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1 Jingle Jam FX Segment Scripts Bible Story: The Christmas Story • Luke 2:1-20 & Matthew 2:1-12 Life App: Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away. Widget: Generosity Tags Hype 3 Countdown Video 3 Opening Music 3 Welcome/Intro 4 Telling of Christmas Story #1 8 Transitional Video #1 15 Rapid Response #1 15 Telling of Christmas Story #2 17 Rapid Response #2 24 Transitional Video #2 27 Telling of Christmas Story #3 (Video) 28 Landing 29 Special Song 30 Announcements 30 Exit Song 31

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Jingle Jam FX Segment ScriptsBible Story: The Christmas Story • Luke 2:1-20 & Matthew 2:1-12Life App: Generosity—making someone’s day by giving something away.Widget: Generosity Tags

Hype 3

Countdown Video 3

Opening Music 3

Welcome/Intro 4

Telling of Christmas Story #1 8

Transitional Video #1 15

Rapid Response #1 15

Telling of Christmas Story #2 17

Rapid Response #2 24

Transitional Video #2 27

Telling of Christmas Story #3 (Video) 28

Landing 29

Special Song 30

Announcements 30

Exit Song 31

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Hype

Create an atmosphere of anticipation in the room through your lighting, pre-show music and interaction with the hosts or worship leaders. Begin the pre-show music before you open the doors and the audience enters. Choose high-energy, fun Christmas music. Be aware that the experience has already begun for your audience once they enter.

CG: ‘Jingle Jam Slide’ (provided)

Countdown Video

CG: ‘Countdown Video’ (provided)

This “Countdown Video” counts down from two minutes. This is a fun and helpful way for getting your event started on time. Continue to play your choice of high-energy, fun Christmas music underneath the “Countdown” video until the start of your show.

Opening MusicLead kids and parents in singing the following songs. You can use teen and kid dancers on the stage to do motions to the songs and facilitate worship, or you can go as simple as a CD player with one of your hosts leading. You may want to introduce the motions to the audience at the beginning of the song. From that point they can watch the teen and kid dancers to learn as they go.

Suggested song selections:

• ‘Jingle Jam’ from the new “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” EP*

• ‘Go Tell It’ from the new “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” EP*

• ‘12 Days of Christmas’ from the new “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” EP*

* Performance Tracks, Lyric Sheets, Lyric Videos, and Dance Instructional Videos for suggested Opening Music are provided with your “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” resource.

You can find alternate Christmas song selections on the new “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” EP (provided in this resource in the folder labeled ‘Music_Full_Mix’) or you can check out the original “Jingle Jam” CD available at www.Amberskyrecords.com

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Welcome/IntroSFX: ‘Christmas In Hollis’ by Run-DMC (start song at beginning, fade out by :30 second mark)CG: ‘Jingle Jam Slide’ (provided)

NOTE: In this segment, Comic Host brings out a Trapper Keeper® with papers inside it.

This should include the provided “Christmas Story Fill-in-the-Blanks” document that will be used in the

“Telling of the Christmas Story #1” segment.

Credible Host enters as musicians, singers, and dancers exit the stage after ’12 Days of Christmas’ song.

CREDIBLE HOSTWow! Now that is how you kick off a Christmas celebration! Am I right? Give it up for our singers, musicians, and dancers. (Lead applause.) Incredible job. Well, welcome, everyone. My name is [Credible Host’s name] and I am so glad you decided to join us for Jingle Jam! Are you guys ready to celebrate? Ready to have some fun? Great, because we have some cool stuff planned for you that I think you’re all gonna—

Comic Host busts in the door. He is in “festive” attire, such as green pants, green tie, red smoking

jacket, and a white button-up shirt. His shoes are decorated in Christmas colors/attire.

COMIC HOST(singing)

“Falalalala … lalala … (hit powerful operatic note) … LAAAAAAAA!”

Comic Host laughs and is super pleased with himself.

CREDIBLE HOSTOh, hey! Did I forget to mention my co-host, [Comic Host’s name]?

COMIC HOSTHello, one and all! So glad you could join us for Jingle Jam.

CREDIBLE HOSTI was thinking the same thing about you, [Comic Host’s name]. You know, we already started.

COMIC HOSTOh, I knew you could handle things for a bit on your own while I got things ready.

CREDIBLE HOSTGot things ready? What “things”?

COMIC HOST

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[Credible Host’s name], don’t you remember? You gave me the creative keys to preparing the Christmas story presentation this year.

CREDIBLE HOSTOh, right. I did. (Beat.) Remind me, why did I do that?

COMIC HOSTIsn’t it obvious? (Step aside to present wardrobe.) Because of my impeccable good taste.

Comic Host does a runway walk while creating his own “club dance beat” with his mouth. He then

strikes a pose and looks to Credible Host for confirmation.

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat have I done?

COMIC HOSTThe right thing, my friend. The right thing indeed. Now, what were you about to do with these fine people?

CREDIBLE HOSTWell, I was about to tell them what Jingle Jam is all about.

COMIC HOSTGreat! You’re good with that kind of … boring stuff. You do that, and I’ll finish preparing for the telling of the Christmas story.

CREDIBLE HOST[Comic Host’s name], this is gonna be good, right? And classy?

COMIC HOSTHey. [Credible Host’s name]. It’s me.

