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The Splendor of Christmas

Created Created Created Created by by by by Phil BarfootPhil BarfootPhil BarfootPhil Barfoot Arranged by Dave WilliamsonArranged by Dave WilliamsonArranged by Dave WilliamsonArranged by Dave Williamson

Optional DramaticOptional DramaticOptional DramaticOptional Dramatic aaaandndndnd Narrative Script by Narrative Script by Narrative Script by Narrative Script by John R. PlastowJohn R. PlastowJohn R. PlastowJohn R. Plastow

Dramatic Script with Production Notes Pages 2-25

Narrative Script Pages 26-31

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The Splendor of Christmas

Dramatic Script and Story by John R. Plastow STYLE This dramatic script is designed to be presented in a musical theatre style. The stage needs to be open and have the ability to change scene settings. The choir functions as the chorus of the musical and should be costumed per the musical numbers and storyline. The songs should be staged and/or choreographed depending on available space and the experience level of the cast. The important thing is that the choir should not act like a choir, but as part of the story. The actors keep the flow of the story moving from one song to another, which will cause the audience to be fully engaged in the program from start to end. The full length is approximately an hour and thirty minutes without an intermission, including the welcome and invitation by the pastor.

STORY A busy mom and dad are in the last few hours before their church’s annual Christmas pageant’s dress rehearsal. They need to get the kids and themselves to the church, but before that, they have to stop off at Grandma’s house to help put up her aging tree (which is threatening to fall into the aquarium), pick up costumes at the cleaners (due to a mishap with a bowl of eggnog), run through the mall to pick up one specific item they’d reserved (before they run out of time) and get dinner somewhere, fast! Lost in the scurry is the joy, splendor and reason for the season. In the end, it all comes together, but not until after a series of humorous mini-disasters threaten to spoil everyone’s day and the final dress rehearsal. Anyone who has ever done a Christmas production will relate, as well as everyone who finds that their Christmas is anything but filled with “heavenly peace”!

CHARACTERS A typical American family Patrick (P) Bright 10-year-old boy Susan (S) Multitasking organized mom. If possible, this actress should sing the solo in “Brand New Christmas.” Mark (M) Easygoing dad. This actor also needs to portray a king and sing a solo in “Follow the Light.” Allison (A) Slightly self-absorbed 15-year-old girl 2 Narrators (J/K) Members of the Church Production Director Director of the Church Production TIME PERIOD Modern day

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SETTINGS The stage is split. On stage right is a small living room table with a telephone, a Christmas tree and a few presents. The tree and presents should be on a small rolling platform in order to allow them to go on and offstage easily. The table should be small enough for one person to carry. On stage left is the family car. It can be staged by simply using four chairs with a front grill and bumper, or you can use an actual car (a convertible works best) or somewhere in between. The car is used in most scenes, so it should remain on the stage. If you are doing this production with a traditional standing choir, position them on risers center-stage between the two acting areas. This center area should be decorated for the church’s Christmas production. Stage the choir as a musical theatre chorus, leaving the center stage open for movement and, if possible, remove your church’s choir loft furniture in order to make your space more flexible for staging and presentation. Note: After the first scene, the family living room props need to be removed and later used for the “backstage” setting in scene four. The nativity setting should be incorporated into the center area.

PRODUCTION NOTES Whatever your performance venue, please make sure to allow plenty of space for staging, settings, props and cast. Regardless of the complexity or simplicity of your setting and décor, make sure it’s done well! The effectiveness of your message is always influenced by the visual impression you make on your audience. If you do it excellently, the audience will have a great first impression and be more receptive to what you have to say. A few sentences on lighting… One of the most important tools you have at your disposal is theatrical lighting. Even though there are costs involved in the rental or purchase of equipment, it is well worth it. Even basic lighting can give you control of your audience’s focus, mood, and enjoyment of the program. If you have to decide between spending money on scenery, props, or lighting, go with simple sets and props so that you can afford good lighting. It is money well spent! PRE-SHOW The auditorium should have a warm, friendly tone. Colored theatrical lighting should give the stage a feeling of anticipation. The use of Christmas lights in trees and garlands will also set the mood, as well as house music kept under the volume of conversation. If you can, put together strolling caroling groups to entertain the people as they wait for the program to begin.

