhere, they filled the night sky. It was glorious! And then just as suddenly as they had come...they were gone. A child? They said we would find a child? Yes, a child! Oh, we didn’t understand it all then, but looking back it all makes so much sense. We had to come and see this thing the angel spoke of, and so we came indeed. And here, in a simple manger...we found Him. We found the One whose name we could not even speak… Yahweh! Oh, that name has even more meaning now. For what we had only hoped for now we could see with our eyes...and with our hearts. Yahweh...had come to us!

Yahweh with He Lives

At end of the song, a King who has entered is spotted for his testimony. (Back lighting transitions back to starry night. As king mentions star it is lit over manger.)

Kings Testimony: I… am Balthasar, and along with some of my closest friends, Caspar and Melchoir… well, let’s just say you have come to know us as… the three kings. Actually, we are astrologers. Learned men from Persia, three of many who study the heavens and apply the knowledge and wisdom we gain to uncover many of the secrets of the universe. But nothing we had known before was like the star we saw forming in the east. (Star appears). In fact it was not like anything we had seen before. So large and beautiful, and to us… so full of meaning. You see, we studied more than just the movements of the stars, we also watched with wonder as the heavens seemed to speak to us of the existence of a presence and a plan much greater than our own. So when this star appeared we knew… we knew we had to follow it to see just where it would lead. When we neared Jerusalem, the Jewish king Herod was waiting for us and summoned for us to visit with him. He was very nervous about strange visitors from the east, but he was even more nervous about the prophecies of a new king to be born, a new… King of the Jews! He, well, let’s just say he encouraged us to let him know if we found the One we were looking for who was announced by the star. By the time we got there we had heard much of the news, the appearance of heavenly beings to shepherds, and we knew now, that the One we would be led to by the star was someone of great, great importance! So, we followed… and we found Him. “Just a child” you say… well, yes. But from all we had been through to find him, and all our studies of the heavens had taught us we knew… He was indeed the King! The long awaited Messiah. “What Child is This?… why He is the one foretold by prophecies… and even the stars

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know His name and tell His story. He is the One who would make known the deep love of the Creator for His creation, the Savior all the faithful hoped and longed for. And we were not disappointed… for here we found Him, and we too… came to worship Him! What Child Is This

During the song, Kings enter from various entrances with their entourages and move to the manger with gifts. After they present the gifts, they join the scene. (Entrance cues coincide with each new song in the medley). Final cue has them kneel to the baby. (They rise and exit at the end of the song)

At the end of the song, Joseph picks up the baby and steps forward to be spotted to share testimony. (stepping forward holding the baby if possible). Manger lighting is enhanced with color and detail. Joseph speaks with great tenderness and emotion.

Joseph Testimony: This… this is my child…. and this… is God’s Son!. There were moments when I thought I wouldn’t be able to bear all this, like when Mary told me she was with child, and I knew I wasn’t the father. She tried to explain, but I was so… so hurt and afraid. Afraid of what others would say about us… about Mary. You see, I love her so! I know her to be a woman of great faith, but what she was telling me seemed so hard to believe. Then in my dreams I too saw an angel who told me to trust, and to believe. And so now I stand here before you holding this precious gift… the hope for all the world in my arms… this precious little baby! It’s as if I am holding a precious flower… a beautiful rose, yes! The Rose of Bethlehem in my arms tonight. As the prophecies tell us, and the angel echoed He will save the people from their sins. This precious rose will be broken and battered for the sin of all. He alone will bear the thorns for us all. (cross is faded in) But you know, when you crush a rose, the fragrance of that flower becomes even greater and fills the room for all to take in. (Praying) Oh, Father, thank you for your gift to me tonight, to… all of us, for this precious flower, the gift of Your Son… the Rose of Bethlehem.

Rose of Bethlehem

(Optional): Cross gobo is lighted in proximity of manger foreshadowing the cross and remains on. This leads to the Invitation.

IV. Celebrating the Gift of the Father’s Invitation to Come

Invitation: Pastor

Song of Decision:

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After the Invitation, the congregation is invited to be seated for the re– entering of the cast in the final songs of the program.

V. Celebrating the Gift of Those Who Have Shared the Hope

Look to the Lamb with Behold the Lamb

This is the re-call of the entire cast as staged by the drama director. By the end of the song, Mary and Joseph and the Baby are center stage for a praise moment with the song ending.

