Order of Program:

Prelude (Bells) - 4GreetingCarol (Congregation) - 4Joy to the World (Mattix) - 3

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Drama: Mary and Elizabeth - 5

Characters:- Elizabeth: motherly, empathetic, jolly, happy- Mary: finding comfort in confiding, serious, but swept along with Elizabeth’s joy, alternating anxious

about the future and excited

Scene: Table with cutting board, peppers, hummus and a jar of olives on it, a wad of dough, and a pot with a long-handled spoon sticking out of it. Elizabeth (in the middle stages of pregnancy) is bustling about chunnering to herself, chopping vegetables and kneading bread at the table. A chair sits to the side, and one behind the table.

Elizabeth: Oh dearie, dearie me, so much to do and so little time. Cleaning and baking and cooking - it never ends. (pauses in the middle of the kitchen, holding her tummy and checking things off) Bread, veggie, hummus, olives, ah, stew! (goes to pot and stirs vigorously). And I need to remember to sweep. (speaks over her shoulder to someone offstage) I know just what you’d say if you could, Zeke. (quote fingers) “Why clean? She’s family.” Well, I’ll tell you why - she’s had a rough time of it lately and I want her to feel welcome, and how welcome would you feel if the floor was dirty and dinner was 30 minutes late?

(Finishes stirring and moves to knead the bread - flour on hands. Kneads zealously.)

Elizabeth: (to herself again) All those arrogant, ignorant idiots and their foolish wagging tongues. (gets vi-olent with the dough progressively, punctuating her words) All those hypocritical, mean old beards look-ing down their turned-up noses at that poor girl. All those twittery flibbertigibbets with air for brains point-ing and talking behind their hands like addled hens. We are NOT going to let our John be that way, so help me God. He will be decent, and upstanding, and clean in manner and dress. The perfect gentle-man. (to Zeke) And he’ll comb his hair, if it’s the last thing I do. Couldn’t get you to do it all these years but I’ll eat a grasshopper if I don’t raise a neat boy.

A knock comes at the door. Elizabeth jumps slightly and turns as Mary enters.

Elizabeth: (outspread arms and rushing to Mary) Why, Mary, so good to… whooooooo (stops short and sits heavily on the chair). Oh lordy calm down there… hooooweeee (holds tummy and leans back).

Mary: (concerned) Cousin Elizabeth! What’s wrong, are you alright?

Elizabeth starts laughing, hearty

Elizabeth: Mary! (chortles) This baby’s doing a jig right now, because of you! (places Mary’s hand on her abdomen)

Mary: (bewildered) Me?

Elizabeth: Cousin Mary, you are blessed among all women to be carrying that child. And I’m blessed with the great joy of receiving you here, as the mother of my Lord!

Mary: (overcome, tears fill her eyes) Oh, Elizabeth. (clings to Elizabeth’s neck in relief)

Elizabeth: (hugs her and then tries to extricate herself) Now then, hon, let me get you a seat. Those of us great with child types oughta look out for each other!

Elizabeth pulls up a seat for Mary. Mary sits and Elizabeth returns to her work, chuckling.

Elizabeth: How was the journey?

Mary: Well. (she pauses, then looks down) The hardest part was to the edge of town, and that was over quickly. It was beautiful the rest of the way.

Elizabeth: (pauses and places a floury hand on her hip, her ire up) Did those fools at the gate give you trouble again? I know their daddies and I will give them what for…

Mary: No, no, only a little. It’s not new anymore to them.

Elizabeth: (muttering and turning back to kneading) Hooligans.

(moment of silence)

Elizabeth: (tenderly) And… how are you, child?

Mary: I’m… I’m okay. (convincing herself) They’ll always look at me a certain way, and view me as something I am not. But I know what I have seen, and I believe.

Elizabeth: (proudly punches the dough) Brave girl. (points at her triumphantly) You are blessed doubly, to believe that what the Lord has said will come to pass! (holds tummy; belly laugh) Haha, look at us! You and me, a virgin and a decrepit old woman, given the joy of bearing children. (laughs) God certainly works in mysterious ways.

Mary: (smiles, wistfully) It means so much to hear you say that. To know that you believe me! It’s just you and Joseph right now.