CREDIBLE HOSTUh-huh. That’s what I’m nervous about.

COMIC HOSTWell don’t be nervous. It’s gonna be perfect. Trust me. Everything is gonna be perfect. Now, you just start talking, and I’ll finish up the preparations for the Christmas story.

Comic Host pats Credible Host on the back and quickly heads for the exit.

CREDIBLE HOSTWell, um, as I was saying—

COMIC HOST(as he exits)

FalalalalalalalaLAAAA!

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CREDIBLE HOSTSorry. As [Comic Host’s name] is getting ready for what will most definitely be a memorable telling of the Christmas story, I just want to take a second and let you know what Jingle Jam is all about. Jingle Jam is where kids bring their parents to learn. That’s right, parents. Jingle Jam is a kid’s world and we’re all sittin’ back and enjoying it.

Comic Host enters, pushing a large high-back, red, cushiony chair. He is humming to himself, unaware

of the distraction he is making. He places it and then turns confidently and walks off.

Credible Host simply watches him.

CREDIBLE HOSTUm, and what we’re gonna learn about is a Life App. Now, a Life App is not something you put on your smart phone. It’s something you can put in your heart, your mind, and in your everyday life. A Life App also reflects the character of God. Our Life App for Jingle Jam is —

Comic Host enters again, still humming, this time pushing a faux fireplace.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Uhhhh … as I was saying … our Life App for Jingle Jam is a huge part of Christmas. So on the count of three, I want everyone to yell it out nice and loud.

Credible Host crosses to the Life App board. (This can be a poster board on an easel covered

with a sheet, a giant sign, or a blank video screen that will reveal the Life App and definition.)

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Ready? One, two, three!

CG: ‘Life App Slide’ (provided)

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Generosity … and Generosity is … making someone’s day by giving something away.

Comic Host enters again, very hurriedly, and sets a small side table next to the chair.

There is also a tiny lamp on it.

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CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Okay, now just the people who aren’t distracted by [Comic Host’s name] constantly coming in and out of here, say it with me. Generosity is making someone’s day by giving something away!

Comic Host re-enters with a plate of perfectly arranged cookies in one hand, “hot” cocoa in a

Christmas mug in the other hand, and an ornately decorated Trapper Keeper® under his arm.

COMIC HOSTAnd it is time to do just that, [Credible Host’s name]. I am going to give this audience the perfect retelling of the Christmas story and, dare I say, it’s not only gonna make their day but possibly their entire year.

Comic Host sets the mug and cookies on the side table.

CREDIBLE HOSTWell, let’s not get too carried away—

COMIC HOSTHa! No such thing. Look at this [Credible Host’s name], I have everything prepared for the perfect telling of the Christmas story! I have here the perfect Christmas chair, next to the perfect Christmas fireplace with the perfect Christmas stockings hanging from it. And here is the perfect Christmas table with the perfect Christmas lamp. I have a perfectly arranged assortment of Christmas cookies along with a perfectly poured Christmas mug of hot cocoa containing the perfect amount of marshmallows, which is six, in case you’re wondering. And using my perfect storytelling skills I will share with the audience … (hold up Trapper Keeper®) … the story of the perfect Christmas gift!

CREDIBLE HOSTSounds perfect.

COMIC HOSTDoesn’t it?

CREDIBLE HOSTSo why am I worried?

COMIC HOST[Credible Host’s name], this is going to be perfect. No need to worry.

CREDIBLE HOSTOkay.

COMIC HOSTAttaboy! I’m gonna take my place now.

Comic Host takes a seat in his chair and opens Trapper Keeper® as you seamlessly transition into ‘Telling of Christmas Story #1’.

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Telling of Christmas Story #1NOTES: You will need to pre-select 5-8 kids

that will sit on the stage while Comic Host tells the Christmas story. They will need to be backstage before this segment begins.

CREDIBLE HOSTOkay. Well, against my better judgment, I am proud to present to you—

In the background we see Comic Host pick up his mug of cocoa, which he proceeds to spill all over

his lap. (He should be very careful not to spill it on the “Christmas Story Fill-in-the-Blanks” page, but

the audience should think he has ruined his papers.) He lets out a high-pitched scream, as if he

has burned himself, and wriggles around in his chair.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Hey! [Comic Host’s name]! You okay?

COMIC HOST(still high-pitched)

Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?

CREDIBLE HOSTWhy are you sitting like that?

COMIC HOSTStretching.

CREDIBLE HOSTWhy do you sound like that?

COMIC HOSTVocal warm-ups, [Credible Host’s name]. (Normal voice) Something we professionals do before performing.

CREDIBLE HOSTOh, okay.

Credible Host turns back around to talk to the audience. Comic Host looks at the script, gets an

alarmed look, and frantically starts wiping at the papers in the binder with his hand and shirt.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Well, I guess he’s warmed up and ready. So, now to present to you the Christmas story, I proudly present—

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COMIC HOSTOh, no!

CREDIBLE HOSTYou know, I knew this was too good to be true. What is it now, [Comic Host’s name]?

COMIC HOSTUm … um … you know what?

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat?

COMIC HOSTI forgot something. I forgot the … um… kids.

CREDIBLE HOSTKids? What kids?

