Is Christ In The Manger?
Drama
Graduation Is Not For Angels
Contemporary Christian Dramas
Object:
Scenes I - IV are placed in various areas of the sanctuary. In Act I each of the four scenes portrays a different pitfall of the holiday season: the bitter family feelings, the busyness, the anxiety, the loneliness. In Act II the same scenes are touched by the glory and power of the Christ Child. (The optional use of a spotlight enhances the effectiveness of each scene.)
Act I
(Actors in Scenes I - IV take their places, then freeze)
Scene I
Setting: To the left of stage, a family living room after a long day of shopping. Table sits in center of the room cluttered with Christmas items. Overstuffed chair sits to right of table
Characters:
FATHER: Middle-aged, typical middle-class breadwinner
MOTHER: Vivacious, committed to her family
COREY: Six- to eight-year-old boy
JOHN: Eight- to nine-year-old boy
Costumes: Father is in casual at-home attire, mother and two boys wear coats, mittens, warm hats
Props: Table, overstuffed chair, newspaper, angel for top of tree, packages and sacks, electric razor with long cord
* * *
(Spotlight on)
(FATHER is sitting in chair reading newspaper, obviously relaxed. MOTHER and boys are around table with coats on as if they have just come from shopping. Their arms are filled with packages)
MOTHER: (Drops packages on table in exhaustion) Whew! I can't believe how many last-minute shoppers there were today. The stores were full! The clerks were crabby; people were pushing and shoving ... (Begins taking off coat and unpacking sacks)
COREY: (Excitedly digging through the packages and finding the razor. Holds it up) Hey, Dad, look what we bought Grandpa. Think he'll like it?
(FATHER continues to read)
JOHN: (Sheds coat and digs through same sack) Mom, can I put the new angel on top of the tree? Corey got to put the star on last year, remember? Cool, this angel even has lights!
COREY: Hey, let me see! (Tries to grab the box out of his brother's hands)
JOHN: (Holds box up high) No way! You'll break it!
COREY: I will not! Mom!
FATHER: (Puts down paper and gets up from chair) Okay, boys, that's enough. This year it's John's turn, okay? (Boys make faces at one another. FATHER looks through sacks, becomes disturbed) Rachael, there's a lot of stuff here. Didn't I tell you to go easy this year?
MOTHER: Yes, Carl, and I tried. I really tried.
FATHER: (Condescendingly) Well, it doesn't appear that way to me. Look at all these things! I'll bet the stores had to restock when you three got through. Do you know how hard it is to earn a dollar these days? At the rate you're going ...
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene II
Setting: Busy city street a week before Christmas. (This scene can be staged in the choir loft or down one of the church aisles)
Characters:
BROTHER: College-age young man
SISTER: Grown-up young woman
Costumes: Modern winter apparel, stocking caps, scarves, and so on
Props: Christmas packages
* * *
(Spotlight on)
BROTHER: (Obviously overloaded with packages) You said that was the last store, remember? My arms are literally killing me!
SISTER: (Laughs and continues to study her list. She has no packages) I lied, and quit complaining. Do you know how much like Dad you act? Let's see ...
BROTHER: (Obviously disgusted) Hey, I didn't come all the way home from college to spend my whole vacation in some stupid shopping mall with my sister ... Whoa! (Packages teeter dangerously)
SISTER: (Grabs for packages) Okay, let's take a break. There's a little coffee shop around the corner. Then we'll get Mom's music box, Linda's ...
BROTHER: (Reacts) Nope! No way! I just changed my mind! Not this year! And thanks for reminding me. There's not a prayer that I'm going through another holiday with "lovely" Linda. Think Mom will have a total breakdown if I'm not around for Christmas? ... Well, then too bad, I'm out of here.
SISTER: (Does not take her brother seriously) Boy, do you need that cup of coffee. Here, let me have some of those. (Takes a few packages) Besides, where would you go?
BROTHER: Anywhere! Anywhere I don't have to see lovely Linda parade her diamonds, her furs, her fancy extravagant gifts for the folks past my nose. (Imitates) "Just a few nothings I picked up, Mom, Dad. I love you so much!" Watching the folks gush over her and her kids as if she were a goddess. It makes me ill!
SISTER: Aw, come on. Mom and Dad only see Linda once a year. Sacramento is a long way and ... well, her husband's done very well. I guess one should be able to spend one's money however he or she pleases ... (Pauses) The folks really do rave about her, don't they?
