Not That Far

7/30/2019 Not That Far

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Not That Far

By Ruth & Wright Eavenson

Summary

A Christmas play with choir music. Brad and Jenny are successful 20-somethings who

were raised participating in church but believe they have moved on in life. God uses atrip home for Christmas, the faith of a homeless mother, and a personal crisis to get their

attention and begin to draw them back to Himself. They find they are not as far away

from God as they thought. The choir is also a character in the story, providing a venueto present several choir numbers. The choir is also the comic relief.

Characters

Brad - A 20-something successfully beginning a career in the city, willing to sacrifice

whatever he thinks is necessary to do so.Jenny - Brads wife.

Dee - Brads mom.

Kim - Brads older sister; still lives close to Dee.

Dan Brads friend from childhood; still lives in the hometown, member of the choir.Leon choir member, older than Dan and Brad, who helps build stable and dispenses a

little wisdom to Brad.

Faith A single mom with an amazing faith in God to meet her needs day by day.Jake Faiths son.

Pastor Bob/Choir Directorcan be the same person

Various choir members.

Script

SCENE 1

(Accompanist and choir member enter. They are discussing the choir program that is

only a week away.)

ACCOMPANIST: I cant believe the Nativity Program is just a week away. We have somuch left to do.

CHOIR MEMBER: But weve been working hard. Itll be great!

ACCOMPANIST: Well, Im going to warm up a little bit.CHOIR MEMBER: Okay.

(Accompanist plays a few scales, then starts playing Joy to the World. Choir Member

takes seat and other choir members enter from various doors in groups of 2-3, gatheringin choir loft for rehearsal. Finally, Dan [wearing jeans and orange T-shirt] and Joe enter

down center aisle as Accompanist begins a second verse. It quickly becomes apparent

that these are the choir clowns.)DAN & JOE: (singing) Joy to the choir, for we have come!

(Choir members respond by smiling, pointing, shaking their heads, groaning, etc.)


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PAULINE: What are we supposed to wear for this Christmas performance?

DAN: I vote for jeans and orange T-shirts.

(Choir members react again.)DAN: Hey, I think thats a great idea.

JOAN: Dont worry, Pauline. We're wearing Bible time costumes, and we have plenty

in the costume closet. Well get you one after rehearsal.PAULINE: Okay, but well have to make it quick. I really need to get home this

evening. My son Johnny and his family are coming in tomorrow. Ive got the house

cleaned, but Id like to bake a pie.LINDA: Hmm. You know, my mom and dad will be here day after tomorrow, and Ive

just been too busy to clean. Hey, how about you and I go to Bakers Square after

rehearsal and then you come to my house this evening and help me clean!

PAULINE: Hmmm, interesting offer. Let me consider it. (No time elapses.) No, thanks.

JEAN: It sounds like were importing an audience of out-of-town family for this

Christmas program. Hey, Dee, is Brad coming home this year?

DEE: I made a special call to invite him this year since he and Jenny havent been homefor Christmas since they moved to Chicago. I havent heard his answer yet. You know,

he worries about taking time off from his job. So I dont know.DAN: I have my cell phone here. Lets call him and find out.

(Choir responds enthusiastically. Yeah! Hey, well talk him into it. He needs to

come see his Mama! Dee just shakes her head.)DEE: I know hed love to love to talk to you. You were always such good friends as

kids.

(As Dan punches in numbers on his cell phone, lights and sound come up on Brad and

Jennys condo. Brad is watching a football game. The phone rings. Brad uses theremote. Sound down on game. Brad answers phone.)

BRAD: Hello?

DAN: Hi, Brad. This is your old buddy Dan.BRAD: Dan! Hey, what a surprise.

(Jenny comes to door of room, listening to Brads part of the conversation.)

DAN: Hey, Im at choir rehearsal, and we thought wed just call and say hi.(Dan holds phone away from his ear and everyone says hi, Brad.)

BRAD: (laughing) Hi to everyone and Merry Christmas!

DAN: Yeah, to you, too. Heres someone else who wants to talk to you.

(Dan hands phone to Dee. She puts it to her ear upside down. Dan shows her the rightway to hold it.)

DEE: Hi, Brad. Its Mom.