COMIC HOSTThe … the … perfect Christmas kids. There’s a group of them backstage that were gonna sit around me and listen as I read the perfect Christmas story and I forgot about them. We can’t tell the perfect Christmas story without the perfect Christmas kids. Can you go get them?

CREDIBLE HOSTSure.

COMIC HOSTThanks.

Comic Host watches a wary Credible Host exit. As soon as he’s out of sight…

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)HOT LIKE FIRE! Ow! Perfect Christmas hot cocoa is very, very dangerous. Yowza.

Credible Host enters with the kids and directs them to sit on the floor around Comic Host.

Comic Host pretends to be calm.

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)Ah. That was fast.

CREDIBLE HOSTI was pleasantly shocked to see there were actually some very lovely kids standing back there. We were just talking about how excited we are about—

COMIC HOSTYeah, yeah, yeah. Kids are great. Listen, I forgot the um … um … the reindeer food!

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CREDIBLE HOSTReindeer food?

COMIC HOSTYes, food for … the reindeer. I forgot it.

CREDIBLE HOSTReindeer food?

COMIC HOSTYes. I’m already perfectly situated in my chair, so … if you could be a dear and help me out? Get it? Dear … deer?

CREDIBLE HOSTUm, yeah. Sure. Reindeer food. Be right back. (To audience) Sorry, everyone. (Glance at Comic Host while exiting.) You better not be up to any funny business.

COMIC HOSTMe?! Pshaw!

Credible Host exits. Comic Host jumps up quickly and talks to the audience and the kids on stage.

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)Okay, um, guys, I’m in a bit of a bind here. [Credible Host’s name] asked me to tell the Christmas story, which I completely and 100 percent planned on doing, but when I spilled the perfectly hot cocoa on my paaaannnnts … (beat) … still hot! Anyway, when I spilled it, I spilled it all over my script and now I can’t read some of the words. So, can you help me out? I don’t want [Credible Host’s name] thinking I can’t do this. Will you help? WILL YOU?! (Kids respond.) Okay. Good. Um, I’m just gonna shout out what kind of words I need and then you just yell ’em out and I’ll pick the best one, okay? Great.

Comic Host quickly fills in the blanks of the script as he asks for them in the script below.

CG’s for ‘Mad Lib Slides’ are provided with this resource. You can choose to use them or not.

NOTE: Comic Host should know the story very well and use good judgment when selecting

suggestions from the audience so as to avoid anything too tragic.

If suggestions aren’t forthcoming, he can always act like he heard someone say something.

Comic Host needs to stay panicked and

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push the whole piece. It is up to Comic Host to keep the energy going.

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)Okay, I need a CG: ‘Boy’s name’. (To a boy) What’s your name? (Write down boy’s name) Cool. Now I need a CG: ‘Type of creature’. (Write it down) I need a CG: ‘Famous person’s name’. (Write it down)I need CG: ‘An emotion’. (Write it down) I need CG: ‘Something you’d yell at a friend’. (Write it down)

I need a CG: ‘Question you would ask’. (Write it down)

Suddenly, Credible Host enters with a big bunch of carrots.

CREDIBLE HOSTHey, [Comic Host’s name], I found your reindeer food. (Look at Comic Host.) Wait? What are you doing?

COMIC HOSTNothing. I just … HEY! [Credible Host’s name], reindeers don’t eat carrots.

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat?

COMIC HOSTReindeer food. REINDEER food! Go back and get some …

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat do they eat?

COMIC HOSTUh, they eat … (mumble something unintelligible).

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat?

COMIC HOSTJust go find something. It’s very important.

CREDIBLE HOSTOoooo-kay.

Credible Host exits.

COMIC HOSTCome on. Quick, quick, quick. Before he gets back. I’ve only got a few more spaces to fill. I need a CG: ‘Word ending in –ED’. (Write it down)

I need CG: ‘Name of an animal’. (Write it down)

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I need CG: ‘Another word ending in –ED’. (Write it down)

I need a CG: ‘Command you would give a dog’. (Write it down)

I need CG: ‘A person who is in charge’. (Write it down) Yes! YES! This just might work. Thank you all.

Credible Host begins to enter and Comic Host gets back to his chair in time to act like nothing is going on.

CREDIBLE HOSTAll right, all I could find backstage was some ketchup packets. (Hold out packets.) How’s that?

COMIC HOSTFor what?

CREDIBLE HOSTThe reindeer food? For your story?

COMIC HOSTMy story?

CREDIBLE HOSTYes, your Christmas story.

COMIC HOSTDon’t be silly, [Credible Host’s name]. There are no reindeer in the Christmas story.

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat is going on here, [Comic Host’s name]?

COMIC HOSTNothing, nothing at all. You’re just in time to hear the telling of this very authentic and stirring rendition of the Christmas story.

CREDIBLE HOSTOkay. Let’s hear it.

COMIC HOSTVery well. Lights, please? (Clap as if to activate a Clapper®.)

LIGHTING: Spotlight on Comic Host

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)Music?

SFX: Soft, instrumental Christmas music of your choosing (play under Comic’s monologue)

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COMIC HOST (CONT’D)This … is the Christmas story.

NOTE: Ad libbing and talking with the kids in an effort to explain the choice of words is acceptable.

But Comic Host shouldn’t get too carried away. Credible Host should simply sit and listen and stay

as still as humanly possible.