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The Splendor of Christmas

Dramatic Script and Story by John R. Plastow Opening Song: “Celebrate the Wonder” with “Deck the Halls” Production Note: This song should be fully staged with props and choreography in order to catch the attention and imagination of the audience. If possible in your facility, the addition of a montage of slides and moving video will also assist with the crucial first impression of the production. This is a great opening number in which to include all your children, youth and adult choirs as well as choreography teams. There are a number of key and musical changes built into the songs which encourage visual staging changes. Keep things moving visually, always giving the audience something new to watch, just as if they were watching a theme park parade. The cast should be very well rehearsed and polished, as this song will set the tone for the rest of the program. If you catch the audience in the opening number, they’ll stay with you throughout. The costumes can be festive Christmas sweaters or coordinated outfits. Make sure the color scheme is consistent throughout the whole cast. Welcome by Hosts or Pastor

Song: “Sleighride Medley” Production Note: This medley is big and should be performed “all out” with choreography, props, and lots of fun. The use of snow machines will add excitement and connect to the dialogue later. This is your re-opening number, so use the same approach as you did in “Celebrate the Wonder.” Include the full cast, make a number of visual changes, and do it well! If your church has a dance ministry or studio, this is a wonderful medley in which you can feature your dancers. Costume changes to match the style of music are a must!

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Scene One

(In the family’s living room)

(In this scene, the family is trying to get everything done so they can go to the church for the final rehearsal of their church’s Christmas production. As the scene opens, Patrick is at the base of the Christmas tree shaking presents. The phone is ringing, but he doesn’t pay attention to anything but the wrapped gifts. The phone rings many times.) S (After many rings, calling from offstage) Can someone please get the phone? (It

continues to ring.) Mark? Can you get the phone? (It still rings.) Allison? Would someone please answer that? (It continues.) Patrick?

P Yes, Mom? S Honey, will you please answer the phone? (The ringing stops.) P Sure, Mom. (He picks up the phone.) Hello? Hello? Mom, there’s no one on

the phone. S (Enters stage right carrying a pile of the family members’ costumes and gear,

then sets it down) Didn’t you hear the phone ringing? P No. S How could you miss it? P I was concentrating on figuring out what Dad gave Allison for Christmas. S Next time could you try to multitask and answer the phone while you’re thinking? P You know, I could multitask a lot better if you got me an iPhone for Christmas. S Ten year olds don’t need an iPhone. P But my friend Chuck has an iPhone. S Good for him. P Mom! S It’s not gonna happen. P Mom, I’m the only one in my class without…

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S (Interrupting) I doubt everyone in the fifth grade has an iPhone. Besides, we got you a brand new cell phone for your birthday.

P But it doesn’t do all the cool stuff that an iPhone does. S It’ll have to do. (Checking her watch) Look at the time! We’ve got to get going.

(As she exits stage right) If the phone rings, will you please answer it? P Yes, Mom. (Patrick settles back under the tree and the phone rings, but he

doesn’t answer it.) S (Hollering in from offstage) Patrick! P What? S Get the phone! P All right (He slowly gets up and answers.) Hello? Hello? (Calling offstage)

There’s no one there, Mom. M (Entering from stage left) Honey? Susan? Are you guys ready to go yet?

We’ve got a lot to do on the way to church. S (From offstage) I’m hurrying, dear. Can you find Allison and make sure she’s

ready to go? M Sure thing, sweetheart. P Hi, Dad. M Hey, sport. Do you know where your sister is? P She’s in the shower. M You’re kidding! What is she doing in the shower? P What do you think? M I know what she’s doing in the shower, but we’ve got to get a move on. (Mark

exits stage right.) Allison? (The phone rings over and over. Only Patrick is onstage. Note that the following dialogue is a series of simultaneous conversations between the various family members, on- and offstage. Reliable, good-quality microphones will be crucial for each of the actors as often they are heard but not seen.)