BROTHER: Well, you're finally waking up! Remember, money talks. Money! Big expensive gifts mean success. Sis, face it, you and I are failures.
SISTER: (Pauses as she thinks) Okay, I'm with you. Where shall we go?
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene III
Setting: To right of stage, a family room where characters are lounging around as if it were a quiet evening. Coffee table cluttered with Christmas wrap sits in center of room
Characters:
MOTHER: Very organized, cares what people think
FATHER: Relaxed, but can be pushed too far
BOY: Teenager
GIRL: Teenager
Costumes: Modern casual dress appropriate for a winter evening at home
Props: Items to make stage area appear like a family room during Christmas, four long sheets of paper for lists, coffee table full of papers, decorations, pencil and so on
* * *
(Spotlight on)
MOTHER: (Acting very busy at coffee table) Okay, everyone, I've finished your lists. (Hands each member of the family a long sheet of paper, continues to shuffle things around on the table)
GIRL: (Puzzled) A list? What's this for?
BOY: (Reading list) Set up Christmas tree in new stand, string lights on porch railing, put Santa on top of chimney ... paint him first. I'm supposed to do all this stuff?
FATHER: (Also reading list) Build manger in the front yard? You've got to be kidding!
MOTHER: No, I'm totally serious. This year we're going to have a meaningful Christmas for a change. And for starters -- oh, this is so exciting -- every evening until Christmas, we're going to stage a real manger scene in our front yard. That should give the neighbors some competition they've deserved for years. I've located a donkey, some sheep ... I've got material for our costumes. Oh, someone's got to sew our costumes!
FATHER: Costumes? You want us to stand out there every night until Christmas in the cold in some flimsy costume?
MOTHER: All except Monday. That's the evening we have to finish our Christmas shopping. (Looks at list) Oh, I'd also better bake fruitcakes for neighbors on that day. (Makes a note on her list) Cody, pencil in "make Christmas cookies" on your list. (Hands BOY pencil)
GIRL: Mom! You already have "make placemats for nursing home, get ingredients for chili for carolers, clean ..." (Gasps) This is ridiculous! I won't have any time to sleep, let alone enjoy life.
FATHER: (Still staring at list) I have to do the Christmas cards this year? And make toy wagons for the neighbor's two boys? I haven't been in my shop for six months. I'm not even sure my saws still work!
MOTHER: (Panicking) Oh, no, I almost forgot, I've got to have our Bible study group over for a taffy pull. (Checks list) Maybe Friday. Yes, I think Friday will work. Somehow Christmas always sneaks up on me. Now, let's see ...
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene IV
Setting: A park bench on a snowy evening
Characters:
OLDER GENTLEMAN: Quite stately, well mannered
OLDER WOMAN: Well groomed, regal
PROPHET: Learned, with authority (the church minister may want to assume this role)
Costumes: Winter apparel appropriate for a winter evening, prophet may be in a robe or Sunday modern dress
Props: Park bench, tape of carols
* * *
(Spotlight on)
WOMAN: (Sitting on one end of bench) Aren't the lights beautiful? The snow. That star on the steeple across the street takes my breath away every year. I come to this very same spot at least three times during the Christmas season.
GENTLEMAN: (Sitting on other end of bench, relaxed, looking around) So do I. It's amazing we've never met here. You've never even talked about it.
WOMAN: (Hesitantly) I guess there hasn't been much to say. I've been coming here every year since Edward died, seven years now.
GENTLEMAN: It's been six for me. I still miss Clara. She was quite a lady ... Your children coming home for the holidays?
WOMAN: No, I don't think so. (Pauses) They're pretty busy. (Pauses) They all have excuses.
GENTLEMAN: Mine, too. My oldest said he'll pay for my plane ticket if I want to spend Christmas with them, but somehow it's just not the same.
WOMAN: (Sadly) The holidays used to be so wonderful. Now I almost hate to see them come.
GENTLEMAN: (Softly) I know. I don't even put up a tree anymore. There are just too many memories...
WOMAN: (Softly) Yes, there are just too many memories.
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Interlude
PROPHET dressed in biblical robes steps into spotlight on center stage. He carries an air of credibility as he speaks. (Some congregations may prefer to insert an appropriate sermon or meditation at this point.)
* * *
(Spotlight on)
PROPHET: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion.
