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The Promise of Christmas

Created by Phil Barfoot Arranged by Dave Williamson

Optional Dramatic and Narrative Script by Debbie Beavers

Dramatic Script Pages 2-11 Narrative Script Pages 12-16 Production Notes Page 17 Stage Diagram Page 18 Staging Suggestions Pages 19-20

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

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The Promise of Christmas Optional Drama

by Debbie Beavers

It’s Christmas Eve and the entire Johnson family is gathering together. This has been a particularly happy and sad year for the family. The youngest son and his wife had a new baby boy in the early part of the year. The oldest of the two Johnson children – a daughter, married for 5 years, is still childless. She and her husband have tried and tried to adopt to no avail. It’s beginning to take a toll. But God is good and a text message comes – it’s true – a baby changes everything! Characters: Mike and Jessica Daniels – couple in their mid 30s Jim and Kathy Johnson – parents of Jessica and Ben Ben and Becky Johnson – couple in their late 20s Bryce Johnson - baby Setting: Mike and Jessica Daniels’ living room decorated for Christmas with tree and presents underneath it. Note: The choir should be in a separate location from the drama. Lights should be up on the choir during the songs and up on the drama during the acting. There is only one prop specific to the script in this drama – a baby item in a gift bag or gift-wrapped. This can be a toy, clothing item, baby Bible, etc. All other props mentioned in the script are suggestions. Final prop list should be determined by the director, set designer, or prop master. Promise Overture Christmas in the USA Scene 1: (Mike and Jessica are in the living room awaiting the arrival of her family. She is nervously rearranging ornaments on the tree while Mike calmly sits reading.) Jessica: I still don’t know how I let myself be talked into this.

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Mike: I can’t believe your mother actually suggested it! Jessica: I know – what happened to holiday tradition dictating that we spend Christmas Eve at my parents’ house? Mike: I think it was very thoughtful of your parents to ask if we could do it here this year. Jessica: My guess is they were afraid I’d go all weepy on them. Mike: (stands and crosses to her, she does not turn to face him.) Hey Jess, no one knows better than me how hard this has been on you. Your mom thinks that it might be helpful if your mind is busy with something else. Jessica: (deep sigh.) Is it that obvious that I’m struggling? Mike: (he takes her by the shoulders and turns her to face him.) Look sweetheart, we’re both struggling. I want a baby too, but for now this is our life and it’s a good one. Let’s lean on each other and make this a wonderful family time. Jessica: It’s just so hard to be around Ben, Becky, and the baby, but I promise I’ll try. Mike: That’s all that can be expected – now where’s that smile I love so much? (She smiles and he touches her cheek.) Jessica: I hear car doors – you get the door and I need to take some cookies out of the oven. (They exit. Fade to black.) Let the Celebration Begin Scene 2: (Jim and Kathy Johnson enter with Mike, place gifts under the tree, and remove their coats.) Mike: Jess will be in here in a minute. Kathy: How is she? Mike: It’s tough, but she’s hanging in there. Jim: Any word from the adoption agency? Mike: Not in weeks – we’ve filled out all the forms, met with everyone we needed to meet with, and had the home study. But I gotta say it’s really hard not to feel hopeless,

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especially for Jess. You can see in her face every time the phone rings and it’s not the adoption people that she gets more and more discouraged. Jim: I am a firm believer in God’s timing. Kathy: I know the last thing Jessie wants to hear is how the two of you just need to trust the Lord. (Jessica enters and hears her mother’s statement.) Jessica: You’re right, Mom. It’s very difficult. My head knows that God loves me and wants the best for Michael and me. And we have a wonderful life together. My head knows that the Lord has blessed us. But my heart wants a baby so bad and I can’t help feeling like something is missing. I’m ashamed to admit that I’m jealous of other people when I see them with their kids. I don’t know, maybe there’s something wrong with me. Kathy: (crossing to Jessica.) You listen here, sweet girl – there’s nothing wrong with you. All the emotions and feelings you’re having are natural. Who do you think placed that mothering instinct in you? Jim: That’s right, pumpkin – God knew that we would be here together on this Christmas Eve and that you would be waiting for the child He has chosen for you. You have to admit that’s exciting -- God gifting you with a special child. Jessica: You’re right Dad – I can always count on you and Mom to remind me of what matters. Mike: And what matters tonight is celebrating Christmas with family. Jim: Speaking of which, when will my son and his family get here? Mike: They should be here any minute. Kathy: Jessica, we’ll get through tonight together. Jessica: I love you Mom and Dad. I don’t want to ruin tonight for anyone. Thanks for coming here tonight, I know how you love to have Christmas at your house. Jim: This had nothing to do with you, your mother just didn’t want to clean the house. (Mike and Jessica laugh while Kathy makes a face at Jim.) Now I believe I’ll go out and wait for my grandson on the front porch. It’ll be my only chance to hold him once your mother gets her hands on him! Jessica: Thank you, Dad. Jim: I love you, Pumpkin.