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M (From offstage) Allison, are you still in the shower? Allison? Susan? S Yes, dear? M Could you get the phone? S I’m kinda busy right now. (Calling out) Patrick? P What? M Allison? A Yes, Dad? S Patrick, can you get the phone? P No one’s ever on the phone when I answer it. M Allison, we need to leave. Can you hurry? A I’m having a bad hair day, Dad. S Can you please answer the phone again? P All right. M Your hair will be fine, sweetie. We’ve got to get to church for the rehearsal. A I’m hurrying, Dad. P (He picks up the phone.) Hello? Hello? (Pause) Mom? S Yes, Patrick? P There’s nobody there again. S That’s because you’re waiting too long to answer it. P I could answer it quicker if I had an iPhone. S But whoever is calling is calling the family phone, not you directly. P (Frustratedly) Mom! M (Insistently) Allison?

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A (Annoyed) Dad! (The phone rings again.) S (Sternly) Patrick?! P Okay! (He answers the phone.) Hello? Oh, hi, Grandma. Merry Christmas!

You’ve called a few times? No, I guess I didn’t hear it. You know, if I had an iPhone, you could call and I’d be sure to answer. (Pause) Oh yeah, I’m sure my mom wouldn’t mind if you got me one.

S (Entering stage right) Who is it? P It’s Grandma. She wants to talk to you. S Grandma Stuart! Hi there, merry Christmas. (Pause) Yes, we’re here. You’ve

been calling for hours? What’s wrong, Grandma? (Pause) Yes, I’ll get him. (Calling offstage) Mark! Your mom needs you on the phone.

P Grandma’s going to get me an iPhone for Christmas. S No, she’s not. She doesn’t even know what an iPhone is. (Calling out) Mark? P Sure she does. S I really doubt it. (Calling out) Mark! M (From offstage) I’m trying to get Allison out of the bathroom! S She really needs to talk to you. (On the phone) Grandma, he’ll be right here.

Oh, you do know what an iPhone is? You just bought one for yourself? P See, I told ya. S I’m sorry, Grandma. (Calling out very insistently) Mark! M (Entering stage right) All right, all right, but can you get Allison to finish? We’ve

got to get out of here. (Takes the phone) Hi, Mom. What’s up? S Patrick, are you ready to go? P I just need my backpack. S Go get it and meet us in the car. P Okay. (As he exits stage right) I told you she knew what an iPhone was.

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S (To Patrick) Go! (To Mark) Is everything all right? M (Covering up the phone receiver) Yeah, something about her Christmas tree. S I’ll go get Allison. (Susan exits stage right.) M (Into the phone) Mom, slow down. What happened to the tree? It’s tilting how

far? S (From offstage) Allison, out now! A Mom! I need to finish straightening my hair. It’s gotta look right. M (Into the phone) Okay, Mom. Here’s what you need to do. Grab a few old

magazines and put them under one of the legs of the tree stand. No, it doesn’t matter what kind of magazines. Any will do.

S You don’t need to have straight hair. A Mom, I’m playing Mary in the nativity scene and I want her to have straight hair. M Carefully lean the tree away from the window. No, Mom, not too far. S Mary didn’t have straight hair. A How do you know? S Well, I don’t. M What do you mean, it’s pushing on the aquarium? Lean it back. Mom? Mom? P (Entering stage right) I’m ready to go, Dad. I’ll meet you in the car. (He exits and

goes and sits in the car.) S Allison? A Fine! But if the church’s Christmas play’s a flop, it’ll be your fault. M Okay, just leave it there propped up by the bird cage. We’re on our way to the

church for the dress rehearsal of our Christmas play, but we’ll stop by your house first.

(Susan and Allison enter stage right.) S You look fine, Allison.

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A (Frustrated) Mary shouldn’t look “fine,” she should look beautiful. M Okay, Mom. See you soon. S Soon? We can’t go to your mother’s; we’re already going to be late. M Mom’s having major problems with her Christmas tree. If we don’t swing by, it’s

liable to push the aquarium over and flood the dining room. It’ll only take a minute. Hi, Ali, you look beautiful!

A (Still frustrated) Dad! M (Clueless) What’d I say? You look fine! A (To Susan) See?! S Okay, let’s get going. We’ve still gotta stop at the cleaners and the mall, grab

dinner on the way, and now stop by Grandma’s. (They all gather their stuff and get in the car.)

P (Laughing) Ali…. A What? P What’s wrong with your hair? A Mom?! S Patrick, let it go. Your sister’s hair is fine. P It’s half curly and half straight. M It’s a new look. A Dad! S Everyone, just settle. We’ve got a long afternoon and evening in front of us.