End of the song, Minister of Worship invites all to celebrate all we have experienced by joining to go out to share the good news of Christmas!

VI. Celebrating the Gift of Sharing Hope With Others

Children, Go Where I Send Thee

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The Gift of Christmas Dramatic Script # 2

By Dwaine Stroud and David Jones

Characters: NED: Non-combative co-worker who has some church background, but does not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. CHRIS: Christian co-worker who sings in the choir, has a family, and is stressed about all he has to do for Christmas. He has been praying for Ned and realizes when approached by Ned that his focus has been diverted. Ned and Chris are good-natured friends. CHOIR DIRECTOR: Choir Director at Chris' church. CHOIR: Choir is not part of the drama except during one song. The remainder of the time, the songs and dramatic scenes are designed to compliment each other. OPTIONAL CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Featured during “Living Nativity Medley.” (Optional): Children are used for the narrations. Children’s Choirs sing with the choir and congregation beginning with “O Come All Ye Faithful” (ms. 14) and through “Joy To The World.” (ms. 205) This selection is separate from the stage play and comes after a pastoral invitation.

Flow of “The Gift of Christmas” with Drama Scenes included

Christmas Together Gloria Scene 1:

(A non-descript break room in mid- November. There are three chairs surrounding a table, a water cooler and a small coffee station with coffee maker and cups. We see CHRIS sitting at the table with earphones in his ears and an open binder in front of him. There is a cell-phone sitting on the table and CHRIS is singing “Gloria.”) LIGHTS UP

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Chris: Gloria, oh Gloria in – ek – tchel… (frustrated, he clicks off the iPod) How in the world… (over-emphasizing) IN–EK-SHEL (cell phone rings) Chris (CONT.): (taking out one headphone and answering cell phone) Hello. (silence) Yeah, I'm listening to it right now. (NED enters as CHRIS is talking, begins making coffee.) Chris (CONT.): (Silence) No, I'm still working it. Gloria in-eggshels- sheez… How am I supposed to sing something I can't even say? Besides, I don't even know what it means. (silence) Okay, yeah I remember. Lights for the house… snow globe… snow globe? What… (silence) For the yard? Seriously? Okay, whatever, fine. I’ll see what I can find after work. (NED is sitting at the table by now and is interested in CHRIS’ side of the conversation.) Chris (CONT.): Honey, look. I know your parents are coming for Christmas, but it's the middle of November. Can't we just get past Thanksgiving before... (silence) Ok. (a beat) Sorry. (noticing NED for the first time) Look honey, I gotta go. Yeah, I’ll make sure I leave at five. Okay... love you too. (CHRIS closes cell phone and takes out other headphone.) Ned: Sounds like Christmas to me. Chris: Hey Ned. Yeah... You know, it just gets so stressful. I know it’s only the second week of November, but I have all this music to learn for church, and I have no idea what I'm getting my wife for Christmas. I SHOULD know, but I don’t. (looks at watch) I’m supposed to get out of here by five and... You know, I hate shopping.

Ned: (chuckles) Shopping’s not so bad... if you’re at Lowe’s or Best Buy. But I don’t think your wife wants something from Lowe’s or Best Buy! Chris: (still exasperated) Exactly. Plus the kids want even more lights on the house this year. Oh, and speaking of the house, what in the world is a yard globe and why on earth is Jill making me buy one? Ned: A Yard Globe? Like with snow and everything? Chris: Yeah, I think so. Oh, and Jill wants to paint the entire house before her parents get here. Ned: I hate painting. Chris: Oh, it's not the painting... Ned: That bad, eh? (CHRIS nods.)

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Ned: (CONT.): You know what Chris? This is EXACTLY why I don't celebrate Christmas. Nope, don't even mess with it anymore. Chris: What do you mean? Everybody celebrates Christmas... It's Christmas! Ned: Exactly. It's Christmas. People get stressed out over everything... "Does my gift equal what they gave me? Will they think I’m cheap? Why do your parents have to come to town?" (starts numbering on fingers) Traffic is a pain, families get all bent out of shape over who went where and when, and to top it all off, you can’t even walk through a store without hearing “Silver Bells!”

Ned (CONT.): for the hundredth time... It's just not worth it. Besides, it's not even a real Christian holiday anyway – I think you guys stole it or something. Chris: We did?