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)Once there was a young woman named Mary who was pledged to be married to [boy’s name _________]. One day, God sent a messenger to speak to this young woman. That messenger was a [type of creature __________]. His name was [famous person’s name _________]. When Mary saw the messenger, she was so [an emotion _________]. But the messenger calmed her by saying, “[Something you’d yell at a friend ___________________]! You have found favor with God. You are going to have a baby boy and you will name him Jesus.” But Mary said, “[Question you would ask ___________________]? I am not even married!” And the [type of creature listed above __________] replied, “The child you will have will be God’s Son.” So Mary went and told [boy’s name listed above __________], and, being a good man, he decided he would still marry Mary and raise the child as his own. Now, at that same time, Caesar Augustus announced that everyone in the Roman Empire should be [word ending in -ed __________]. So Joseph took Mary to his hometown of Bethlehem. The whole time, Mary rode on a [name of a animal __________]. But Bethlehem was very [another word ending in -ed __________] and there was no place for them to [command you would give a dog __________]. So, eventually, a [person who is in charge __________] told them they could stay with the animals out back. And it was there Mary gave birth to Jesus. (Beat.) The end.

CREDIBLE HOSTUm, [Comic Host’s name]?

COMIC HOSTYes.

CREDIBLE HOSTWhat was that?

COMIC HOSTPerfection?

CREDIBLE HOSTMore like infection. Seriously. What was that?

COMIC HOSTWell, [Credible Host’s name], don’t be mad. I may have accidentally spilled hot chocolate all over my lap … I think I may have some third degree burns, and it ruined the script … but that was the Christmas story … with some … minor … creative edits.

CREDIBLE HOSTNo.

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COMIC HOSTNo? Or did you mean to say No-el?

CREDIBLE HOSTN-O, no, [Comic Host’s name]. However, I’m gonna give you a shot to fix all of this—just one more shot though.

COMIC HOSTOh, thank you [Credible Host’s name]. Thank you. I won’t let you down. I promise. (To kids onstage) Kids, can you carry all these props offstage? Thanks.

Comic Host exits.

CREDIBLE HOSTUm, kids, you don’t have to do that. I’ll walk you back. (To audience) Hopefully, we’ll be able to present to you a more accurate telling of Christmas story in just a few minutes. But, until then, here’s a little commercial for you to watch. We’ll be right back.

Credible Host exits with kids.

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Transitional Video #1CG: ‘Wrapping Paper Infomercial’ Video (provided)

Rapid Response #1SFX: ‘Christmas In Hollis’ by Run-DMC (start at :10 second mark, fade out by :30 second mark)CG: ‘Jingle Jam Slide’ (provided)

Credible Host re-enters after ‘Wrapping Paper Infomercial’.

‘One Hoof, Two Hoof, None’

CREDIBLE HOSTOkay, well, while we wait for [Comic Host’s name] to fix what was a less than desirable attempt at the telling of the Christmas story, I thought it would be fun to pass the time and play a little game. Do you guys want to play a game? (Audience responds.) Awesome!

In the spirit of Christmas I would like to dedicate this particular game to the unsung gift deliverers of the holiday season—those often-overlooked furry caribou from the north that pull a sleigh and a guy in a red suit who has had one too many cookies. That’s right, I’m talking about the reindeer. This game is dedicated to all the reindeer out there, especially you Rudolph, who never got to play in any reindeer games. We call this game “One Hoof, Two Hoof, None.”

CG: ‘One Hoof, Two Hoof, None’ Title Slide (provided)

Now, the great thing about “One Hoof, Two Hoof, None”—besides it’s name—is that it’s a simple elimination game that starts with everyone playing and then after several rounds, only one winner will remain standing. And that winner will win a fabulous prize.

Here’s how we play “One Hoof, Two Hoof, None.” In just a moment I am going to have everyone stand and then pick one of three positions. You can choose “one hoof,” in which you will raise one of your hands up in the air. Or you may choose “two hoof” by raising both of your hands up in the air. Or, finally, you may choose “none” and place both of your hands on your hips. Understand? Good. Now, you will have five seconds to make your selection. After five seconds I will say, “Final,” and when I say, “Final”, you must stay in your selected position. Got it? Good.

Now, after I say, “Final”, I will then say, “Roll ’em!” When I say those magical words, the trusty reindeer on the screen will randomly pick one of the three positions – one hoof, two hoof, or none. If your selected position matches the reindeer on the screen, you remain standing and stay in the game. If your selected position does not match the screen, you must sit down and are eliminated. Go it? Good.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)

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All right, it’s time to play. Here we go! You have five seconds to select “One Hoof, Two Hoof, None.” Ready? Go! Five, four, three, two, one … “FINAL!” Everybody must now hold your selected position. Everybody got it? Okay, here we go. “Roll ‘em!”

CG: Turn on ‘One Hoof, Two Hoof, None’ Game (provided)

Simply hit the “play” button when you are ready for each round. Everyone who matches the screen

stays in the game. Those that don’t match it sit down.

CREDIBLE HOSTCongratulations to those of you who are remaining … for now. However, don’t get too confident, because it’s time to select again. You have five seconds to select either “One Hoof, Two Hoof, None.” Ready? Go! Five, four, three, two, one, “FINAL!” Everybody must hold your selected position. Everybody got it? Okay, here we go. “Roll ’em!”