"To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
"Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs." [Portions taken from Isaiah 61, NIV]
(Spotlight off)
Act II
Scene I
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene I
* * *
(Woman's eyes are downcast, stares blankly at the table. Boys do not move)
FATHER: (With sincerity) Rachael ... I'm sorry. I don't know what's come over me lately. Having my hours cut at the store ... I just keep wondering how I can provide for you and the boys. But I shouldn't take it out on you.
WOMAN: Carl, I'm sorry too. It's just that we're doing our best. I only got the things you and I agreed on. Nothing more -- except for the angel. It was on sale, and the boys ... well, I guess I made a mistake there.
FATHER: No, don't apologize. Christmas is what our lives are all about. (Sighs) Sometimes I forget that Christ even came, like tonight. God forgive me. (Puts arm around wife and they hug. Boys now come to life and they hug as a family) Surely God will take care of us like He's promised. Rachael, boys, this is going to be a great Christmas.
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight out)
Scene II
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene II
* * *
(Spotlight on)
SISTER: (Looks at her brother) I can't believe it! You and I are really serious, aren't we?
BROTHER: About not being home for Christmas, you mean?
SISTER: Yes, about not being home for Christmas because you and I don't like being upstaged by a cocky, wealthy sister. What's with us?
BROTHER: So, we're being a bit childish. Who cares!
SISTER: But maybe Mom and Dad are caught in the middle. Maybe Linda feels left out living so far away, and all the fancy expensive gifts are a way for making up for lost time.
BROTHER: (Pauses as if thinking) Okay, maybe you have a point. Now that I think about it, the stuff she brings us isn't all that shabby either. (Pauses) Man, if I felt I had to "buy" my way into a family ... That's sad, really sad.
SISTER: Hey, see that manger scene in the window across the street? (Points) Think Linda would like that? It's definitely her taste. Now don't argue with me ... I know she has enough money to buy ten manger scenes much nicer than that one, but there's something about getting a present from people who love you ... well, it makes a difference.
BROTHER: Let's see if I'm reading you right. Are you saying our vanishing act for Christmas is on hold?
SISTER: You call it.
BROTHER: (Loads his sister with more presents) I surrender! It's Christmas ... and we're a family. I'm with you. You and I don't have a whole lot of money, but we can at least try and accept Linda for who she is -- our sister.
SISTER: (Smiles, reaches up and gives BROTHER an excited hug with free hand) Thanks. Come on, let's go get that manger scene. Linda will love it.
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene III
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene III
* * *
(Spotlight on)
FATHER: Okay, everyone, time out! This Christmas thing has gotten totally out of hand.
MOTHER: Saturday is pageant rehearsal. Oh, Dear, I didn't tell you, you're supposed to be one of the wise men, but you don't have a speaking part. You just ...
FATHER: Give me those lists! (GIRL and BOY readily hand over their lists. MOTHER is reluctant but finally complies. FATHER studies them for a brief moment)
Now, Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Christ, not for driving everyone crazy. It's one of the most important times in the life of a Christian, and I refuse to let us get caught up in all the hassle we've had other years.
MOTHER: But, Dear, you are the one who always wants to do all these things. You insist on the fruitcakes, and the neighbors' gifts ...
FATHER: I know. Except in my devotions this week, I've been convicted that Christmas is a time for Christ. This year, we're going to do the meaningful things. I'll be a wise man, but I'm not building a manger on the front lawn. All in favor of putting Christ back into Christmas?
(There is a chorus of agreement as the family sits back, contentedly relaxes, then freezes. Spotlight off)
Scene IV
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene IV
* * *
(Spotlight on)
GENTLEMAN: So what are people like you and me going to do, Edna? These are lonely times for us. The Christ child came to earth to be light to the world ... to set the captives free ... to heal the brokenhearted. I'd say that's me.
WOMAN: (Sighs) And me.
GENTLEMAN: So, what do we do? We can't be the only ones in this situation.
WOMAN: (Hesitantly) Well, since you have no one coming for Christmas and neither do I, maybe we could gather a few other people together. There's lots of us you know.
GENTLEMAN: (Becoming excited) That sounds great. What do you say we get the word around and have a party. I have a big house. It will give me an excuse to put up a Christmas tree. Gift exchange maybe ... a few carols ...
WOMAN: (Brightening up, sighs in relief) Sounds wonderful! I know of quite a few others whom I'm sure ... Listen ...
(Sound of carolers in the distance)
GENTLEMAN: (Thoughtfully) Maybe this year is the year I will allow the Christ child to truly set me free. I could not wish more.