Ned: Oh, I doubt it. But wasn't Jesus born in April or something? Chris: Uhmm. I'm not really sure. Ned: Yeah, I think He was. Anyway. You know what I mean. Just look at how stressed you are. Chris: Yeah, but... it’s Christmas. Ned: (getting up to leave) Well, you can have it. Happy Holidays. (NED turns around as he’s leaving) Oh, and by the way, Gloria-in-Excelsis-Deo means “Glory to God in the Highest." (as he’s walking out) See ya, Chris. And good luck with the globe! (as NED leaves, CHRIS sits stunned for a beat. As he realizes what just happened he picks up his cell phone and makes a call.) Chris: Jill? Yeah, hi honey. Look, I need you to pray for me. You know that guy Ned I've been telling you about? (silence) Yeah, him. Well he and I just had a conversation about Christmas and it didn't exactly go too well. (pause) How can I share the gift of Christmas with him if all I’m doing is complaining about everything? (silence) Yeah, I know. Thanks hon. I just pray God will give me another chance. All right. Love ya. Bye. LIGHTS DOWN Yahweh

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Scene 2:

LIGHTS UP (A week-and-a-half later. NED is sitting at the table reading a “Sport’s Illustrated” magazine and drinking coffee. CHRIS walks in unacknowledged as NED continues reading magazine.) Chris: (surprised to see NED after a beat) Oh, hey Ned. Ned: Hi Chris. Chris: I didn’t even notice you there. Must be a good article. Ned: You know me, love my football! Chris: (sitting down) Well, do you mind if I ask you something? It’s been bothering me for over a week. Ned: (closing magazine and looking at CHRIS) Sure. Go ahead. But you’re not going to find your wife’s present in “Sports Illustrated.” Chris: (chuckling) No, I actually bought her gift yesterday. What I was wondering was... remember last week, when you walked in on me practicing my Christmas music...? Ned: Yeah. What about it? Chris: How did you know what “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” meant?

Ned: I see you finally learned how to say it. Chris: (chuckling) Yeah, really.

Ned: (dismissive - talking over CHRIS) Look, I don’t know... I just knew it. Maybe I read it on a yard globe somewhere. (both laugh and dismiss the question.) Chris: Okay, well however you knew it, I appreciate it. Chris: (going back to magazine) Not a problem. (CHRIS gets up and goes to coffee maker.) Chris:: (after a moment) How’s the coffee today? Ned: Stale as usual.

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(as CHRIS gets his coffee.) Ned: So how's that Christmas to-do list coming along? You still singing the Christmas blues? Chris: (sits at table with coffee) Yeah, I was pretty frustrated last week, but after you left I got to thinking about things and I'm much better now. Ned: (NED closes his magazine) Yeah? Like what?

Chris: (a little nervous) Uhmmm... Just the real meaning of the season, you know, stuff like that. Ned: (dismissively) The REAL meaning? Look man, its just Christmas. You know, “Happy Holidays” and all. Chris: Yeah, I know, Happy Holidays. But Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Ned: (gathering his magazine) Look, Chris. I don’t want to upset you or anything, but I really think Jesus was just a baby; and Christmas... well, it’s just another excuse for stores to make money. Chris: I don't think so Ned. I mean, sure, stores make a lot of money at Christmas, but that’s not what I mean. Jesus was more than just a baby. He’s the Son of God, and you what? I know He's done a lot of great things for me. Ned: (a hint of questioning - not sarcastic) You think? Chris: Well, yeah... look at last week. You saw how stressed I was, but I prayed about it and the Lord helped me through it. Ned: So you really think Jesus helped you through all that stress? Chris: I know He did. Ned: (resigned to let it be) Well, I can't argue with that. You do seem a lot less stressed.

Chris: Oh, man, I can’t even tell you how good I feel. You know, I'm even looking forward to the painting! Ned: Wow! Maybe you are right. Maybe Jesus was more than just a baby. Chris: (chuckling) That's right. Ned: (as he’s getting up to leave) All right. Well, enjoy the rest of your break; I gotta get back to work. See ya.