BRAD: Hi, Mom. Whats going on?(Jenny leaves to get portable phone.)

DEE: Well, we were just talking about people who were coming into town for

Christmas, and everyone was wondering if youre going to make it home this year.BRAD: Well, Mom, we are thinking about it.

(Jenny returns.)

BRAD: Oh, Jenny just got on the extension.

DEE: Hi, Jenny.


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CHOIR: Hi, Jenny!

JENNY: (laughing) Hi, Mom. Hi, everybody! We have been talking very seriously

about coming home, Mom.BRAD: But we havent really made a decision yet.

(One choir member starts and others join in singing first line of Ill Be Home for

Christmas. They finish the song humming under the phone conversation.)JENNY: It sounds like youve got some backup to try to talk us into coming.

DEE: Actually, this was all their idea. I really had nothing to do with it.

JENNY: They sound like a really fun group. I miss choir. I wish I could sing with youall.

DEE: Hey, you could. Ill send you a practice tape. If you come home, youll have 9

hours on the road to learn the songs. Oh, here comes the director. Id better go.

BRAD: Well, were thinking about it, Mom. Well let you know soon.DEE: I hope so. Christmas is only a week away. Ill tell you, the last two Christmases

have been very quiet with just your sister and me. Anyway, I love you.

BRAD: We love you, too, Mom. Talk to you soon. Bye.

JENNY: Bye, Mom.(Lights down on Brad and Jenny. Director enters.)

WRIGHT: Okay. Good to see you all here on time. Weve got lots of work to do. Letsstart with Thats the Good News. Of course, you should all have it from memory by

now, so lets hear you sing it the way you will for the performance.

CHOIR: THATS THE GOOD NEWS (by David T. Clydesdale from the musical Thatsthe Good News, Word Music 2000)

SCENE 2(Lights up on Brad and Jenny. They are just hanging up the phones.)BRAD: That was a surprise.JENNY: Yeah. (Pause.) Brad, we really do need to let your mom know

whether or not were coming for Christmas. Its really not right to keepher hanging like this.BRAD: Yeah, I know. I just hate to disappoint her again.JENNY: That sounds like youve decided were absolutely not going.BRAD: Its just so far to go for just one day. And Id have to take offChristmas Eve for us to drive down there. I just dont know how Tomwould react to that.(Jenny nods, gets up and starts to leave as though resigning herself tothis decision. Then she stops and turns back.)JENNY: Your boss is human. He will understand that you would like tovisit your family for Christmas. As a matter of fact, he went on and on

to me at the office party about what a great find you were for thecompany, what a great manager you are. I think it might be okay toask him for a few days off so we could actually spend some time withyour mom and sister this year.BRAD: Maybe youre right. But why dont we wait til spring to go. Ifwe go now, you know Im going to get sucked into taking part inwhatever the church is doing for Christmas.JENNY: It wouldnt hurt you, you know. (Brad groans slightly.) We


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were so active in church in our younger years.BRAD: Yeah, I guess we were. But I think weve moved on in life.Besides, we dont have any time for adding anything to our lives rightnow.JENNY: I dont know. I guess maybe Im feeling my age

BRAD: Youre 22!JENNY: I know. But I guess Ive been feeling like there might be moreimportant things than a good job, a nice house and a nice car. And Ithink its time we both admit that family is important. Lets go seeyour mom. Its not that far. And Kim, too. Wouldnt you like to seeyour sister?BRAD: Oh, yeah, my big sis, the Tormentor. (seriously) Yeah, I reallywould like to see her. (Sighs, giving in.) Okay. Ill talk to Tomtomorrow. Can I catch the last quarter of the Bears game now?JENNY: (Hugs him.) Absolutely.(Brad uses remote, sound up on football game. Jenny walks to back of

stage, takes a deep breath, puts a hand to her stomach, looking up.Lights down.)CHOIR OR QUARTET: NOT THAT FAR FROM BETHLEHEM (by LowellAlexander et al., arr. Marty Hamby, Brentwood-Benson MusicPublishing, 1999).SCENE 3(Lights up on Dees kitchen. Brad and Jenny are seated at the table.Dee serves plates of waffles to them.)BRAD: Oh, Mom, waffles. (Inhales aroma. Jenny is smiling andbuttering.)DEE: You lived here for 20 years. I ought to know what your comfort

foods are.JENNY: Wow, the syrup is even warmed.DEE: You two sound like its been way too long since you ate waffles.JENNY: A waffle iron is the one thing we didnt get for a weddingpresent.(Kim enters, takes off jacket, throws car keys on table.)KIM: Morning everybody.(Everyone says hi to Kim.)KIM: (To Dee as she eyes waffles.) Mmm, you got an extra one for me?