Elizabeth: And Zeke! (looks back) Right Zeke? Haha, he’s still speechless about the whole thing…

(they chuckle; beat)

Mary: (holding her tummy and hesitant to bring it up) Elizabeth… um, I’ve heard stories about labors since I was a little girl. Does it… (nervously) is it… I mean, I know that you wouldn’t…

Elizabeth: (goes over to her, sits and clasps her hands, all floury) Honey, I have no idea how much it will hurt. I expect it will hurt badly, unless people groan and scream for the fun of it. There’s no doubt it will be painful, and no doubt that the pain won’t end for you after he’s out. But, oh honey…

(leans back)

Elizabeth: There’s nothing like a baby. And with how these two babies came about (touches each tummy), there’s reason to hope, reason to be brave, and reason to anticipate with joy - not fear.

Mary: (smiling, emotional but confident) You’re right, Elizabeth. My heart is happy in this - God has promised to save us through this baby. And He will bring me through it - young as I am. I am blessed, like you said. Because He chose me to carry His son, our only hope.Elizabeth: (chucks her under the chin, rises heavily and returns to stir her pot) That’s the spirit, hon. You oughta write those words down before you forget them, and read ‘em often to remember your courage. (yells to Zeke) ZEKE! Dinner’s ready! Don’t you be keeping us pregnant ladies waiting. We wait enough as it is.

Freeze. Lights down. Exit.

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Mary Had a Baby - 4

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Drama: Joseph - 6

Characters:- Joseph: Determined, strong, dumbfounded by events but willing to obey, everyman.- Joshua: Younger, hopeful, earnest, loving, cares deeply for his brother and looks up to him- Father: Pharisaical, strict, lawmaker and enforcer, angry, will not listen, closed off, narrow; loves his

children but can’t get past his idolatry of the law.

Scene: Joseph’s father and brother Joshua enter stage right and freeze in position. Joseph’s fa-ther is at a workshop table (littered with tools, wood; set next to a wooden chair), sanding a block of wood; Joseph’s brother is holding a chuppah (canopy) pole, admiring his handiwork.

Lights up, begin movement.

Joseph enters from stage left, looking dazed. Joshua notices him and steps quickly over to him, excited to show him his work on the wedding canopy (chuppah).

Joshua: Look, I’ve just completed the first half of your canopy! Dad came up with this great method of hooking the cloth to the top, and I’ve… (somewhat bashful) carved some flowers into it so it’s pretty for the day. Do you like it?

Joseph stares at him; he is somewhere else.

Joshua: (slightly taken aback, but still excited) Um, well, it’s still in process. (looks down slightly, but re-gains composure) Mom’s going nuts, Joseph. She’s been cleaning like crazy, planning out menus, you know. She’s really happy. (claps him on the back) We all are.

Father: (regally) Weddings are joyful occasions. Remember that, Joshua, not happy - joyful. Nothing so simple as happiness.

Joshua: (looking worriedly at Joseph) Hey. You OK?

Joseph looks around, waking up - Father is wiping his hands with a rag, Joshus looks at him earnestly.

Joseph: (in disbelief) Mary… (looks down and then up at them again) is pregnant.

Thunderstruck silence.

Father: (dangerously) What did you say?

Joshua: (dumbfounded) But wait a minute, that’s… (trails off…) Is she sure?

Joseph: (dazed, sits on the chair next to the work bench) Yes. She knows. It’s true.

Joshua: A WEEK before your wedding? I mean… (pauses awkwardly, stumbles) Weh.. well, what did she say? Did she say… (ends rather lamely) sorry?

(Father stoically silent through all of this)

Joseph: She said… (pauses, as if unsure of sharing it with them) she said…

Joshua gestures as if to prompt him to speak.

Joseph: (impatiently) She said she saw an angel, okay? A messenger of God, saying that this child… this child would be… the Messiah.

Disdain on Father’s face, Joshua is silent, observing Joseph seriously but worriedly.

Joseph: This angel, he… told her the name and everything, told her that (as if remembering exact words) the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the baby would be the… the Son of God.

(Pregnant silence)

Father: (controlling himself) So this is what she said, did she.

Joseph nods.

Father: And, you believe this?

Joseph hesitates.

Joseph: Um. Yes, I do. (Beat; coughs) I, um, had a dream.

Father raises eyebrows. Joshua is calculating what just happened.

Joseph: There was an angel in it. And he told me to take Mary as my wife. He told me to raise this child as my own. He said… that Jesus would save us from our sins.

Beat.