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Jessica: I know. (They embrace. Fade to black.) Celebrate the Joy Scene 3: (Jim walks in carrying a baby with Ben and Becky Johnson following.) Jim: Look who I found. Kathy: Hello, Bryce (kisses baby’s cheek). You come see your Dearie. Jim: See what’d I tell you, she won’t let go of the boy all night now! Kathy: I sure won’t, so don’t you even try to get him away from me. Becky: I still love the Grandma and Grandpa names you’ve picked out. Ben: You mean Dearie and Dandy? Becky: I think they’re so cute. Mike: Who came up with them? Jim: I don’t know, but let’s get something straight right now – no one in this family calls me Dandy but grandchildren! (Everyone laughs.) Becky: Jessica, everything looks beautiful. Thanks for having us over. Ben: Yeah, Sis – this is great. You know how much I’ve always loved Christmas Eve. Kathy: The candlelight service. Mike: Jim reading the Christmas story. Becky: The live nativity. Ben: Actually, I was kinda thinking about the food and gifts. (Everyone reacts.) Kathy: (Cuddling and snuggling with the baby) I don’t think Christmas will ever be the same in this family. (Mike looks over at Jessica who is distracted but trying to smile and stay engaged.)

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Jessica: Excuse me. (Jessica exits. Everyone looks around. Mike starts to follow her, but Jim goes instead. Fade to black.) Joy, Joy Scene 4: (Jessica and Jim walk back into the room arm in arm.) Ben: Hey Sis, don’t you think it’s time for Pops to read the Christmas story? Jessica: Definitely, I’ll get my Bible. (She exits.) Mike: Thanks, Jim. She seems better. Jim: She’ll be fine. (Jessica returns with Bible and hands it to her dad.) (Everyone is seated and Jim looks at Kathy. Kathy gives a smile and a slight nod.) Jim: I think this year I’d like to hear Jessica read. Jessica: Me? (The others respond positively.) Kathy: That’s a wonderful idea, Dear. Jessica: (with a deep sigh.) Okay. . . I guess- but can I say something first? I’m guessing you guys sense how weird I feel, how awkward things feel. I don’t mean to make it seem like I’m mad or that I don’t think that (sits by her mother who is still holding the baby) this precious boy is not the most wonderful gift. (Takes baby and talks to him.) Bryce, you’re a gift to your parents and to this family and I just have to believe that one day God will give you the most amazing little cousin to play with. There’s a very special little baby out there who has been picked just for us. I can almost see the sweet little face and I know that the two of you will be great friends. I ask God every day to take care of our baby and the mother who will give her to us. (She smells the top of the baby’s head and gives him a kiss.) I love you! (Then to everyone.) And I love all of you! Becky: We love you and I know that when the Lord gives you a baby, you are going to be the most amazing mother! Ben: Hey, I think it’s group hug time! (Fade to black.)