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Chris: All right. Talk to you later, Ned. (under his breath) Thank you, God. It’s a start. LIGHTS DOWN My Soul Magnifies the Lord Rose of Bethlehem Scene 3:

LIGHTS UP (Several days later. CHRIS is drinking coffee and listening to his music. As NED enters the break room, CHRIS takes out one headphone and speaks.) Chris: Hey Ned. Ned: Hey Chris. So, how's the Christmas music coming? You gotta have it memorized or something? Chris: Yeah, we actually do. It’s not too bad though; our director puts the words on the back wall so it’s no big deal. Ned: Are you serious? Chris: Yeah, really. We could probably do it without them, but you know how it is, if he didn’t put them up I think we would all revolt or something. (awkward pause as NED fiddles with coffee and CHRIS goes back to music) Ned: Did you have a good Thanksgiving? I thought you said Jill’s parents were coming – did something happen? Chris: (takes other headphone out and closes book) No, they’re coming for Christmas. I think they’ll be here in ten days or so – not really sure. (pause) You got something on your mind, Ned? Ned: Well, yeah I do actually. Guess it was kind of obvious? Chris: (smiling) You could say that. Ned: Look, you know how I feel about Christmas. Every Christmas I see people complaining about it – and to be totally honest Chris, I see just as many “Christians” griping as anybody else.

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So, when I walked in on you a few weeks ago... well, I wasn’t really surprised. If anything, you just helped confirm what I already believed. Chris: Yeah, I can see that. Ned: But the last time we talked you talked about how Jesus had changed things for you. I wouldn’t have believed it, but then I started watching you... and you weren’t lying. You’re whole attitude is different. Then I got to thinking about what you said. Do you remember what you said? Chris: Yeah, I’m pretty sure I remember. Ned: You said that Jesus had made the difference. You said you prayed to Him and that He helped you through it. Chris: That’s exactly what happened. Ned: Okay then. So Jesus helped you through it. (pause) But I don’t understand. Wasn’t Jesus just a baby? I mean, I know He grew up and had many followers and all, but still... Chris: Ned, like I said before, Jesus was more than just a baby. He was the Son of God. He was born into this world for the sole purpose of... Ned: Okay. See. Right there. If Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, right? Chris: Right. Ned: Okay, if Jesus is the Messiah, the King, the Savior of the world, then why come as a baby? Why not just come and rule? Show yourself to be who you really are? Why go through all the trouble of growing up and having to convince people you were their long-awaited Savior? Chris: You’ve been holding out on me. Ned: Okay, so I read more than just a few Sports magazines. I “know” a lot, but I don’t understand it. Chris: Look Ned. I’m not sure I can give you a theological explanation for why Jesus came as a baby. Can I just tell you what I think? Ned: Sure. I would rather hear that anyway, but you might want to do it quickly – I only have a few more minutes. Chris: Okay, I’ll make it as simple and quick as I can. Firstly, it’s kind of like your wife or your kids – you want them to love you, but not because they have too. You want them to choose to love you. Chosen love is genuine, while “forced” love is, well, meaningless. You get what I’m saying?

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Ned: I think so. You’re saying if Jesus had just come and said, “I am God! Follow me.” And then threw some lightening bolts around; people following Him wouldn’t be too meaningful. Chris: Yeah, pretty much. Jesus wants a relationship built on faith. Ned: Okay, what else? You said “firstly,” which is kinda weird, but I know what you meant. Chris: (chuckles) Yeah, I get that a lot. Well, (emphasizing in a fun way) secondly, (a beat) I guess the fact that Jesus grew up, had parents, dealt with siblings and other kids, skinned his knees... the fact that He went through the same things I went through... it helps me to know that He knows what I’m going through; that He trusted in God the Father to help Him through the tough times of life. (a beat) I know I can too. Ned: Like your in-laws coming? Chris: Well, not exactly, but... (chuckles) well, actually yes. Even something as silly as my in-laws coming! Ned: (looks at watch) Oh man, I’ve gotta go. Sorry Chris. You better hurry up too.