Let’s try to get along. SOUND EFFECT: The sound of a car starting and driving off. M Here we go. We’ll make a quick stop to save Mom’s tree and then to the church. S After the cleaners, the mall, and something to eat. P Good. I’m starving.

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A Hurry, I don’t want to miss my scene. M We’ll get there long before the angels start singing! There’s a lot in the show

before our parts. P Do you think they’ve already started? S Probably, but don’t worry. It’ll take them a while to get past the snow scene and

into Bethlehem. P Yeah, remember last night? The snow machines wouldn’t turn off! M I think it was the first time I’ve ever seen shepherds with snow shovels! (The scene shifts from the car to the “dress rehearsal” already in progress.) Song: “Jingle Everyway!” Production Note: This medley of “jingles” gives you a wonderful opportunity to act out the styles as well as fully choreograph the music. By featuring various age groups in the different sequences, it will be easy to rehearse and put together a great, over-the-top, entertaining montage of these familiar songs. Bring everyone together for the finale and throw a real hoe-down! Your audience will love it. Watching this may be a stretch for some of the “churched” audience members, but the unchurched guests will have a great time and be relaxed as you introduce the gospel to them later in the program.

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Scene Two

(In the car on the way to the mall) (The family needs to give the visual impression that they are riding in a moving vehicle. This should be well-rehearsed and planned out in order for it to be believable.) SOUND EFFECT: Car and traffic sounds throughout the scene M Okay, Grandma’s tree is saved. P And the fish, too. M And the fish, too. They’ll all have a merry Christmas now. S And Ali was able to finish her hair at Grandma’s. Looks good, sweetie. A (Really saying “let it go”) Mom. P I still think it looks funny. A You look funny. P Yeah, but Grandma’s getting me an iPhone for Christmas. A What? Why do you get an iPhone? I want an iPhone. S That’s enough. M Yeah, we’ve got to get to the rehearsal. S I sure hope I remembered everything. Did everyone get their costume? Ali? A Yes. S I’ve got mine. Patrick, did you bring your shepherd’s crook? P Yup. Dad, do you have your wise guy costume? M You mean my wise man costume? P Yeah. M Yes, all except for the headpiece we’ve got to pick up from the cleaners.

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A We still have to get that? We’ll never get to the rehearsal. M I went to pick it up this morning and it wasn’t ready. I guess they had some

trouble getting all of the eggnog out of it. S Next time… M Yeah, I know… I shouldn’t have worn it to the office Christmas party. I had no

idea Sam from accounting would steal it and then drop it in the eggnog. S What a mess! M It will always be remembered as the great eggnog incident of ‘08. S Okay, here’s the mall. Don’t forget we need to pick up that package at the

Electronics Expo. M Right. P My iPhone? M No; a new converter box for Grandma’s TV. Without it her TV will lose its signal

right after Christmas. S Wouldn’t it be easier to just buy her a new TV? M She refuses; she’s very sentimental about her TV. Dad bought it for her about

forty years ago, so she won’t part with it. A Can we hurry? I’m going to miss my part. M Let’s split up to save time. Patrick and I will head to the Expo. S I’ll go to the cleaners, and Ali, here’s money to go get us something to eat. A What do you want? S Something healthy. (Mark, Allison, and Patrick speak together.) M/A/P Healthy? A That’ll take too long. S Okay…

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M Just go to the food court and get a pizza. They have them ready to go. We’ll eat it on the run.

S All right, but right after Christmas, it’s back to healthy eating. A/P Okay, Mom. M (Simultaneously with Allison and Patrick) Okay, dear. M Everyone back in twelve minutes? (Looking at his watch) Let’s go. I’m sure

they’re still a few songs before our part. (The family scatters and the scene shifts back to the rehearsal in progress.)

Song: “Wonderful News” Production Note: Because you have had three big, visually-complex numbers in a row, it’s time to give your audience a little rest. Do this song with full-out energy but minimal choreography (hands, arms and some step touches). Choreograph it like a gospel choir, which is stationary as a group, yet still highly energetic within the group. Have the choir change costumes to choir robes for this song only!