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A Baby Changes Everything Scene 5: Jessica: (Jessica opens the Bible to Luke 2.) Luke, chapter 2. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the inn.” Look Who Just Checked In The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy Scene 6: Jessica: “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” (Mike pulls his phone from his pocket. Looks at the caller ID then looks at Jessica who is continuing to read and hurriedly leaves the room.) Jessica: “They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” Little Baby Boy

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Scene 7: Kathy: Don’t forget the Matthew passages. Jessica: (Turning to Matthew, she continues.) “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’” (Mike enters the room carrying a wrapped gift.) “After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Mike: I know we don’t normally exchange gifts until Christmas Day, but if you would indulge me – I have a special gift to give my wife. (He hands the gift to Jessica.) Jessica: Open it now? Mike: (He eagerly nods with a huge grin on his face.) Yes! Now! (Jessica opens the gift and finds a baby item – stuffed animal, clothing, baby Bible, etc. She quickly looks at him with a scared/excited/quizzical look of anticipation.) (Fade to black.)

God Is with Us Child of Grace Scene 8: Jessica: (With wide eyes she looks at Mike, afraid to speak.) What is this . . . is it . . . please, don’t be messing with me. Mike: I’ve been saving this for you for this moment – a few minutes ago I got a text from Missy at the adoption agency asking me to call her. Jessica: (Takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.) Breathe, just breathe.

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Mike: So I slipped out of the room and called her. Jessica: And . . . (he grins at her.) Michael, AND . . . Mike: (Pulling his phone out of his pocket.) AND this (Shows her the phone.) is your daughter, Sophie! (Screams erupt with lots of hugging.) Kathy: Don’t scare the baby! Now sit down and tell us everything. Mike: Well, a young pregnant girl came into the agency yesterday and said she had thought she could keep her baby – but knew she couldn’t. Apparently, she had talked to them several times over the past few months. Kathy: Have you met the girl before, do you know anything about her? Mike: It’s a closed adoption. We won’t meet her and she doesn’t want to know who we are. She told them that she loves her baby, but that she just can’t take care of her and wants her to go to parents who would love her and take care of her the way she deserves. Sophie was born about 1:00 this afternoon. She’s ours and we can bring her home tomorrow. Jessica: Tomorrow? Mike: Yes, honey – I mean “Momma” – tomorrow! (They embrace.) Ben: Now that’s a Christmas gift. (Kathy and Becky look at one another.) Kathy: You’re thinking what I’m thinking! Becky: There’s so much to get done to be ready. Ben: Sis, what do you want to do first? Jessica: Dad knows! Jim: You’re right, Pumpkin – we’re gonna pray! Mike: Thank you, Jim! (Everyone joins hands.)

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Jim: Our gracious Heavenly Father, You are so good to us. How can we do anything but give You the praise and glory? Thank you so much for hearing the cries of my Jessica and Mike. Thank you for listening to the pleas of Dearie and Dandy. Thank you for blessing Bryce with a cousin. We pray for our sweet little Sophie girl. We can scarcely wait to see her face to face tomorrow, but tonight we’d be remiss if we didn’t ask You to give the young girl who gave birth to her a special portion of Your peace and blessing. Even though we’ll never know her, we’ll never forget what an amazing thing she did for our new little girl and our family. Take care of her, Lord. Bless You Father, for You know too well the agony of gifting a baby – look what You did for this world on this very night over 2000 years ago. We love You, Lord, and we ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Savior of the World!” (Fade to black.) The Lord Is Come- Narration (by Pastor)

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Is There Room? Optional Invitation by Pastor

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The Promise of Christmas Optional Narration

by Debbie Beavers

Characters Narrator – male or female, present day character Mary and Joseph – late 20s or early 30s Younger Mary, Joseph and baby 3 Shepherds 3 Wise men Narration Promise Overture Christmas in the USA Scene 1 Narrator: This is the story of how it all began. You see, God had a plan – a plan that involved a young girl, her fiancé, a manger, some animals, shepherds, wise men and -- you and me. God knew that we would be here and that we would be in need of a Savior and He loves us enough to have provided that Savior. Isaiah wrote “The virgin will conceive, have a son and name Him Emmanuel.” Sound scandalous? – No, just miraculous! But then, we know that God is a God of miracles. Isaiah also told us “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” God made a promise to us – and that Promise was fulfilled in the birth of the King of kings and the Lord of lords! Jesus is the promise of Christmas! Let the Celebration Begin Scene 2 Mary (with cloth in hand): I’m sure every mother feels the way I do, that their child is special- but not every mother has the story to tell that I do. Let me explain. When I was still a fairly young girl, I was already engaged to Joseph when Gabriel, an angel, came to Nazareth. He told me that he had a message from God. You can imagine what went