WOMAN: (Softly) I think you and I have just begun. Listen ...
(Caroling grows louder then fades out)
PROPHET: (Center stage, in the shadows) And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And of his kingdom there is no end.
(Spotlight out)
Act I
(Actors in Scenes I - IV take their places, then freeze)
Scene I
Setting: To the left of stage, a family living room after a long day of shopping. Table sits in center of the room cluttered with Christmas items. Overstuffed chair sits to right of table
Characters:
FATHER: Middle-aged, typical middle-class breadwinner
MOTHER: Vivacious, committed to her family
COREY: Six- to eight-year-old boy
JOHN: Eight- to nine-year-old boy
Costumes: Father is in casual at-home attire, mother and two boys wear coats, mittens, warm hats
Props: Table, overstuffed chair, newspaper, angel for top of tree, packages and sacks, electric razor with long cord
* * *
(Spotlight on)
(FATHER is sitting in chair reading newspaper, obviously relaxed. MOTHER and boys are around table with coats on as if they have just come from shopping. Their arms are filled with packages)
MOTHER: (Drops packages on table in exhaustion) Whew! I can't believe how many last-minute shoppers there were today. The stores were full! The clerks were crabby; people were pushing and shoving ... (Begins taking off coat and unpacking sacks)
COREY: (Excitedly digging through the packages and finding the razor. Holds it up) Hey, Dad, look what we bought Grandpa. Think he'll like it?
(FATHER continues to read)
JOHN: (Sheds coat and digs through same sack) Mom, can I put the new angel on top of the tree? Corey got to put the star on last year, remember? Cool, this angel even has lights!
COREY: Hey, let me see! (Tries to grab the box out of his brother's hands)
JOHN: (Holds box up high) No way! You'll break it!
COREY: I will not! Mom!
FATHER: (Puts down paper and gets up from chair) Okay, boys, that's enough. This year it's John's turn, okay? (Boys make faces at one another. FATHER looks through sacks, becomes disturbed) Rachael, there's a lot of stuff here. Didn't I tell you to go easy this year?
MOTHER: Yes, Carl, and I tried. I really tried.
FATHER: (Condescendingly) Well, it doesn't appear that way to me. Look at all these things! I'll bet the stores had to restock when you three got through. Do you know how hard it is to earn a dollar these days? At the rate you're going ...
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene II
Setting: Busy city street a week before Christmas. (This scene can be staged in the choir loft or down one of the church aisles)
Characters:
BROTHER: College-age young man
SISTER: Grown-up young woman
Costumes: Modern winter apparel, stocking caps, scarves, and so on
Props: Christmas packages
* * *
(Spotlight on)
BROTHER: (Obviously overloaded with packages) You said that was the last store, remember? My arms are literally killing me!
SISTER: (Laughs and continues to study her list. She has no packages) I lied, and quit complaining. Do you know how much like Dad you act? Let's see ...
BROTHER: (Obviously disgusted) Hey, I didn't come all the way home from college to spend my whole vacation in some stupid shopping mall with my sister ... Whoa! (Packages teeter dangerously)
SISTER: (Grabs for packages) Okay, let's take a break. There's a little coffee shop around the corner. Then we'll get Mom's music box, Linda's ...
BROTHER: (Reacts) Nope! No way! I just changed my mind! Not this year! And thanks for reminding me. There's not a prayer that I'm going through another holiday with "lovely" Linda. Think Mom will have a total breakdown if I'm not around for Christmas? ... Well, then too bad, I'm out of here.
SISTER: (Does not take her brother seriously) Boy, do you need that cup of coffee. Here, let me have some of those. (Takes a few packages) Besides, where would you go?
BROTHER: Anywhere! Anywhere I don't have to see lovely Linda parade her diamonds, her furs, her fancy extravagant gifts for the folks past my nose. (Imitates) "Just a few nothings I picked up, Mom, Dad. I love you so much!" Watching the folks gush over her and her kids as if she were a goddess. It makes me ill!
SISTER: Aw, come on. Mom and Dad only see Linda once a year. Sacramento is a long way and ... well, her husband's done very well. I guess one should be able to spend one's money however he or she pleases ... (Pauses) The folks really do rave about her, don't they?
BROTHER: Well, you're finally waking up! Remember, money talks. Money! Big expensive gifts mean success. Sis, face it, you and I are failures.
SISTER: (Pauses as she thinks) Okay, I'm with you. Where shall we go?