DEE: Always. (Hands Kim a plate and cup of coffee. They all sit.)

KIM: Im so glad you guys are home. And Mom says youre going tosing in the choir.JENNY: Well, at least I am. We havent talked Brad into it yet.BRAD: Im here to relax and enjoy. Someone has to be the audience.KIM: Thats the job of those of us who cant carry a tune in a bucket. Ifyoure not going to sing, at least you can help in other ways.BRAD: (suspiciously) Other ways like what?KIM: Last I knew, you were pretty good with a hammer. I know a


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couple of guys are getting together today to finish up the stable for thenativity program. I thought youd be the perfect person to lend them ahand.BRAD: (Waving his fork back and forth at Kim) Uh-uh. I rememberyou sucked me into helping you build a snow fort once. Then you

wouldnt let me in it. Instead, you used it as a base of terroroperations against me.KIM: That was 15 years ago!BRAD: I guess some things never change. I put up shelves in yourroom for you. I built the float for your senior homecoming parade. Iinstalled new cabinets in your kitchen. Ive paid my dues, and Im notletting you suck me into projects while Im here.KIM: Thats too bad. Dan is going to be very disappointed.BRAD: Dan Jones?KIM: Of course. What other Dan would I be talking about? I asked himto stop by and pick you up.

DAN: (from offstage, knocking as on door) Hello!KIM: As a matter of fact, I think thats him now.(Dan enters. Greetings exchanged all around. Brad stands to shakehis hand.)DAN: Hey, Brad, thanks for helping us out. Leons meeting us at thechurch.(Brad glares at Kim, she smiles sweetly/innocently at him.)BRAD: (Sarcastically) Sure, Id be glad to help, Dan. But I know bothof these girls are absolute handy maams. I think we should get themto help, too.JENNY: Oh, no. Kim and I have a lot of last-minute Christmas shopping

to do.KIM: Tell you what. Well come by first thing in the morning and dothe final inspection. We are great inspectors.DAN: Yeah, if we work all day, we should be done today. Lets getgoing.BRAD: Let me get my jacket.KIM, JENNY & DEE: (Waving and grinning) Bye!(Brad and Dan leave. The women exchange looks and snickers. Lightsdown)SCENE 4(Sound of power drill is cue for lights up. The three men are working

on the stable.)LEON: Brad, its good to have you home. And thanks for helping usout today.BRAD: I wouldnt miss it.DAN: Lets get this brace on here.(They add a piece of wood to the stable. Between the next few lines,they pretend to add a few screws and/or hammer a bit.)LEON: So Brad, how is life in the big city?


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BRAD: Great. We love it there. We both have great jobs.DAN: Are you actually living in the city?BRAD: We started out living in a suburb, but a few months ago wemoved into a condo in the city. We both got really tired of thecommute.

(Little boy [Jake] enters. He hangs back, maybe peeking around abench or tree to watch the men work.)LEON: Lets see, youve been there, what, two years now?BRAD: Two years plus a little, yeah.LEON: No kids yet, huh?BRAD; No. (Pause. Then he adds casually:) Actually, weve decidednot to have kids. Were just both so busy and, well, we both agree thisisnt a great world to bring kids up in.LEON: Mmm. And have you found a good church there?BRAD: We just really havent had time to look for a church.DAN: Man. I have a hard time imagining you not involved in a church.

BRAD: Yeah, I know. I was pretty involved as a kid and a teenager,huh? I guess Ive just kind of gravitated toward other things in life.(Leon has brought water bottles. He offers the others water and thethree stop work for a break.)DAN: I guess weve taken slightly different paths in that regard. Theolder I get, the more my faith is critical to my life.LEON: You know, Brad, Ive found that if you belong to the Lord, hewont let you get too far away from him before he does something toget your attention, to draw you back to him. A wake-up call, so tospeak. You watch for him. He works in mysterious ways.DAN: (Has noticed Jake.) Hey, we have an audience.