Joshua: (almost eager) You saw an angel?

Joseph: I believe so.

Joshua: (wondering) What did it look like?

Father: (interrupting, thunderously) Enough of this nonsense. (Joseph and Joshua are startled) Joseph, you will divorce her. We will not have a harlot living in our home. Even (in disgust) associated with our family.

Throughout the ensuing dialogue, Joshua stands awkwardly, still holding the tent, watching in anguish.

Joseph: (trying to persuade) Dad, the dream! The angel, he said…

Father: (brushing it aside) Do you seriously believe that story? We all know how this happens. It’s the same thing, time and again - stray from the law in one iota (gestures with thumb and index finger vehe-mently) and like that (snaps fingers) you’re on the road to disgrace. She will not take us with her in that shame.

Joseph: Dad! You’ve known her all her life - we’ve grown up together!

Father: It goes to show how little we can actually trust an outside appearance of holiness. God desires true purity - purity of the heart, Joseph. Do you want a stained bride? What does Solomon say about the adulteress? Remember your lessons! “Her feet go down to death; (points) her steps lead straight to the grave.”

Joseph: (fighting back) I will not divorce her. I believe that Yahweh has spoken to her, and to me. I be-lieve this child is the Son of God - the Messiah!

Father: Foolishness!

Joseph: (confronting his father) No! I will do what the Lord tells me.

Father: (truly angry) You will do what is right! What is lawful! Disown her and leave her to her shame!

Joseph backs up slowly, sits with his back to his father, head in his hands.

Father: (softens somewhat, pleading) Son. I know this is disappointing. There are many other young girls - from good families - that are not (disgusted, can barely say it) pregnant out of wedlock. Listen to me, son. (beat) “A wise son brings joy to his father.” (puts his hand on Joseph’s shoulder) Don’t be foolish.

Joseph: (somewhat defeated) I have to do what the angel said, Dad. I just have to.

Father, as if slapped in the face, stands and looks dumbfounded at Joseph for a moment. He clenches his jaw, angry.

Father: (seething, slowly enunciating) If you will not listen, if you will insist on taking that harlot as your wife, and raising her illegitimate child… directly disobeying your parents and your people’s law, then you shall have nothing to do with this family, Joseph. Nothing! (exits heavily, slams door)

Long silence. Joshua slowly crosses the room, tentatively; sets his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. Joseph is downcast.

Joshua: Joseph.

Joseph stirs, and looks back slightly, almost irritated.

Joshua: Dad forgets. Yahweh once told Hosea to seek out his (stumbles on the words) adulterous wife.

Joseph shoves his hand off of his shoulder

Joshua (stepping back but defensive): I’m just saying, there’s a precedent! (take time) What if God is using you to tell a larger story to our people, like Hosea? What if you’re meant to show them His love for us, His desire for us to return to Him? What if… you’re paving the way for the Messiah to finally come and redeem us from our enemies?

(Pregnant pause)

Joshua: I’m sorry, Joseph. What I mean to say is… I believe you. If you say that God sent you a mes-senger… I… I believe you. You don’t lie. (Turns to go, pauses)

Joshua: Hey.

Joseph looks up, but not at him.

Joshua: Mazel tov, Joseph. A baby, no matter whose, is truly a miracle. And if you say it’s God’s baby… well. Than that IS a reason to celebrate.

Exit. Lights down. Joseph exits.

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Where Do Christmas Songs Begin - 4

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Drama: The Birth of Jesus

Characters:1. Joseph2. Mary3. Shepherds (3-5)4. First Angel5. Angels (a great company)

Narrator:In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to reg-ister with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her first-born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Lullaby by Children’s Choir? - 2

Narrator: 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Middle School Choir piece (Angels?) - 3

Narrator:16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The

shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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Go Tell It On the Mountain (with all kids) - 3 - kids scatter exit willy-nilly

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Drama: Young Peter

Characters:- Peter: impetuous, passionate, swaggering, but still soft and believing. - Naomi (Peter’s sister): older and more mature, but can give the attitude right back at him.

Stage is empty except for a table with a box of Goldfish and a candle on it, with a chair next to it. Dimmer lights, screens show a starry sky. Peter comes careening onto the stage from the door to the left, and hides with his back pressed against the wall by the door. Sound effects: hooves, shouts (Roman soldiers). He holds his breath, waits for them to pass. Naomi enters the room.