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Scene Three

(In the car) Production Note: Choir changes quickly into biblical costumes during this quick scene. I suggest you layer the costumes so that they can take off their choir robes and move right into the next song wearing their biblical attire. It will be warm, but the change of costumes will help hold the audience’s attention as the look is different. (As the scene opens, the family is just getting to the church. Everyone is eating pizza.) SOUND EFFECT: Car and traffic noises as before P The pizza was a great idea, Dad. M Thanks. How does my wise guy hat look? S Good, but it still smells a little like eggnog. M Oh, well, that’s better than having it smell like Sam from accounting. A Dad, can we hurry? M We’ll get there, Ali. We’ll get there. I’m going as fast as I can. A I just don’t want to miss— M (Interrupting) I know. I don’t want to miss it either. S When we get there, we’ll all have to change really fast into our costumes and

then run to our places. (To Ali and Patrick) Why don’t you two go ahead and put your costumes on?

A I’m not going to change in the car! S Just put it on over your clothes. A That’ll make me look fat! I’ll wait. S I’m just trying to save you some time. It’s up to you. P I’m gonna put my costume on over my clothes since it itches anyway. M Good, but don’t get pizza sauce on it.

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(Patrick puts his costume on over his head. Susan puts Mark’s wise man headpiece on his head.) M Okay, we’re almost there. Get ready to run in. (He parks.) S Let’s go! (They all scatter from the car, still changing and eating.) D (Calling to the cast) All right everyone, let’s take our places for the Nativity. We need to know where we’re going so we’re all ready when we get to this scene. Take your places everyone! (There is general confusion and a lot of movement as the entire cast moves from one place to another with the director shouting directions, changing his mind, and physically moving people from one place to another. Simultaneously, the following actions described take place. Allison takes her place in the nativity scene while Susan, Patrick, and Mark are all seen sneaking into place among the rest of the cast already onstage. Their entrance is comic and disruptive. Mark doesn’t fully finish getting his costume on over his street clothes until he is in full view of the audience, and the other wise men are obviously distracted by him. Patrick, who plays the part of a shepherd boy, continues eating pizza onstage. Susan makes her way from her choir spot over to Patrick and takes the pizza, but there is a small tug of war over it, and it ends up flying across the stage. Embarrassed, Susan goes back to her place in the choir, however, on the way she trips and knocks over a few other choir members. Patrick goes to retrieve his pizza, but has to go through the nativity scene in order to get to it. He gets on his hands and knees and goes between the legs of Allison, who tries to remain serious as she holds the baby Jesus. Patrick and Allison argue, all the while trying not to attract the attention of the choir and cast as the wise men, including Mark, make their way to the manger. Susan, who has been watching her children argue from the choir area, makes her way to them and attempts to pull Patrick out of the scene. As the cast finally settles in their position, all four members of the family are caught in the spotlight: partially out of costume, pizza in hand, and fully out of character. The choir and cast all stare quietly at the family. Allison runs off the stage, highly embarrassed. Susan, Mark, and Patrick, realizing that they are in the spotlight, all strike an awkward pose and flash a big smile, then also run offstage.) D All right, everyone remember these positions and we’ll keep going. Places for the next song please. (The rest of the cast continues on with the show.) Song: “Son of the Highest” Production Note: The choir takes their place for the Nativity position (although, the actual procession is later.) during the intro of the song. As before, if your church has a dance studio or ministry, this song is a perfect opportunity to feature the dancers in a fully-choreographed number. No choreography is needed for the choir.

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Scene Four: Part One

(Backstage) (This scene is set on stage right. There is a freestanding, functional bathroom door which Allison is behind. Patrick is sitting, eating his pizza out of the box. Mark and Susan are knocking on the door. During this scene, the choir can either go offstage—to change into their biblical costumes if they haven’t already—or remain on stage and be still in the darkness. The important thing is that the acting scene has all the focus.) S Allison, honey, please unlock the door and let us in. A No, I’m never coming out. M You have to come out and do your part. The next scene is about to start. A No. You can go on without me. M But the scene can’t go on without you; you’re a main character! A I’m never showing my face in this church again. M Oh, sweetheart, it’ll be all right. A No, it won’t. M But no one really saw what was going on… A (Opens door and sticks head through) Dad, are you kidding me? (She shuts the

door.) M Well, I’m sure they weren’t watching you…very much. They were watching me

make a fool of myself, and your mother too. (Susan glares at him.) A I’m too embarrassed. M I understand. I do things that are embarrassing all the time; I’ve gotten used to it.