LEON: Hi. Whats your name?(Little boy runs away.)LEON (to Dan): I dont recognize him, and I thought I knew everybodyin this town from 1 to 100. Do you know who he is?DAN: I noticed a woman with a little boy at McDonalds this morning. Ithink thats the same kid. She had a suitcase with her, so I thoughtthey were just getting breakfast waiting for the train.LEON: Oh, well. Back to work.(They get up as lights go down.)CHOIR: WE ALL NEED JESUS. (by David T. Clydesdale & SteveWilkinson from the musical Thats the Good News, 2000, Word Music)

SCENE 5(Faith enters with Jake. She is holding his hand and also carrying a bagand a backpack. They approach the stable.)FAITH: Look, Jake! This would be a great place to spend the night. Itllbe like camping.JAKE: I watched some men build this today.FAITH: I bet they wont mind if we stay here just for one night. Look,its in front of Gods house, and I know He wont mind. I wouldnt be


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surprised if He had those men build it just so wed have a wonderfulplace to sleep tonight. That would be just like God, wouldnt it?JAKE: Yeah!FAITH: It looks like it might rain a little, but well be nice and dry here.(They enter the stable and Faith pulls a blanket out of her luggage and

spreads it out. She pulls out a teddy bear and gives it to Jake.)FAITH: Come here. Whadya say we say our prayers and hit the sack?JAKE: Okay.(They kneel side by side.)FAITH: Dear God, thank you so much for making Jake feel better.Thank you for the kind people at the hospital who helped make hisfever go down. God, thank you for making sure we had plenty of foodto eat today and now a great place to sleep tonight. In Jesus name Ipray, Amen.JAKE: Amen.FAITH: Okay, you snuggle down here and Ill sing you to sleep.

(Jake lies down, hugging bear. Faith sings chorus of Hes Been Goodby David Baroni, Integrity Music 1999). As accompaniment continuessoftly, she lies down by Jake and lights gradually go down. Musicends. Long pause. Lights come up very gradually, signifying the sunrising. When it is completely light, Kim, Dee and Jenny enter.)JENNY: You know, I really think he enjoyed working on it no matterhow much he complained about it.KIM: Thats just like Brad. He always gripes about the work, but healways gets a lot of satisfaction in the things he builds. I cant wait tosee how it turned out.DEE: I know. Me, too.

(They approach the stable from the right. They dont notice Faith andJake.)KIM: Oh, look at the roof. That turned out really nice.(Faith and Jake begin to stir and sit up.)JENNY: It did. The whole stable seems good and (They notice Faith and Jake.)KIM: (In a halting voice at first) Hi.FAITH: Hi.(Kim, Dee and Jenny exchange looks when they realize Faith and Jakehave slept here. There is an embarrassed silence.)KIM: Im sorry. We didnt mean to disturb you.

FAITH: (Beginning to gather up blanket.) No, no, thats okay. I hopewe didnt disturb anything by staying here. It just seemed that Godhad provided this place for us to stay last night. (She stops, looks atKim and smiles.) Day by day, its just amazing the way He provides,isnt it?JAKE: Mom, I have to go to the bathroom!FAITH: Oh, Jake. Youll have to wait a little bit until I can get this stufftogether.


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(She begins to stuff blanket into bag.)DEE: Well, this is our church (pointing). Im sure the secretary isalready here and it would be fine for him to use the restroom. If itsokay with you, Id be glad to show him where it is.FAITH: (Looks unsure.) Well