Repeat the process until you have three contestants left standing. Bring those remaining contestants up on stage for some added drama.

Repeat the process until you have one winner.

Award a prize of your choosing to the winner. Suggested prizes for this game include:

family coupons for a local dessert, a Jingle Jam CD,or a roll of wrapping paper.

After you have awarded prize to winner, have the contestants you brought on stage return to their seats.

Credible Host remains on stage while transitioning to ‘Telling of Christmas Story #2’

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Telling of Christmas Story #2NOTE: Reginald Fastidious III is a very broad

comic character. His physical humor and exaggerated phrasing are what makes him

memorable. He is serious about performance and acting, and he’s incredibly self-centered. He writes

the scripts for someone else to read and accompany his performance. He uses basic props and costumes to signify character changes as he plays all the roles. Some sort of temporary rolling

wall, screen, sheet will give him a place to hide his props and make his entrances and exits. He will

need some assistance behind the screen from a stagehand.

Credible Host is already on stage.

CREDIBLE HOSTWell, hopefully [Comic Host’s name] has had plenty of time to sort this whole mess out. Again, I’m really sorry about all of that nonsense before when he tried to tell the Christmas story. We’re going to try it again, only this time—

Comic Host comes running in.

COMIC HOST[Credible Host’s name]! Great news! I think I have a solution that will fix everything!

CREDIBLE HOSTWell it’s about time [Comic Host’s name], I was getting worried that you weren’t going to come back out here. Hmm…(thinking to self)…come to think of it, that might not be a bad thing.

Comic Host interrupts.

COMIC HOSTOkay, listen, here’s what I did! I took the liberty of calling the “Actors in a Jiffy Agency” and I got an actor to come here and help us act out the Christmas story!

CREDIBLE HOSTYou got an actor from the “Actors in a Jiffy Agency,” and you think that’s going to fix things?

COMIC HOSTTrust me. This guy is a total professional! Now, he should be here any second, so I’m gonna go and wait for him to arrive. But [Credible Host’s name], don’t you worry about a thing; everything is going to be perfect!

Comic Host runs offstage.CREDIBLE HOST

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Umm, I don’t know about you. But I think this has disaster written all over it. You know what, I’m just going to go ahead and tell the Christmas story myself before [Comic Host’s name] gets back with the “Jiffy Actor.” Let’s begin…

‘There was a young woman named Mary, who was pledged to be married to—‘

SFX: ‘Rondeau (Theme to Masterpiece Theatre)’ by Eric Hammerstein

Reginald Fastidious III enters. He is dressed in Shakespearean character type clothing. He makes

an overly dramatic grand entrance. His gestures reflect the same. He’s carrying a binder with the script inside.

A stagehand rolls out Reginald’s wall, places the prop box behind it, and stays back there to assist Reginald.

REGINALDGreetings and salutations, one and all. ’Tis I, Reginald Fastidious III—the greatest one-man Shakespearean Bible storyteller re-enactor and part-time date-pitter and chopper at Aunt Edna’s Fruitcake Emporium.

CREDIBLE HOSTBible storyteller re-enactor?

REGINALDThe greatest!

Reginald strikes a dramatic pose.

CREDIBLE HOSTHow many other Bible storyteller re-enactors are there?

Reginald is still in his dramatic pose. He pauses, thinks, starts to break from his pose, and then regains it.

REGINALDThat matters not! I am here to enlighten, … (pose) … to enliven, … (pose) … and to excite-en the telling of this Christmas tale.

CREDIBLE HOSTSo you’re the actor whose coming was foretold to me?

REGINALDAh. I see what you did there, with your little reference to “A Christmas Carol”.

CREDIBLE HOST(jokingly)

Yeah. Did you like that?

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REGINALDNo! Don’t do it again! Leave the ad-libs to the professionals!

CREDIBLE HOSTWell, I’m sorry Reginald that you hurried down here—

REGINALD(interrupts)

In a jiffy!

CREDIBLE HOSTRight. Anyway, it turns out we won’t be needing you after all. See, I’m actually going to tell the Christmas story myself since I know it by heart.

REGINALDNo need for that droll idea. As a professional, I always come prepared. I have brought the Christmas story with me.

Reginald hands Credible Host the binder. Credible Host takes it cautiously.

CREDIBLE HOSTI don’t know about this. I mean the last time we used someone else’s book to tell the Christmas story, it was a complete disaster. Are you sure this the correct, official Christmas story?

REGINALDUmm, do you think it is?

CREDIBLE HOSTWell that’s what it had better be.

REGINALDThen it is.

Credible Host opens binder and reads.

CREDIBLE HOST“In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law.” Okay, well, it looks like it’s correct. Let’s give it a try, I guess.

REGINALDTo the story! Thusly!

Reginald leaps behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOSTAnd now, finally, the Christmas story. “In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law.”

Reginald leaps out from behind the wall wearing a royal robe and a crown.

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REGINALDI hereby decree that thou shalt not getteth an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle! Because you’ll shooteth your eye out. Thusly!

Reginald leaps back behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOST(to himself)

I knew it. Yep. I knew it. (Clear throat.) “It required that everyone in the whole Roman world be counted. Everyone went to their own towns to be listed. So Joseph went, too.”