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene III
Setting: To right of stage, a family room where characters are lounging around as if it were a quiet evening. Coffee table cluttered with Christmas wrap sits in center of room
Characters:
MOTHER: Very organized, cares what people think
FATHER: Relaxed, but can be pushed too far
BOY: Teenager
GIRL: Teenager
Costumes: Modern casual dress appropriate for a winter evening at home
Props: Items to make stage area appear like a family room during Christmas, four long sheets of paper for lists, coffee table full of papers, decorations, pencil and so on
* * *
(Spotlight on)
MOTHER: (Acting very busy at coffee table) Okay, everyone, I've finished your lists. (Hands each member of the family a long sheet of paper, continues to shuffle things around on the table)
GIRL: (Puzzled) A list? What's this for?
BOY: (Reading list) Set up Christmas tree in new stand, string lights on porch railing, put Santa on top of chimney ... paint him first. I'm supposed to do all this stuff?
FATHER: (Also reading list) Build manger in the front yard? You've got to be kidding!
MOTHER: No, I'm totally serious. This year we're going to have a meaningful Christmas for a change. And for starters -- oh, this is so exciting -- every evening until Christmas, we're going to stage a real manger scene in our front yard. That should give the neighbors some competition they've deserved for years. I've located a donkey, some sheep ... I've got material for our costumes. Oh, someone's got to sew our costumes!
FATHER: Costumes? You want us to stand out there every night until Christmas in the cold in some flimsy costume?
MOTHER: All except Monday. That's the evening we have to finish our Christmas shopping. (Looks at list) Oh, I'd also better bake fruitcakes for neighbors on that day. (Makes a note on her list) Cody, pencil in "make Christmas cookies" on your list. (Hands BOY pencil)
GIRL: Mom! You already have "make placemats for nursing home, get ingredients for chili for carolers, clean ..." (Gasps) This is ridiculous! I won't have any time to sleep, let alone enjoy life.
FATHER: (Still staring at list) I have to do the Christmas cards this year? And make toy wagons for the neighbor's two boys? I haven't been in my shop for six months. I'm not even sure my saws still work!
MOTHER: (Panicking) Oh, no, I almost forgot, I've got to have our Bible study group over for a taffy pull. (Checks list) Maybe Friday. Yes, I think Friday will work. Somehow Christmas always sneaks up on me. Now, let's see ...
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene IV
Setting: A park bench on a snowy evening
Characters:
OLDER GENTLEMAN: Quite stately, well mannered
OLDER WOMAN: Well groomed, regal
PROPHET: Learned, with authority (the church minister may want to assume this role)
Costumes: Winter apparel appropriate for a winter evening, prophet may be in a robe or Sunday modern dress
Props: Park bench, tape of carols
* * *
(Spotlight on)
WOMAN: (Sitting on one end of bench) Aren't the lights beautiful? The snow. That star on the steeple across the street takes my breath away every year. I come to this very same spot at least three times during the Christmas season.
GENTLEMAN: (Sitting on other end of bench, relaxed, looking around) So do I. It's amazing we've never met here. You've never even talked about it.
WOMAN: (Hesitantly) I guess there hasn't been much to say. I've been coming here every year since Edward died, seven years now.
GENTLEMAN: It's been six for me. I still miss Clara. She was quite a lady ... Your children coming home for the holidays?
WOMAN: No, I don't think so. (Pauses) They're pretty busy. (Pauses) They all have excuses.
GENTLEMAN: Mine, too. My oldest said he'll pay for my plane ticket if I want to spend Christmas with them, but somehow it's just not the same.
WOMAN: (Sadly) The holidays used to be so wonderful. Now I almost hate to see them come.
GENTLEMAN: (Softly) I know. I don't even put up a tree anymore. There are just too many memories...
WOMAN: (Softly) Yes, there are just too many memories.
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Interlude
PROPHET dressed in biblical robes steps into spotlight on center stage. He carries an air of credibility as he speaks. (Some congregations may prefer to insert an appropriate sermon or meditation at this point.)
* * *
(Spotlight on)
PROPHET: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion.
"To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
"Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs." [Portions taken from Isaiah 61, NIV]
(Spotlight off)
Act II
Scene I
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene I
* * *
(Woman's eyes are downcast, stares blankly at the table. Boys do not move)
FATHER: (With sincerity) Rachael ... I'm sorry. I don't know what's come over me lately. Having my hours cut at the store ... I just keep wondering how I can provide for you and the boys. But I shouldn't take it out on you.