JAKE: Mom!FAITH: Well, if you wouldnt mind.DEE: Not one bit.FAITH: Jake, go with the nice lady, okay?DEE: (As she takes Jakes hand) My name is Dee, and this is mydaughter Kim and my daughter-in-law Jenny.FAITH: Im Faith, and youve met Jake.(Hellos and nice to meet yous are exchanged all around.)DEE: (to Jake as they walk offstage) All the kids around here call meAunt Dee. You can too if you want to.FAITH: Thank you so much. People in this town have been so kind to

us.(She starts packing again. Kim moves over to left of stage to help her.Jenny remains on the right watching.)KIM: How long have you been here?FAITH: Since day before yesterday. Actually, we were headed forChicago on the train. Im scheduled to start a job training programthere the week after Christmas. But Jake started running a high feveron the train, and we got off here to get help.JENNY: Thats terrible.FAITH: No, not really. The staff at your hospital were wonderful. Theytook him in right away, and he responded really well to the IV and just

a lot of TLC from some wonderful nurses. But of course, the bill wasway more than I had. I gave them everything I had.(She smiles.)Then a group of them passed the plate among themselves andinsisted we take it. We stayed in a motel that night, and we havemoney for meals for a few days, but not enough to get us on toChicago. But Im trusting God. He has a plan for us, and He will workthings out.(When theyve got everything packed, Kim and Faith move to sit onhay bale at front of stable. Jenny moves closer to them, but remainsstanding.)

KIM: Wow, your faith is really strong. Your name really suits you.FAITH: It hasnt always been that way. I didnt even meet the Lorduntil I was expecting Jake. Im not married, and I was thinking abouthaving an abortion. I was really in turmoil, and I went to a clinic to talkto someone about it. It turned out to be an anti-abortion clinic. Acounselor there introduced me to Jesus, and things have never beenthe same for me. I was given a beautiful son, and Hes provided everystep of the way.


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JENNY: (With a lump in her throat and a choke in her voice) What anunbelievable story.(Kim and Faith both look at Jenny.)KIM: Jenny, are you okay?JENNY: (coughing) Just something in my throat. Do you have a tissue?

KIM: Sure.(She pulls out a pack and gives them to Jenny, who moves to bench.)KIM: Dont you have any family? It looks like you and Jake are allalone.FAITH: Well, when I decided to keep my son, my parents kicked meout. I really dont have any earthly family. But Jake and I have beenliving in Memphis and doing well. Then I got this opportunity inChicago, and thats where we were headed.KIM: It seems to me the opportunity you have right now is to spendChristmas with us.

FAITH: Oh, no, we couldnt intrude on your family like that.KIM: You wouldnt be. We have the same heavenly father, so yourepart of our family, too. Besides, my mother would never let someoneleave knowing theyre in need. You just plan on staying, at leastthrough Christmas. Then well see about helping you and Jake get onyour way. We dont have any little children in our family right now.Itll be nice to have Jake around on Christmas Day.(Jenny stands from the bench and turns her back to Kim and Faith asshe wipes her eye. Kim notices this as Dee reenters alone.)FAITH: Wheres Jake?DEE: The secretary had brought fresh donuts and coffee for the staff.

I left Jake getting to know Pastor Bob while I came back for you. Youlook like you could use a little breakfast, too. And then well talk aboutyou coming home with us for Christmas.KIM: What did I tell you?FAITH: Thank youall of you.DEE: (Picking up a bag) Come on. Pastor Bob is anxious to meet you.(They start walking away.) When I left, he and Jake were having adeep theological discussion about Noah.FAITH: Why am I not surprised?(Kim goes to Jenny. They sit on bench.)KIM: Jenny, whats wrong? Are you okay?

JENNY: Oh, Kim. Ive got to tell you something. Ive got to tellsomebody. I found out two weeks ago that Im pregnant.KIM: Oh, Jenny, thats wonderful! (She hugs Jenny.) Thats wonderfulnews!JENNY: Im so glad you think so. But you know how Brad feels. Im soscared to tell him. And then here is this girl with her little boy.Listening to her story, it just felt like a tornado stirring up inside me.How can she be so calm when she has nothing, when her future and


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her childs future is so uncertain?KIM: Jenny, I know this wasnt what you and Brad had planned. ButGod has a way of changing our plans sometimes, and it can feel veryscary. I think Faith has learned that she can trust God even throughthe scary times. Just trust Him. (Pause.) And tell Brad. Okay?

JENNY: I know. Ive got to find a way to do that soon.KIM: Jenny, would you like to pray about this?JENNY: That would be great. Thanks, Kim.(They hug, then bow heads together. Lights dim. Soft solo instrument[we used a baritone recorder] plays a verse of Hes Been Good, thenSAT trio sings a verse, then soft solo instrument tag. Lights down.)SCENE 6:(Comic relief. Music starts and choir enters again as though forrehearsal. Soloist is the last to enter, obviously moping and carrying abox with fruitcake inside.)CHOIR MEMBER: Whats wrong, Jim? You look really down.