Reginald leaps out wearing an elf hat and shoes.

REGINALDOh, why am I such a misfit? I am not just a nitwit. I’m a trustworthy carpenter; I just want to fit in. Come Mary, we shall go to the Island of Misfit Toys. Thusly!

Reginald leaps back behind the wall. Credible Host pauses, looking in the direction of Reginald.

He then keeps reading.

CREDIBLE HOST“He went there, with Mary, to be counted. Mary was engaged to him, and she was expecting a baby.”

Reginald leaps out. He’s wearing a woman’s wig and a robe with a pillow stuffed under it.

REGINALD(singing in high-pitched voice and rubbing belly as he sings)

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …”1

CREDIBLE HOSTThis is so wrong. I have to stop this—

REGINALDNo, no, no! Keep reading! We’re getting to the good part!! Thusly!

Reginald leaps back behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOST(Sigh.) “While Joseph and Mary were there, the time came for the child to be born. Joseph searched everywhere for a place for them to stay.”

Reginald runs out from behind the wall in a biblical robe and top hat, and he runs in circles as he talks.

REGINALD

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“Down through the village, with a broomstick in my hand. Running here and there, all around the square, saying, ‘My betrothed is about to give birth! Can you help a brother out?’”2 Thusly!

Reginald runs back behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOST“But there was no room for them at the inn.”

Reginald leaps out, still wearing biblical clothes and a top hat. His arms are crossed.

REGINALDBah, humbug!

Reginald holds up a “no vacancy” sign. He goes behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOST“Mary gave birth to her first baby. It was a boy.”

REGINALD (BEHIND THE WALL)Wah! Oh, wah-wah-wah! Thusly!

CREDIBLE HOSTIt sounds like a rather large boy. “She wrapped him in strips of cloth. Then she placed him in a manger. Elsewhere, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were looking after their sheep.”

Reginald appears dressed like a shepherd with a shepherd’s crook.

REGINALD“I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.”3

Reginald disappears behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)(Look up.) Why, Lord? Why is this happening to me again? Please make it stop! (Start reading again.) “An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them.”

Reginald appears wearing a white robe, angel wings, and a halo. The stagehand behind the wall

shines a flashlight from above, down onto Reginald. It’s fine if the audience can see the flashlight.

CREDIBLE HOST“They were terrified. But the angel said to them …”

REGINALD

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Do not be afraid. For “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!”4

SFX: Bell ringing of your choice (think it’s a Wonderful Life)

Reginald flaps his arms and leaps behind the wall.

CREDIBLE HOST“The angel also told them that in the town of David a Savior had been born, and He is Christ the Lord. They would find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared.”

Reginald appears wearing angel wings and a halo. He’s also wearing a device that makes it look like

he has two additional heads with halos.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)“They were praising God. They sang …”

REGINALD(singing to the tune of “Welcome Christmas”)

“Fah-who-for-aze. Dah-who-dor-aze. Welcome, Christmas! Come this way!”5

Reginald calls for a blanket. A blue blanket is tossed to Reginald from behind the wall. Reginald

catches it and holds it up against his face.

REGINALD (CONT’D)And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Reginald tosses the blanket back behind the wall and calls for a crutch. A crutch is then tossed

out to Reginald. He takes it and leans on it.

REGINALD (CONT’D)God bless us, everyone! And … scene. Thank you, one and all!

Reginald walks over to stage left, bows and mouths, “Thank you.” He walks over

to stage right and does the same. Then he walks to center stage and does the same.

CREDIBLE HOSTReginald, words cannot describe what we just witnessed.

REGINALDWhy, thank you, kind sir! I realize I took a little creative license.

CREDIBLE HOSTCreative license? You told every other Christmas story but the right one!

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REGINALDWell, I would love to stay and help, but I’m on my way to embark on a tri-cities tour of my one-man show about a holiday feast. It’s called “Much Ado About Stuffing.”

CREDIBLE HOSTSounds … great. Tell you what … I’ll walk you out. (To audience) Folks, I’ll be right back. I am determined to tell the REAL Christmas story before you leave.

Credible Host and Reginald exit.

SFX: ‘Christmas In Hollis’ by Run-DMC (start at :10 second mark, fade out by :30 second mark)CG: ‘Jingle Jam Slide’ (provided)

Transition to ‘Rapid Response #2’.

1. Meredith Wilson, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (RCA, 1951).2. Adapted from Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson, “Frosty the Snowman” (Columbia, 1950).3. David Berenbaum, “Elf” (Warner Bros, 2003).4. Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling, and Frank Capra, “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Liberty Films, 1946).5. Albert Hague and Eugene Poddany, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (MGM, 1966).

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Rapid Response #2Don’t Forget the Christmas Lyrics

NOTE: for this segment Comic Host will go out into the audience and choose a contestant (we suggest you choose a parent) to play

“Don’t Forget The Christmas Lyrics.”

The way you win this game is by knowing the lyrics to three of the biggest Christmas songs ever

recorded. Here’s how the game works.

You start by playing the suggested Christmas song while projecting the lyrics (provided as a CG) onto your screen(s). The contestant will sing along with

the song & lyrics. On the marked cue, stop the music. The contestant must correctly fill in the

missing lyrics by singing them.