Naomi: Peter! I thought I heard you. What’s…

Peter: (interrupting, vehemently whispering) Ssshh!! Quiet!

The sounds fade. Peter lets out a long breath and chuckles, then swaggers over to a table, where a box of Goldfish sits, grabs them and sits down on the chair. Props feet up on table.

Peter: You should have seen their faces, Naomi. They were like.. (imitates dumb face) duh, where’d that rock come from, duh…

Naomi crosses her arms and looks disapprovingly at him.

Peter: (spreads arms, all innocence) What? They’re Roman soldiers, it’s not like I’m throwing rocks at helpless toddlers. Besides, it’s about time they see that we can fight back.

Naomi: You’ve been listening to those men outside the synagogue, haven’t you?

Peter: Of course I have! After lessons, it’s only right to sit and glean sage bits of wisdom from those wis-dom-y wisemen.

Naomi: (earnestly) They’re not wise men, Peter, they’re trouble-makers, and you could get into trouble hanging out with them.

Peter looks at her pointedly.

Naomi: (rolls eyes) MORE trouble.

She sighs and crosses the room, sits on the arm of the chair.

Naomi: Peter, you know Mom and Dad are worried about you hanging out with those men. They’re an-gry and dangerous. (Peter reacts as if this is silly) Why isn’t it enough to just be part of the family fishing business? Why do you have to get involved with a rough crowd?

Peter: Naomi, two things: Number 1, since when do I have three parents? And number 2, these guys aren’t dangerous to anyone except the Romans. (pause for a second, thinking) And number 3- I changed

my mind, I have three points - they are talking about doing something to save us from the Romans in-stead of just sitting on their hands.

Naomi: (frustrated) Do you think Dad just sits on his hands? He is up everyday before the rooster crows, mending nets, preparing the boat, sharpening the knives. He helps us have a normal life and makes sure we have (grabs the box of Goldfish, Peter reacts mildly) food on the table. Don’t those things matter?

Peter: (slightly sullen) Yeah. But you know what I mean. The Romans control everything. We may have peace for now because we’re obeying them, but just think what could happen if we tried to do something they didn’t like. You’ve seen it - they steal things, beat people if they resist, swagger around like they own everything.

Naomi: It’s not our job to save ourselves, Peter. (gets up and sets Goldfish on the table) That’s for the Messiah to do.

Peter: Yeah, I know. I’ve read about all that. We had another lesson in the Pentateuch about that this morning. It just seems like after more than three hundred years, you know, maybe God meant us to be doing something to prepare the way for him, instead of just… waiting.

Naomi: It does sometimes seem like it will never come. (sighs) Speaking of lessons, you need to know yours for tomorrow, right?

Peter: Aw, come on, Naomi, I know all that already. I don’t need to practice.

Naomi: (challenging, attitude) Oh yeah? Prove it. (crosses arms)

Peter: Ok, but you asked for it. Alright… (reluctantly sits forward in the chair and concentrates) Um…

“The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor,    the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly,the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,    who has knowledge from the Most High,who sees a vision from the Almighty,    who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened. (gestures) Colon.

“I see him, but not now;    I behold him, but not near.A star will come out of Jacob;    a scepter will rise out of Israel.”

And then it gets good! (gleefully; Naomi rolls her eyes)

“He will crush the foreheads of Moab,    the skulls of all the people of Sheth.

Edom will be conquered;    Seir, his enemy, will be conquered,    but Israel will grow strong.”

(Peter makes muscles toward Naomi. She looks at him with eyebrows raised)

Naomi: Well okay, then. Seems like you do know it.

Peter: Sure do! I can’t believe you doubted me, sis. (flops back into chair)

Naomi: I’m going to bed. (turns to go, then pauses; turns back to Peter). Peter, I know that you’re impatient to see things happen. Just, don’t do anything foolish, ok? God’s set up a plan for us, and it’s got to be better than a future we make on our own.

At this point, do we want a single string playing a note in expectation of First Noel?

Peter: (a little softer) I promise, Naomi. Good night.

Naomi: Good night!

Peter is left alone in the room. He crosses the stage and looks out the window, pensive.

Peter: (looks up, prays) Father… I want to believe. I want to be patient. It’s not something I’m very good at. (Beat) We’ve been waiting a long time. It’d be really great to see a sign that you’re on your way. (to himself) Boy, would it be great.