(NED gets up and starts to leave.) Chris: You go ahead. I’ll be right behind you. Ned: All right. But don’t blame me if you get written up. (stops and looks at CHRIS) Hey seriously, thanks for talking to me. Chris: Anytime. Ned: (as he turns and leaves) Good luck learning your music. Who knows, maybe I’ll come check it out. Chris: (as CHRIS gets up) Thanks Lord. I’m not sure what You’re doing, but thanks for letting me be a part of it. (CHRIS puts headphones in and starts singing as he leaves) Miracle in a Manger... Jesus is His name... LIGHTS DOWN Miracle In A Manger What Child Is This

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Scene 4:

LIGHTS UP (Early to mid December. NED is sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. CHRIS enters and notices him immediately) Chris: (obviously excited)

Ned: Good. I was hoping I’d see you today. Ned: (CONT.)Whoa! What are you all excited about? Did you find the perfect “yard globe” for your front yard or something? Chris: (chuckles) Yeah, we got that right after Thanksgiving. (fun-sarcastic) It really “adds to the Holiday Cheer of the neighborhood” I think. Ned: I bet it does. Chris: I mean no one’s driving from Huntsville [or nearby city] to see it, but my wife and kids like it. (shrugs) You know how it is! Oh, and by the way, I got the lights up on the roof AND painted the entire bottom floor of our house. Ned: Are you serious? You’re a better man than me, Chris. Chris: I wouldn’t say that. It’s like I told you the other day. Jesus really helped me through it. Once I got my focus on Him and the true meaning of Christmas, well things just got less stressful. Ned: That’s what you said.

Chris: Anytime I would feel stress coming on about Christmas, I reminded myself that Jesus was born for the purpose of giving His life for mine. I was stressing out over little things when I had a Savior who suffered, died on a cross and rose again so I wouldn’t have too. Ned: What? You lost me. That’s a little more than you said last time. What are you talking about? Chris: You’ve seen a change in me, right? Ned: Absolutely! Chris: Well, I had the answer all along, but wasn’t living it. Do you mind if I show you what I’m talking about? Ned: Sure. We’ve got a few minutes.

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(CHRIS sits down next to NED and pulls out a sheet of paper.) Chris: Look, I hope you don’t mind, but I wrote some things down so I wouldn’t forget. Ned: (chuckles and smiles) No, I don’t mind. That’s actually kinda cool. Most guys wouldn’t do that. Chris: I’m going to share with you the greatest gift of Christmas. The best way I know how is to just tell you how it was told to me. Ned: All right.

Chris: We don’t have a lot of time, so I’m not going to elaborate a whole lot. I think I just need to let the scriptures speak for themselves and then I can answer any questions you have – if you have any. Is that good with you? Ned: (looks at watch) Sure. Okay. Chris: The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Ned: Sure. Everybody sins or does things wrong. Chris: Exactly, and because God is Holy, our sin separates us from God. The Bible calls that separation from God death. Here, in the first part of Romans 6:23, it says, “for the wages of sin is death,” Ned: Okay, I’m following you. But it sounds like we humans have a pretty big problem if we all sin and the penalty is death. Chris: (growing in excitement and confidence) You are exactly right. That IS a problem. But God saw the problem and offered a solution. We see that solution in the last part of Romans 6:23, see it says, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.”

Ned: I don’t understand. Chris: That’s all right. Romans 5:8 will clear it up for you. You see, even though I was a sinner, God still loved me. And he loves you too. So much so, that... well look – “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” You see Ned, God sent Jesus at Christmas, okay, what we now call Christmas, because He was giving us the greatest gift of all - life. Jesus was born into this world for the sole purpose of dying for our sins – He took the penalty that we both deserved – and He took it in OUR place. Ned: Hmm. I never thought of it that way.

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Chris: Okay. Now think of this. God is offering us a gift. He knows we have a huge problem – death, because sin separates us from Him – Ned: Right. Chris: ...and He has offered us a solution through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is offering us a gift of eternal life – or a relationship with Him. Ned: Okay. Chris: So what happens when I offer you a gift? When does it become yours? Ned: When I accept it, I guess. Chris: Exactly. And that’s where our last scripture comes into play. Romans 10:9 and 10 says “that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (CHRIS and NED sit in silence for a second as NED keeps his eyes on the paper.) Chris: (CONT.) You see, Ned, Jesus didn’t remain dead. He ROSE from the dead. He CONQUERED death. He is our victory in life... victory over the stresses of Christmas and all that other junk. And if you believe that... if you accept God’s gift, then Christmas will have a totally new affect on your life. Just like it does mine.