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through my mind! I was, to say the least, scared. Gabriel told me not to be afraid. He told me that God had chosen me to bring a baby boy into the world and to call Him Jesus – before I married Joseph. I asked him how that could be because I had known no man. Gabriel told me that I would be the mother of the Son of God. Let me repeat that, I was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God! Amazing! I had to tell someone and I wasn’t quite ready for the conversation with Joseph so I went to my cousin, Elizabeth. As soon as I entered her presence she knew. I was humbled and blessed. There were some difficult days before the birth of my Son, but the joy overcame the difficulties. I love to take this old worn blanket out sometimes and just think about those days – days of secrecy, days when I feared what Joseph would do when he found out, and then days of long travel (smells blanket). Sometimes, when I smell that wonderful baby smell, I think of my wonderful boy – just as God had promised – Jesus! Celebrate the Joy Scene 3 Joseph: You can imagine how shocked I was when Mary returned to Nazareth from Elizabeth’s! She had been there several months and when I saw her here there was no hiding the fact that she was going to have a baby – a baby that wasn’t mine. I couldn’t believe it – what was I to think but that Mary had been unfaithful to me? I was sad. I was angry. I was confused. I knew I had two options. One option was to expose to the public her betrayal. I could let everyone know how I had been wronged. The outcome of that would have ended in her death. Option number two was to quietly send her away, let her have her baby somewhere else and in essence divorce her before our marriage really began. I thought about it, but I couldn’t deny that I still loved Mary. I couldn’t stand the thought – even though I believed she had gone behind my back with another man – I couldn’t let my sweet Mary be put to death. I couldn’t let her die. So I decided to send her away. Decision made, but not shared, I went to sleep. It was while in that sleep that God came to me in a dream and told me about Mary and about the baby she carried, Jesus. God gave me the opportunity to step up and be a husband and a father to that beautiful woman and that precious child. What else could I do? I chose to serve the Lord and I’ve never second-guessed the choice. I am Jesus’ earthly father! Joy, Joy Scene 4 Joseph: Mary was really far along with the baby when the time came for us to travel to Bethlehem. It was census time and we had no other choice because we were descendants of David. Even though we were simple people- some might even consider us peasants, we were required to be in Bethlehem. So I loaded us up and we made our way. Mary: And when he says he loaded us up, that’s exactly what he means. I will never forget that long, and I mean really long, donkey ride!

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Joseph: It was close to a hundred miles. Mary: It was so uncomfortable, but it had to be done. Joseph: I’ll never forget the sight of all those people in the streets of Bethlehem when we came over that last hill. Mary: We’d been traveling several days and I was exhausted. I just wanted to find an Inn and rest. It was so loud, so dusty, and there were so many people and animals everywhere! Joseph: The one thing that there wasn’t was a room to be found. I knew I had to find some place for Mary. By then it was clear that it wouldn’t be long before Jesus would be born. I know it wasn’t perfect, but it was shelter. I made a bed for Mary in a stable. Mary: And that stable was where the Son of God was born. A Baby Changes Everything Scene 5 Joseph: I can’t even describe the emotions I felt when Jesus was born! I knew He was the Son of God, but I also knew that I had been chosen to raise the boy here on earth. Suddenly, I wasn’t just Joseph, a simple carpenter, I was Jesus’ dad! I immediately felt the most intense love and sense of responsibility I had ever known in my life. The life and well-being of the Son of God in infant form had been placed in my hands! I wanted to be the best father I could possibly be. I have to admit that at that moment I wasn’t sure I was ready. I mean, look where I allowed Him to be born! I know now that God had a plan and it was His plan for us to be in that stable and it was His plan to announce the birth of His Son with the appearance of a star in the nighttime sky. A star that would lead others to the place where baby Jesus lay. And trust me, they came! Look Who Just Checked In The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy Scene 6 Mary: I can hardly breathe with the emotion of being a mom. It’s a love I had never even imagined possible! I can’t say His name enough – Jesus, Jesus, my son Jesus! It still amazes me that God would use a simple woman like me to raise His Son, to love His Son. I look at His face and I can’t help wondering what God has planned for my sweet little boy. What wondrous things will Jesus do with His life? I can’t tell you, but I do know that He will change the world. Does that sound silly or just like a mom? I believe it