It’ll be all right. A Dad! S Really. sweetheart, everyone is waiting, and we need you out here. A I don’t care.

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M Well, I do. This Christmas play is important. (Awkwardly trying to get tough.) Allison, there are other people counting on you and you can’t spoil it for them.

S (Concerned about his tone) Mark? M As your father, I’m telling you that you have to come out of there and tell people

about the true joy and splendor of Christmas! S (Disapprovingly) Mark! A (Again opening the door) How can I do that, Dad? I’m the laughingstock of the

whole church. (She shuts the door.) M That’s okay. A (Offended) Dad?! S Mark! (To Allison) That’s not what he meant, sweetie. M (Stumbling for words) No, that’s not what I meant. You’re not a laughingstock…

not at all. D (Calling out) Okay everyone, let’s go. Hey, we only have two wise men. Anyone

know where the third wise man is? M Allison, the scene is starting and I have to go back onstage. I hope you’ll come

out; it really won’t be the same without you. I am really sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.

S I have to go out, too, sweetheart. I’m sorry, too. (Mark and Susan exit to their places in the next song as the light fades from the scene to the narrators who are part of the church production.) J It all started over 2000 years ago in the little village of Bethlehem where Jesus

was born. Listen carefully as we read the story from the book of Luke, chapter 2. Here’s the story from the book of Luke, chapter 2:

K (Reading from Luke 2, New Living Translation) At that time the Roman emperor,

Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

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J And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

K That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village guarding their

flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—

praising God: J/K “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God

favors.” Song: “Messiah Medley” Production Note: This is a kicked-up version of some classical greats and some would consider it irreverent to do much with this visually, so no choreography or staging is necessary, but, the choir has to act like they’re having a great time—no stuffy choir members allowed! J A few years later… There was a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem. He

was a righteous man and very devout. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

K Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple…. She was now eighty-four years

old. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.

J And, just like Simeon… K Just like Anna…

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J About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.”

K Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went

ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Song: “Rejoice” Production Note: This song needs no special staging. The choir may remain stationary. If you desire to add a visual touch to it, do it through media screens and either a slide show or moving video that shows images of the lyrics being sung.

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Scene Four: Part Two

(Backstage) (As the song concludes, Allison peeks out of the bathroom door and is surprised to see Patrick still sitting there, waiting for her.) P Hi. A (Surprised) What are you doing here? I thought you’d be back onstage. P No, I was waiting for you. A You were? Why? P I wanted to tell you that I’m really sorry I embarrassed you in front of the whole

cast (Allison sits down.) A You didn’t embarrass me as much as Mom and Dad. P I didn’t? A No. P Good. I’m also sorry that I made fun of your hair. A That’s okay. It’s covered up by this anyway (motioning to her headpiece). P Want some pizza? A Sure. P There’s one piece of pepperoni and a piece of Dad’s sardine special left. A Pepperoni, please. P Here. (He hands her the pizza.) A You know, this day has been crazy. P Tell me about it. A I sure don’t want to do this again.

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P Me, either. A We ran around all afternoon, rushed to get everything done and get here, and

then everything fell apart. The last thing I was thinking about was Christmas. P Yeah. A Or what Christmas is really about. (Patrick agrees.) A Dad was right about one thing. P He was? A When he said we’re here “to show people the joy and splendor of Christmas.”

We do this play so that we can help people celebrate Christmas, but it all got lost today. At least it did for me.

P Me, too. (The music begins for the next song.) A I wish we could start the day all over. P Maybe we can. But I thought you didn’t want to live this day again. A Well, not this one, but maybe a whole new one. Brand new. Song: “Brand New Christmas” with “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Production Note: This song is both a comment on the story line of the family and a part of the Christmas play being performed. The focus should be on the words and music of the song, so it doesn’t require movement or staging. If possible, have the actress playing Susan sing the solo. It isn’t crucial, but it would be a nice connection with the story line.