Ned: Wow! Chris: So, what do you think? Ned: (with eyes still on the paper - pauses) Uhmmm, I’m not sure yet. Do you mind if I take this with me? Chris: Sure, go ahead... (CHRIS hands NED the paper as NED gets up from table) Read it as many times as you want. If you have any questions or just want to talk again – you know where I am. Ned: Sure. Thanks man. See ya later. (NED begins to walk out of break room.) Chris: Oh, hey. You think you might come hear my choir tomorrow night? Ned: You know, I think I might just do that. I want to check out that big cheat-screen you have on the back.

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Chris: Good. I’ll look for you. Starts at 6:00. Ned: (leaving) All right. Thanks Chris. See ya later. (NED leaves, leaving CHRIS sitting at table. As he gathers to leave he says a prayer.) Chris: Lord, please bring Ned tomorrow night. LIGHTS DOWN Look to the Lamb Scene 5:

(Setting is the church worship center. This is the final pre-concert rehearsal and the Choir Director is standing before the choir and orchestra – some of the orchestra is standing getting music together. Some of the choir is standing ready with books, while others are talking and others are sitting)

LIGHTS UP (The Choir Director taps the stand with his baton several times to get everyone’s attention) Choir Director: Okay everybody. Look we just have one more song to go over and then you can have your break.

(Choir Director looks around his stand.) Choir Director: (CONT.) Has anyone seen Chris? He offered to get me some water… (As he is saying this, NED enters on stage and stands alone watching the group as CHRIS comes out bringing the water. CHRIS says something to the Choir Director pointing to NED and walks over to NED.) Choir Director: Okay everybody. Get your music ready. We’ll get started in just a second. (Choir and orchestra get set and ready.) Chris: (approaching Ned) Hey Ned, did I tell you the wrong time? Ned: No, I just thought I’d come early and check out your cheat- screen. (pointing to back screen) You’re right. That thing’s big!

Chris: Yes it is. But believe me, it helps. Look, we have one more song to do and then I’ll be able to show you around if you want.

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Ned: Sounds good. Can I sit anywhere? Chris: Sure, just sit on the front row there and I’ll meet you right outside in the foyer when we’re done. (CHRIS goes back up to choir and NED sits on front row.) (Choir and orchestra run through “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.”) Children, Go Where I Send Thee Choir Director: Good job guys. Okay, look, we have about a half hour before the doors open, so go get a drink and a snack or two and meet me in the choir room in thirty minutes for prayer. (pause) Any questions? (pause) Okay then, see ‘ya in a few.

LIGHTS DOWN Scene 6:

(setting is a the foyer – two chairs are of downstage right just off-center.) LIGHTS UP (NED is sitting in a chair when CHRIS walks up. NED gets up to greet him.) Chris: So, what’d you think? Did you like it?

Ned: Yeah, but I must admit I wasn’t expecting that tonight. I can’t wait to hear the rest of it. Chris: (looking to take NED) So, you wanna look around? Ned: (Stops CHRIS) No, actually I was wondering if we could talk a little bit more. Do you have time? Chris: Sure. It Never Grows Old (Music begins for “It Never Grows Old” as NED pulls out the paper that Chris gave him with the scriptures on it.) Ned: I’ve been looking at this paper you gave me... (CHRIS and NED start conversation as soloist begins.)

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(M.17: VS. & CH. – LIGHTS up slightly on choir as CHRIS pulls out his Bible from his back pocket and begins showing NED scriptures) 1:00 (CHRIS and NED, mainly CHRIS, continue to pantomime through chorus) 1:31 (M.36: VS. – NED starts to ask a lot of questions here) 2:10 (M.26: CH. – CHRIS and NED converse – CHRIS is answering the questions and NED is starting to understand) 2:42 (M.46: BR. – During this section, CHRIS leads up to and asks NED to accept Jesus – NED says yes, timed so they can stand at the next cue) 3:19 (M.54: CH. – CHRIS and NED stand and NED prays to receive Christ – after praying CHRIS congratulates NED and they continue standing & talking until cue to leave) 3:49 (M.66: 3rd “It Never Grows Old” – CHRIS and NED begin to walk off stage as LIGHTS stay on chairs, lower on choir to a lone soft spot on solo as song ends) 4:35 INVITATION Pastor comes to lit stage in front of chairs as piano plays and offers a time of invitation and commitment. LIGHTS will rise slightly on choir and orchestra during this time FINALE! Living Nativity Medley(See production notes on first page.)

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