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– I believe that Jesus will impact people’s lives and that He will serve God to the fullest. He is meant for great and mighty things. God promised! Little Baby Boy Scene 7 Joseph: Mary, what do you think it was about you and about me that caused God to choose us? Mary: Well, you are a man with skills and love to offer a young boy. Jesus will do well to learn from you. Look at how you loved me and stood by me! How could I think you would do anything less than love Jesus with all your heart? God knew that. Joseph: And in you, Mary, God sees a woman who is pure and sensitive and loves the Word of God. You will raise the boy to know and love Scripture. Our boy will live a life dedicated to obeying His heavenly Father and doing His will. Mary: I wonder what that will be. Gabriel talked of a kingdom and Jesus reigning forever. It sounds very “happily ever after.” Joseph: But let’s be realistic. We know there will be days when we don’t understand what God has planned for Jesus, days when we worry about Him, but I also know that God doesn’t make mistakes. Mary: He promised us a son and we have Jesus. Joseph: He promised us Emmanuel- “God with us” and we have Jesus! God Is with Us Child of Grace

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Scene 8 Narrator: “The Lord Is Come”

Is There Room? Optional- Invitation by Pastor

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Production Notes (for Narrative Script) Wardrobe: Options:

(1) Choir in all black; narrator in business casual (no coat or tie); Mary, Joseph and other characters in biblical costumes. (2) Choir and narrator in formal attire; Mary, Joseph and other characters in biblical costumes. (3) Choir in Christmas colors; narrator in black and white; Mary, Joseph and other characters in biblical costumes.

Set/Lighting: Lighting areas: (1) Manger (2) Down stage right (3) Down stage left (4) Down center stage (5) General wash for the choir (6) Optional – Star Props: Manger Cloth suitable for swaddling clothes or blanket -- cheesecloth or other soft offwhite piece of fabric. Theatrical/stage/lighting companies can be a great resource for answering questions and providing rental equipment.

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Staging Suggestions (for Narrative Script) Promise Overture Choir processes in during the Overture. Lights come up to full on stage. Christmas in the USA Lights should be up full on stage during this medley. Scene 1: At the end of Christmas in the USA, the lights on the choir fade and the light down center stage comes up, the narrator walks into the light and begins to speak. As the center stage light comes up, the Narrator walks into the DCS (down center stage) light.

Let the Celebration Begin Cross fade lights from DCR to choir.

Scene 2: Light comes up on Mary down stage right (DCR) beside a manger and holding a piece of worn cloth perhaps cheesecloth or other soft off-white piece of fabric. Celebrate the Joy Cross fade lights from DCR to choir.

Scene 3: Joseph is down stage left (DSL) when light comes up. Joy, Joy Cross fade lights from DCL to choir. Scene 4: Mary and Joseph walk into the light after DCS comes up. A Baby Changes Everything Cross fade lights from DCS to choir.

Scene 5: Joseph DCL when light comes up.

Look Who Just Checked In Cross fade lights from DCL to choir.

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The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy Lights up full on choir.

Scene 6: Light comes up on Mary DCR once again beside the manger. Little Baby Boy Cross fade lights from DCR to choir.

Scene 7: Mary and Joseph walk into the light after DCS comes up.

God Is with Us Lights come up on soloist DSL and DSR on empty manger with star illuminated. Choir lights up when appropriate. Young Mary and Joseph enter DSL carrying baby wrapped in fabric from Scene 2 at measure 79. Child of Grace Young Mary, Joseph and baby remain at the manger DSL. Joseph holds baby at beginning of song. Shepherds enter at measure 44 and slowly make their way to the manger. Kings enter at measure 60 and join the shepherds at the manger. All exit after light fades at end of song.

Scene 8: “The Lord Is Come”- Light comes up on Narrator DCS.

Is There Room? Lights come up on soloist DSL and DSR on empty manger. Choir lights up when appropriate. Optional narration by Pastor Lights up on Pastor