Each song the contestant sings correctly wins him or her a prize. After each correct song sung,

the contestant can risk what he or she has already won and keep playing for a chance at the grand

prize, or they can quit the game at any point and take home the prize(s) already earned. We suggest

a small prize (such as a candy cane) after the first song, a medium prize (such as a roll of wrapping

paper) after the second song, and then a grand prize (such as a Jingle Jam CD or an iTunes®

gift card) after the third song. You can also play this game so that you give out just one prize at

the end of the game instead of giving out a prize after each song. The choice is yours.

The ability to sing in an aesthetically pleasing way is irrelevant to the contestant’s chances of winning.

The contestant doesn’t have to sing it well; he or she just has to sing it right.

Comic Host enters.

COMIC HOSTWell, while we wait for [Credible Host’s name] to return to tell the real Christmas story,

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I figured it would be fun to play another game with you guys. You guys up for another game? Great. I am looking for a parent to come up here on the stage and play a little game that we like to call “Don’t Forget The Christmas Lyrics.”

CG: ‘Don’t Forget The Christmas Lyrics’ Title Slide (provided)

Comic Host selects a parentand brings him or her onstage.

COMIC HOSTEveryone please welcome to the stage our brave contestant. (To parent) What is your name, please? (Parent answers.) Everyone say hi to [parent’s name]. Now, [parent’s name], here is how we play “Don’t Forget The Christmas Lyrics.” On my cue we are going to start playing a popular Christmas song. When that song begins you will start to sing along with the song, the lyrics to the song will be displayed for you on the screen(s). Any questions so far, [parent’s name]?

Parent asks any questions that he or she might have.

Now, at some random point during the song we are going to stop the music and take away the lyrics to the song. You must then finish the missing lyrics. Now, [parent’s name], to calm your fears I want you to know that your ability to sing in an aesthetically pleasing way is irrelevant to your chances of winning. You don’t have to sing it well; you just have to sing it correctly. Any questions so far [parent’s name]?

Parent asks any questions that he or she might have.

COMIC HOSTOkay, now we have three songs total for our game “Don’t Forget The Christmas Lyrics.” For each song that you sing correctly you will win a prize. After each song though, you will have the chance to walk away and take home the prize that you have already won, or you can risk what you’ve already won and continue playing for a chance to win our grand prize.

You ready [parent’s name]? All right, it’s time to play “Don’t Forget The Christmas Lyrics”! Here comes song number one. Hit it.

SFX: ‘Deck the Halls’ by Tenth Avenue North (start song at :15 second mark; abruptly stop the music at the :42 second mark or after the words “yuletide carol”)

CG: ‘Song 1 - Deck the Halls’ lyrics (provided)

If contestant doesn’t know the correct lyrics the Comic Host needs to help them out. You don’t

want to embarrass the contestant, rather help them win. The correct lyrics are: “Fa la la la la la la la la.”

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Comic Host awards prize and then gives the contestant the chance to walk away or

continue playing for a chance at the grand prize.

If the contestant decides to walk away, Comic Host thanks him or her for playing.

However, Comic Host needs to encourage the contestant to keep playing for the grand prize.

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)Okay, [parent’s name], great job with that first song. However, that was just the warm-up act. This second song will be a little bit tougher. Are you ready? You can do it! Here comes song number two. Hit it!

SFX: ‘Feliz Navidad’ by Jose Feliciano (start song at :12 second mark, abruptly stop music at the :37 second mark or after the line “prospero año y felicidad”)

CG: ‘Song 2 - Feliz Navidad’ lyrics (provided)

Again, if contestant doesn’t know the correct lyrics the Comic Host needs to help them out.

You don’t want to embarrass the contestant, rather help them win. The correct lyrics are: “I wanna wish

you a Merry Christmas. I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas. I wanna wish you a Merry

Christmas from the bottom of my heart.”6

Comic Host awards prize and then gives the contestant the chance to walk away or

continue playing for a chance at the grand prize.

If the contestant decides to walk away, Comic Host thanks him or her for playing.

However, Comic Host needs to encourage the contestant to keep playing for the grand prize.

COMIC HOST[Parent’s name], you are on fire! Great job with that song! All right, this is it. It’s all on the line with this final song. This is for our grand prize! Are you ready? Best of luck to you [Parent’s name]. Here comes song number three. Hit it!

SFX: ‘12 Days of Christmas’ off of the provided Jingle Jam EP (start song at 2:55 mark, abruptly stop music at 3:00 mark or after the line “Twelve drummers drumming”)

CG: ‘Song 3 - 12 Days of Christmas’ lyrics (provided)

More then likely the contestant won’t know all of the correct lyrics so make sure Comic Host helps them out or have

Comic Host enlist the audience to help contestant out.

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The correct lyrics are: “Eleven Pipers Piping, Ten Lords-a-Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing,

Eight Maids-a-Milking, Seven Swans-a-Swimming, Six Geese-a-Laying, Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens,

Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree’”7

Comic Host awards prize, he then thanks contestant for playing

and has him or her return to the audience.

COMIC HOST (CONT’D)(To audience)

Well, hopefully [Credible Host’s name] has had some time to fix my mess with the telling of the Christmas story. I’m going to go check on him. While I do that though why don’t you watch this video from a couple of my friends that features a brand new Christmas song that is bound to become an instant classic with your family. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.