(Choir sings and acts out Fruitcake, by Kirk Talley & Geron Davis,Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, 1999.)SCENE 7(Lights up on scene at Dees house where Dee, Kim, Brad, Jenny, Faithand Jake are opening presents. Brad and Jake are playing with a modelcar on the floor.)FAITH: (Lifting a sweater out of box) Oh, its beautiful. Thank you.JENNY: (Lifting gift out of box, laughing) A waffle iron. Thank you,Dee.BRAD: Mmmm, yeah, thanks, Mom.DEE: Youre welcome. Its just so nice to have you here for Christmas.

All of you. Its just wonderful to have a full house.KIM: (aside to Faith) I think Santa might bring at least one present forJake to open tomorrow morning. Im afraid Ol St. Nick ignores usadults who open presents on Christmas Eve because we like to sleep inon Christmas Day.FAITH: Thank you.DEE: I guess we better get this mess cleaned up and get ready for theNativity program. Faith, yours and Jakes costumes are hanging in thelaundry room. We should thank you for stepping in to help us out.Who knew our Mary would come down with the flu yesterday?KIM: God, maybe. (To Jake) Ready to become a shepherd, Jake?

JAKE: Yeah!(Kim takes him by the hand, ad libbing as they leave, All right! Letsgo get that costume on, etc. All leave except Brad and Jenny.)BRAD: Shouldnt you be getting ready?JENNY: I have one more present for you. I wanted to wait til we werealone to give it to you.(They sit together on loveseat. She gives him a box. He opens it andpulls out a T-shirt. He is looking at the back and only the audience


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can see that it says Worlds Greatest Dad on the front.)BRAD: A T-shirt?JENNY: Turn it around.(He does.)BRAD: Worlds Greatest Dad? Jenny, what are you trying to tell me?

JENNY: I think you know. Ive been trying to tell you for a couple ofweeks.BRAD: (leaning back and putting hands on forehead.) Wow. (He leansforward and takes Jennys hand.) Jenny, we agreed we werent goingto do this. How did this happen?JENNY: You, me, the doctor, everyone is wondering that.BRAD: This T-shirt tells me you want to go through with it.JENNY: Go through with it?BRAD: (haltingly) I meanhave itthe baby.(Jenny looks distraught, but doesnt respond. Brad stands and beginspacing.)

BRAD: I mean, we talked about all of this. I thought we agreed wewouldnt bring children into this god-forsaken world. Look at Faith andJake. Its so sad. What has that kid got to look forward to? Dont youthink he would have been better off if he had never been born?JENNY: No, I dont think so.BRAD: (Seems not to have noticed that Jenny answered.) Even if wedecided to have kids, this is a terrible time. I mean, we are on thebrink of war! And the economy stinks. Were doing okay right now,but what will happen if you have to give up your job for months, if notyears? Do you have any idea how expensive diapers are? Not tomention day care, clothes, school supplies, college!

(Brad stops pacing, facing away from where Jenny is sitting. Shestands and goes to him, touching his shoulder.)JENNY: I know we talked about all this, Brad. I guess because itsChristmas Ive been thinking about things I dont think we consideredbefore.BRAD: (turning to her) Like what?JENNY: Well, like the fact that I dont think our world is any worse thanthe world that God brought His own Son into. Except they werent onthe brink of war. It was worse for them because they had foreignsoldiers on every street corner. And like the fact that God sent Jesus tobe born to a poor homeless couple. Apparently God didnt think

Pampers or college were all that necessary for bringing up a child. Atleast our child would have a roof over his head. Or her head. Thatsmore than Jesus had when he was born.(Brad looks away, deep in troubled thought.)JENNY: Brad, Im sorry. I know this was probably a terrible time to tellyou. I finally decided there wasnt a good time and I just had to do it.BRAD: (gently) Well, I dont think were going to decide anything hereand now. Well talk more later, maybe even after we get back home. I