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Scene Four: Part Three

(Backstage) P So, what would you do different? A Well, one thing is that I wouldn’t have been so worried about how I looked. P I guess I could’ve been more helpful to Mom. A And I would remember that this play isn’t about me. P And that Christmas isn’t about what I want to be given. (Susan and Mark have been watching this scene, but aren’t seen by Allison and Patrick until they enter the conversation.) M I would’ve tried to be more understanding. S And I wouldn’t have tried to pack so much into the day that I forgot what the

season is really about. P You know, we can still do this. S Hmm? P Today was just the dress rehearsal; tomorrow we can start over with a brand new

Christmas. M We sure can! What do you say, Ali? A Sure, Dad. (They all hug, and the music begins for the next song. As the family hears it, they break apart.) M Hey, we don’t have to wait for tomorrow; we can start right now! We’ve got one

more song to do! Places, everybody! Let’s go. (They all move to their places in the next song.)

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(As the dialog ends, lights fade to narrators) K (Continuing from Matthew 2) When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him.

J Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense,

and myrrh. (As the music starts) Just like Simeon… K Just like Anna… J The kings, the wise men, worshipped the newborn King of Kings and Lord of

Lords. Song: “Follow the Light” Production Note: Stage this as a living nativity processional complete with angels, shepherds, the kings and all their entourage and a lot of biblical props. Live animals are also a great addition if you’re brave enough to do it! This number is a great opportunity to involve your youth. Dress them all in costumes as the kings’ entourages, shepherds, and angels. Give them packs, bundles, supplies, and royal flags as well as the gifts to carry. It will be a great visual moment and a good way to get your youth to participate. Song: “The Next Time He Comes” with “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” Production Note: The backdrop for this song should be the entire Living Nativity, with possible video, slides or live visuals communicating the message of the lyrics (i.e.: the crucifixion, second coming of Christ, clouds, etc.). Wrap up and Invitation The pastor or hosts now give a brief wrap up. An invitation to meet Jesus is given and then a final thank you to the audience for coming. After prayer, he tells the congregation that there is one more song they would like to share with them. The cast remains on stage. Song: “Go Tell it!”

Production Note: This is your production’s finale, so once again do it up big! Movement and praise props such as banners, streamers, ribbons, etc. will all help give your production a great final impression. Utilize your full cast including youth, children, adults, and dance company.

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Cast Bow During an instrumental reprise of the opening number music, give your audience an opportunity to express their joy and thanks to the cast. Have the cast do one full company bow together (no individual bows), then as a full cast, raise their hands to heaven, giving God the glory! Follow this up with one more full cast bow. Once the lights go out for the last time, the cast will certainly want to give a big cheer for their efforts as well as God’s blessing! Once the program is over, have the cast greet the audience in the lobby in order for the ministry of the program to end with a personal touch. If you have any questions about staging or production elements, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jplastow@firstcov.org. I’ll be glad to help in whatever way I can. Enjoy your production as you use this tool to reach people for Christ this Christmas! Merry Christmas! John Plastow a.k.a. “The Christmas Guy”

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Narrative Script

by John R. Plastow

PRODUCTION NOTE The narrative script is designed to be presented with a choir and two adult “hosts,” who play the role of a morning-drive talk show team. Staging the musical numbers similarly to how they are described in the production notes in the dramatic script will bring about the most effective program, however, to what extent the choir is staged is at the discretion of each production director. Note that some of the production suggestions in the dramatic script are specific to the storyline and will need to be adapted for the narrative version. The hosts can be either male or female, and preferably at least friends, as then their genuine rapport will help put the audience at ease and add warmth and authenticity to the dialogue. For the sake of this script, the narrators are named Joy and Kris, however, please insert the actual names of the actors playing these parts if you prefer! The full length is approximately an hour and ten minutes without an intermission, including the invitation by the pastor. SETTINGS A unified setting which doesn’t require the changing of sets is sufficient for the narrative presentation. On one side of the stage, the hosts can be stationary in a simple radio studio setting. The narrators can sit in chairs, stand or both as they guide the audience through the presentation. The choir is set in the center, so that they can help stage the music. On the other far side is Bethlehem: a stable, hillside, and buildings, depending on the available space. Song: “Celebrate the Wonder” with “Deck the Halls” (The lights come up on Joy and Kris as they begin their radio broadcast.) J Merry Christmas, everyone, and welcome to our Christmas Eve edition of

“Morning Drive with Joy and Kris.” I’m Joy and he’s Kris, and we’re here to help you go on your merry way, whether you’re on your way to work or to the mall for some last minute shopping.