6. Jose Feliciano, “Feliz Navidad” (RCA, 1970).

Transitional Video #2 CG: ‘M.C. Haggis - Wrap It Up’ Video (provided)

NOTE: For this segment you have the choice of playing the included music video or

performing this segment live.

If you choose to perform it live, utilize both the provided ‘MC Haggis Wrap It Up (Script)’

and the musical performance track labeled ‘MC Haggis Wrap It Up (Performance Track)’

Telling of Christmas Story #3 SFX: ‘Christmas In Hollis’ by Run-DMC (start at :10 second mark, fade out by :30 second mark)CG: ‘Jingle Jam Slide’ (provided)

Credible and Comic Host enter.

COMIC HOST[Credible Host’s Name], you entrusted me to tell the Christmas Story this year, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. However, I feel like I let you down.

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CREDIBLE HOSTWell, your heart was in the right place [Comic Host’s Name], it just didn’t quite work out.

COMIC HOSTI single handedly ruined Christmas forever.

CREDIBLE HOSTOh, I wouldn’t go that far. You know, while we were backstage, something finally hit me.

COMIC HOSTOh, sorry, that was me. It was dark back there and I’m scared of the dark … and when I get scared I flail my arms.

CREDIBLE HOSTNo, [Comic Host]. I think the “perfect” way for us to tell the Christmas story doesn’t involve hot cocoa or the “Actors in a Jiffy Agency”.

COMIC HOSTYeah, I’ll give you that one.

CREDIBLE HOSTI think the best way for us to tell the Christmas story this year is through the eyes of children.

COMIC HOSTWait, you're going to take children's eyeballs out and then tell the Christmas Story with them?! That's disgusting!

CREDIBLE HOSTNo. Listen. I think all of us should watch this video now of the story of Christmas … as told by children.

COMIC HOSTWill the children in the video have eyeballs?

CREDIBLE HOSTYes. Lets just watch the video, shall we?

COMIC HOSTOkay.

CG: ‘The Christmas Story’ Video (provided)

Credible and Comic Host exit.

Landing

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SFX - Your choice of ‘Landing’ music

Credible Host re-enters after video.

CREDIBLE HOSTWell, I’m pretty sure the wise men didn’t ride bicycles or bring gifts from Toys ‘R Us. The angel probably didn’t ride a tire swing, and I doubt there were any pigs or lions at the manger. But hearing the story of Christmas told by children reminds us of the Best. Night. Ever. It’s when God gave the greatest gift: His Son Jesus. It’s what Christmas is all about.

And during the Christmas season it’s pretty easy to get wrapped up in…well, what’s wrapped up, like all that stuff under the Christmas tree marked with your name. There's also the task of trying to buy just the right stuff to make sure everyone on your list is happy. Plus you wonder how your stuff will stack up to everyone else’s stuff. Every store window you pass and every television ad you see is promising you that more stuff will make your Christmas and your loved ones happier.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with having stuff, but we should never let stuff become the main point of Christmas. See, when you spend time focused on stuff—whether it’s stuff you have or stuff you want—you’re really just focused on YOU. And when you’re stuck on YOU, well, it never makes you happy for very long.

So instead of getting wrapped up in stuff during this Christmas season, we want to encourage you to get wrapped up in the idea of generosity and how God gave us His Son, Jesus. Let’s pray.

SFX - Your choice of ‘prayer’ music

Vocalist(s) and dancers enter for ‘Special Song’ during the prayer to get in position.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Dear God, You really made our day—our whole lives really—when You gave us Jesus, the greatest gift ever given in the history of all gifts. This Christmas season help us to remember Your generosity and share Your love with those You have placed around us. Amen.

Credible Host exits.

Special Song• ‘Down To Earth’ from the new “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” EP*

* Performance Track, Lyric Sheet, Lyric Video, and Dance Instructional Video for suggested Special Song is provided with your “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” resource.

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AnnouncementsCredible Host and Comic Host enter after ‘Special Song’.

Vocalist(s) and dancers stay on stage for ‘Exit Song’.

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)A great way for your family to get wrapped up in the idea of generosity this Christmas season is by taking one of these ‘Generosity Tags’, which each family will receive as they exit. Then, find an opportunity to give something away, whether it’s a gift, or your time, or even just a note to let someone know how much they mean to you. Simply attach this ‘Generosity Tag’ to whatever you choose to give away, or leave it at a place where you choose to volunteer your time. It’s a small but tangible way for your family to stay focused on others instead of stuff.

Let’s all say our Life App together one last time before we head out, shall we? On the count of three, I want everyone to yell it out nice and loud.

Ready? One, two, three!

CG: ‘Life App Slide’ (provided)

CREDIBLE HOST (CONT’D)Generosity … and Generosity is … making someone’s day by giving something away. Great job everyone!

Tell families how glad you are that they’re there and invite them back to your church.

Also use this time as an opportunity to make announcements for other things involving families that are going on in your church.

Keep it concise though.

Finally, ask parents and kids to stand and sing one last song together as you dismiss.

Exit Song• ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ from the new “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” EP*

* Performance Track, Lyric Sheet, Lyric Video, and Dance Instructional Video for suggested Exit Song is provided with your “Jingle Jam: Wrapped Up” resource.