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guess you better go get ready or youll miss this program after youmade me listen to the songs for nine straight hours.(Long hug, then Jenny exits.)BRAD: Oh, God. Why cant life ever be easy? A baby.(He picks up a picture of himself and Kim as children and looks at it a

long time. He picks up the T-shirt, pondering.)BRAD: Nine months from now I could be a father. I could have a sonor a daughter. (looking up) Oh, God.(Lights down.)SCENE 8(Choir is in costume and around stable. Faith is Mary. Jake is ashepherd. Brad and Kim are watching from the bench along with a fewother spectators.)CHOIR: CAROL MEDLEY (We sang Celebrate Medley from the musicalThats the Good News by Clydesdale & Moore, Word Music 2000)PASTOR BOB: (to audience) I want to thank you all for coming to our

Christmas Eve Nativity Program this year. I hope youve enjoyedmeeting all of the characters who were present the night Jesus wasborn. You know, God used different ways to get the attention of eachof these. He sent Gabriel to tell Mary what was about to happen.Joseph had a dream. A heavenly host of angels made the birthannouncement to the shepherds. For the wise men, there was a star.God gave each of them just what was needed to draw them all to thisextraordinary event.But He didnt make it easy for them. Each person had to sacrifice,struggle and persevere to be there. Mary and Joseph had to struggleto make this trip at such an inconvenient time--although Im not sure

theres ever a convenient time to pay your taxes. Mary and Josephsuffered such hardship when they couldnt find a place for Jesus to beborn.The shepherds had to drop what they were doing, risk their livelihoodby leaving the sheep to seek out the newborn savior. The wise mendidnt even really know where they were going and had no guaranteethey would ever find the infant king. Their trip covered a greatdistance and may have taken years.But I think they would all agree that to find the Christ no struggle wastoo hard, no sacrifice was too great, no distance was too far.Besides, there was one more person there that night who had

sacrificed more and traveled farther than anyone else to be there:Jesus himself. What did he sacrifice? How far did he travel? Scriptureanswers those questions in Phil 2:6-8:6 [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with Godsomething to be grasped,7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, beingmade in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and


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became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!What did Jesus sacrifice? He left behind life with his Father in Heavenwith all its splendor. He came all the way to here (gesturing to stable)not only to be born as a helpless baby, but to grow to be a man, theperfect man who was ableand willingto pay the price for your sin

on the cross.Its my prayer tonight that just as Jesus decided it wasnt too far tocome for you that youll decide that whatever the cost, the struggle ordistance that its not too much, its not too hard, its not too far tocome to Jesus tonight.QUARTET OR CHOIR: HE STILL CAME (by Donna Douglas & PamThum, arr. O.D. Hall Jr., Word Music 1990). At the Holy, Holy, Holysection, quartet turns to face manger. Wise men and shepherds kneelin worship.PASTOR BOB PRAYS.PASTOR BOB: (to people at the bench) Thank you for coming. Good

night.(Choir starts to break up. Choir gradually exit and line up to re-enterfor finale.)( Pastor Bob is talking to choir members and audience members whenBrad approaches.)PASTOR BOB: Hey, Brad! Its great to have you home. Thanks forcoming tonight!BRAD: Thanks. It was a great program. Pastor Bob, I know itsChristmas Eve and you probably dont have any time right now. Weresupposed to head back home the day after Christmas, butwell, Ireally need to talk. If you had some time the day after Christmas, Id

be willing to stay an extra day(Jenny walks up while Brad is saying this.)PASTOR BOB: Sounds important. Look, I need to speak to some of theguests here tonight, but I can meet you back at my office in about 10minutes.BRAD: That would be awesome. (Looks at Jenny.) Maybe well bothmeet you there.(Brad and Jenny exit, holding hands.)PASTOR ADDRESSES CONGREGATION, GIVES INVITATION, EXPLAINSRESPONSE CARDS.PASTOR GIVES FINAL COMMENTS, INVITATION TO FELLOWSHIP TIME.

CHOIR RE-ENTERS AND SINGS REPRISE OF THATS THE GOOD NEWS..................................................Copyright Ruth and Wright Eavenson, all rights reserved.This script may be used with payment, provided that no charge ismade for admission to the performance. In return for free use, theauthors would like to be told of any performance. They may becontacted at [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

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