K That’s cute, Joy. “Go on your merry way” as in “merry” Christmas. J Well, I do what I can to get people in the Christmas mood. K And they appreciate it, I’m sure, Joy.

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J Today’s “Morning Drive with Joy and Kris” is brought to you by ___________ (insert actual church name). Today’s program will include fun, laughter, and the Christmas story told to you in song.

K So sit back, relax… J Not too much, though, if you’re driving! K And enjoy the program. J Hey, Kris? What’s that I hear? K I think it’s the sound of sleigh bells. J I think you’re right! Everybody, jump right in for a sleigh ride. Song: “Sleighride Medley” K You know what, Joy? I just love Christmas music. J Doesn’t everyone? K There might be a few of our listeners who don’t. J That’s hard to believe. K But me, I love to sing along with it all. You know what my favorite Christmas

song is? J “Deck the Halls”? K Nope. J “Frosty the Snowman”? K Unh-unh. J “I Was a Teenage Elf”? K Nope. “Jingle Bells.” J “Jingle Bells.” What was I thinking?. Everyone loves “Jingle Bells.” K Of course they do. And I just happen to have it ready to play for you right now.

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J Can I sing along with it? K You can, but pay attention. This version has some twists and turns to it. J Do I need to buckle my seatbelt? K You just might. J I’m ready. K Here we go! Let’s jingle every way! Song: “Jingle Everyway!” J Wow. If that didn’t get you ready for Christmas, I don’t know what will. K (Mimicking the Elvis portion of the previous song) “Oh, what fun it is to ride in a

one horse open sleigh……thank you, thank you very much.” J You’re listening to the “Morning Drive with Joy and Kris” show, and you know,

Christmas is filled with all the fun…all the great songs to sing… K All the parties…all the food…I love the food! J Yes, it’s a great time to celebrate. Our sponsors, the good people of (church

name) want to bring this program to you today in the hope that you’ll not only have a great time listening to the music, but that you’ll be reminded of what Christmas is really all about.

K Here’s another song coming at you…a real “classic.” Song: “Messiah Medley” J A real “classic”? Very clever, Kris. K Yeah, do you think you can “handle” it? (Laughing) J With jokes like that, you’re gonna wind up on Santa’s naughty list. K It’ll never happen! Santa and I go way back. J Well, let’s get way back to the show.

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K Normally right about now on “Morning Drive with Joy and Kris,” we’d bring you the headlines. It would be time for the news. But today, Christmas Eve, we bring a different kind of news. Good news…wonderful news. Listen up…

Song: “Wonderful News” J Yes, it was truly good news…news like no one had heard before. It all started

over 2000 years ago in the little village of Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Listen carefully. Maybe you’ve heard this story before, maybe not…

K (Reading from Luke 2, New Living Translation) At that time the Roman emperor,

Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

J And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave

birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

K That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village guarding their

flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—

praising God: J/K “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God

favors.” Song: “Son of the Highest” J A few years later… There was a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem. He

was a righteous man and very devout. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

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That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

K Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple…. She was now eighty-four years

old. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.

J And, just like Simeon… K Just like Anna… J About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.”

K Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went

ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Song: “Rejoice!” K (Continuing from Matthew 2) When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him.

J Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense,

and myrrh. (As the music starts) Just like Simeon… K Just like Anna… J The kings, the wise men, worshipped the newborn King of Kings and Lord of

Lords. Song: “Follow The Light” K Maybe you’ve heard this story before…maybe not.

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J It may be a dim memory buried in the back of your mind, but somehow you remember.

K Or maybe this is all brand new. Maybe today is the first time you’ve heard the

song of the angels, the joy of the shepherds… J The worship of Simeon and Anna and the praise of the wise men. (The music begins.) K Jesus…was new for them. J Today, Christmas can be brand new for you. Song: “Brand New Christmas” with “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Song: “The Next Time He Comes” with “Hallelujah, What a Savior” Wrap Up and Invitation Coming off of the previous song, the pastor can give a brief invitation to meet Jesus and celebrate this Christmas as a new believer. After prayer, he tells the congregation that these is one more song they would like to share with them.

Song: “Go Tell It!” Cast Bow (See the Cast Bow section in the dramatic script.)