Pauses, looking down. A bright star suddenly appears above on the screen. Peter looks up, then steps back, thunderstruck.

Lights down.

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The First Noel - 5 - adults filter out

Pastor Mark Closing

Joyful and Triumphant - 6

END

Drama: Simeon - 4

Character: Simeon is the old spry guy everyone loves; he’s a little over-the-top but totally admirable for his faith and joy. Jolly, happy, hopeful.

Scene: Simeon is kneeling, facing out to the audience as if worshiping, center stage. His hands are raised (or holding a scroll). He speaks in lilting cadences, savoring every word.

Simeon: Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;    to you our vows will be fulfilled.You who answer prayer,    to you all people will come.When we were overwhelmed by sins,    you forgave our transgressions.Blessed are those you choose    and bring near to live in your courts!

We are filled with the good things of your house,    of your holy temple.

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,    God our Savior,the hope of all the ends of the earth    and of the farthest seas,who formed the mountains by your power,    having armed yourself with strength,who stilled the roaring of the seas,    the roaring of their waves,    and the turmoil of the nations.The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;    where morning dawns, where evening fades,    you call forth songs of joy.

You care for the land and water it;    you enrich it abundantly.The streams of God are filled with water    to provide the people with grain,    for so you have ordained it.You drench its furrows and level its ridges;    you soften it with showers and bless its crops.You crown the year with your bounty,    and your carts overflow with abundance.

(Joseph and Mary enter with baby Jesus, looking rather lost and out of place; they spot Simeon and tread quietly. Halfway across the stage Mary stops to adjust the blanket, and Joseph pauses to wait for her)

The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;    the hills are clothed with gladness.The meadows are covered with flocks    and the valleys are mantled with grain;    they shout for joy and sing.

Simeon turns and spots them. He leaps to his feet and hurries over. They are startled.

Simeon: The Child! This is the child! (speaking to the child directly) I have been waiting so long for you to come, little one!

Joseph: I’m sorry…?

Simeon: And you must be his parents. Ah, the joy of parenthood! Sleepless nights, dirty di-apers, camel seats - now those were always a doozy to get attached to the camel, I can’t tell you how many times I got the leather twisted and had to start all over again! It’s the hump, I tell you.

(Joseph and Mary are speechless)

Simeon: Oh my, where are my manners. I am Simeon, and what are your names?

Joseph: I’m Joseph and this Mary…

(Simeon grabs his hand and shakes it vigorously, but is obviously distracted by the baby)

Simeon: Mazel tov, mazel tov! You must be so proud, you young whippersnapper. Who wouldn’t be, when you are the parents of the Messiah! (Joseph and Mary exchange glances) This is he, yes? This must be him, the Christ-child, it must!

Mary: Yes. This is He. This is Jesus.

Simeon: (in awe) May I… hold Him?

(Joseph looks at Mary skeptically; Mary looks at him, then turns to Simeon and nods)

Mary: You may.

(Simeon takes Jesus, tentatively, carefully)

Simeon: (overcome) To think that I would see this day - that I would see this Child! (to Joseph) Sonny, I have many years on you - too many to count. And for all of them, I have been waiting. Waiting, waiting, waiting right up to this present time… (to Jesus) for you. I knew I would see you before these old eyes closed.

(He holds Jesus up to heaven - presenting him)

Simeon: Lord, dismiss me in peace, as you have promised! I have seen salvation with my own eyes - this Child, seen by all. He is light to the Gentiles, and glory to the Jews.

(He pauses and suddenly grows serious. He cradles the child and looks at him intently. He turns to Mary with pain in his eyes.)

Simeon: Mary, my child… your Child (emotion) - he is destined to cause the falling away and the rising up of many in Israel. He is the Sign - but he will be opposed, and will reveal hearts.

(Mary looks at him, questioningly)

Simeon: And Mary (tears fill his eyes), a sword will pierce your heart also.

(Mary is taken aback)

(Simeon slowly hands her the baby and stands for a moment, thoughtful)

Simeon: But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years - pain will not last forever. Joy will dawn in your hearts once more.

(Back to original personality; shakes Joseph’s hand vigorously again, begins backing away)

Simeon: Mazel tov, mazel tov. Much joy to you both! (turns and spreads arms to congre-gation) Much joy to us all! The Messiah is here!

All freeze. Lights down. Simeon, Joseph, and Mary exit.

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