Yearly Archives: 2009

Shepherds

Shepherds enter and flop down, followed by angels who deliver the message
Narrator:That same night there were shepherds watching their flocks of sheep on the steep hills surrounding Bethlehem. The shepherds were poor men who wore rough, simple clothing. For them, nights were usually dark, cold and lonely.

GABRIEL enters from left. He stands on a box, center
Narrator:But the night that Jesus was born, the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared above them in the sky.

The THREE SHEPHERDS point up at GABRIEL, then back up, frightened, and hold their crooks in front of them for protection.
Narrator: The shepherds had never seen an angel, and they were frightened. But the Angel of God soon comforted them, saying …
Gabriel: Fear not, good shepherds, for I have wonderful news! Today, in the city of Bethlehem, a child was born. This child shall grow up to be our king – not just any king, but the KING of ALL kings – the world’s savior!
Shepherd:Please tell us where we can find him!
Gabriel:You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
All the angels Enter and face the shepherds
Narrator: Then suddenly a whole host – a multitude – of heavenly angels appeared in the sky! And they heralded, or announced, the news of the baby Jesus. “Glory to the newborn king!” they exclaimed. “He shall bring peace and goodwill to all men!”
Angels and Congregation: Hark the Herald angels sing H#277
The Angels leave as the shepherds stand
Shepherd: Let’s go to bethlehem!

Bethlehem

Narrator: Now, at that time, the land they lived in was ruled by the Romans, who were mighty, but wicked rulers of an enormous empire. The chief ruler, a man named Caesar Augustus, was mean and greedy. He wanted to tax everyone in the land to raise money for himself and the Romans. So he issued a decree that every man shall return to the place of his birth so they could be counted for taxes.
Mary and Joseph walk slowly across stage while townspeople wander up and down the aisles going to be taxed.
Narrator: And so Joseph and Mary left Nazareth to return to the small village of Bethlehem, about 90 miles away, where Joseph had been born. It was a difficult journey across the hot land, but after six long days and nights, they finally reached Bethlehem. By then Mary was very tired and about to give birth. But Bethlehem was a small town now filled with many people. They could find no place to stay for the night.

Joseph and Mary proceed to a door and knock
Joseph: We have traveled a long way and my wife is pregnant and very tired. Is there any room at your inn?
Inkeeper:Sorry, No room, check with my brother down the street.
He ducks down and changes his hat
Joseph: We have traveled a long way and my wife is pregnant and very tired. Is there any room at your inn?
Inkeeper:Sorry, No room, check with my brother down the street.
He ducks down and changes his hat
Narrator: And so it was at every inn. Until at last…
Joseph: We have traveled a long way and my wife is pregnant and very tired. Is there any room at your inn?

Mary can now be seen in the house sweeping. Gabriel enters from the side and stands on the box centerstage. Joseph enters and sits on a chair sleeping.

The Annunciation

Narrator: Now, when God was read to give Jesus to the world, He chose a good and pure woman named Mary to be his mother. Mary lived in the village of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter and a pure and godly man.
One day when Mary was alone, God sent the angel Gabriel to appear before her.
Gabriel:Greetings, Mary. The Lord is with you and you are highly favored!
Mary comes forward and looks up at Gabriel. She looks frightened at first.
Narrator: Mary was at first frightened and confused by this greeting of the Angel of God. But then Gabriel told her that God had chosen her to give birth to Jesus.
Gabriel: Fear not Mary, for you are special in God’s eyes. And behold, he has chosen you to bring forth a son. And you shall call him Jesus. And he will be called the Son of God. And his Kingdom shall have no end.
Narrator: Mary did not understand exactly how this would happen but the angel told her it would be God’s son. With great faith she replied…
Mary is now looking up and smiling.
Mary: I will obey God’s will. Let it be done just as you have said!
Narrator:Joseph was troubled by Mary’s pregnancy and determined not to mary her. After he had decided this God sent Gabriel to Joseph in a dream.
Gabriel: Looks down at Joseph Joseph, God has chosen you to be the father of his son, Jesus. And Mary will be his mother.