WOMAN: Carl, I'm sorry too. It's just that we're doing our best. I only got the things you and I agreed on. Nothing more -- except for the angel. It was on sale, and the boys ... well, I guess I made a mistake there.
FATHER: No, don't apologize. Christmas is what our lives are all about. (Sighs) Sometimes I forget that Christ even came, like tonight. God forgive me. (Puts arm around wife and they hug. Boys now come to life and they hug as a family) Surely God will take care of us like He's promised. Rachael, boys, this is going to be a great Christmas.
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight out)
Scene II
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene II
* * *
(Spotlight on)
SISTER: (Looks at her brother) I can't believe it! You and I are really serious, aren't we?
BROTHER: About not being home for Christmas, you mean?
SISTER: Yes, about not being home for Christmas because you and I don't like being upstaged by a cocky, wealthy sister. What's with us?
BROTHER: So, we're being a bit childish. Who cares!
SISTER: But maybe Mom and Dad are caught in the middle. Maybe Linda feels left out living so far away, and all the fancy expensive gifts are a way for making up for lost time.
BROTHER: (Pauses as if thinking) Okay, maybe you have a point. Now that I think about it, the stuff she brings us isn't all that shabby either. (Pauses) Man, if I felt I had to "buy" my way into a family ... That's sad, really sad.
SISTER: Hey, see that manger scene in the window across the street? (Points) Think Linda would like that? It's definitely her taste. Now don't argue with me ... I know she has enough money to buy ten manger scenes much nicer than that one, but there's something about getting a present from people who love you ... well, it makes a difference.
BROTHER: Let's see if I'm reading you right. Are you saying our vanishing act for Christmas is on hold?
SISTER: You call it.
BROTHER: (Loads his sister with more presents) I surrender! It's Christmas ... and we're a family. I'm with you. You and I don't have a whole lot of money, but we can at least try and accept Linda for who she is -- our sister.
SISTER: (Smiles, reaches up and gives BROTHER an excited hug with free hand) Thanks. Come on, let's go get that manger scene. Linda will love it.
(Characters freeze in place. Spotlight off)
Scene III
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene III
* * *
(Spotlight on)
FATHER: Okay, everyone, time out! This Christmas thing has gotten totally out of hand.
MOTHER: Saturday is pageant rehearsal. Oh, Dear, I didn't tell you, you're supposed to be one of the wise men, but you don't have a speaking part. You just ...
FATHER: Give me those lists! (GIRL and BOY readily hand over their lists. MOTHER is reluctant but finally complies. FATHER studies them for a brief moment)
Now, Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Christ, not for driving everyone crazy. It's one of the most important times in the life of a Christian, and I refuse to let us get caught up in all the hassle we've had other years.
MOTHER: But, Dear, you are the one who always wants to do all these things. You insist on the fruitcakes, and the neighbors' gifts ...
FATHER: I know. Except in my devotions this week, I've been convicted that Christmas is a time for Christ. This year, we're going to do the meaningful things. I'll be a wise man, but I'm not building a manger on the front lawn. All in favor of putting Christ back into Christmas?
(There is a chorus of agreement as the family sits back, contentedly relaxes, then freezes. Spotlight off)
Scene IV
Setting: Same as Act I, Scene IV
* * *
(Spotlight on)
GENTLEMAN: So what are people like you and me going to do, Edna? These are lonely times for us. The Christ child came to earth to be light to the world ... to set the captives free ... to heal the brokenhearted. I'd say that's me.
WOMAN: (Sighs) And me.
GENTLEMAN: So, what do we do? We can't be the only ones in this situation.
WOMAN: (Hesitantly) Well, since you have no one coming for Christmas and neither do I, maybe we could gather a few other people together. There's lots of us you know.
GENTLEMAN: (Becoming excited) That sounds great. What do you say we get the word around and have a party. I have a big house. It will give me an excuse to put up a Christmas tree. Gift exchange maybe ... a few carols ...
WOMAN: (Brightening up, sighs in relief) Sounds wonderful! I know of quite a few others whom I'm sure ... Listen ...
(Sound of carolers in the distance)
GENTLEMAN: (Thoughtfully) Maybe this year is the year I will allow the Christ child to truly set me free. I could not wish more.
WOMAN: (Softly) I think you and I have just begun. Listen ...
(Caroling grows louder then fades out)
PROPHET: (Center stage, in the shadows) And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And of his kingdom there is no end.
(Spotlight out)
