A Night For News
Drama
Nativity Dramas: The Second Season
Four More Nontraditional Christmas Plays for All Ages
Object:
Characters (in order of appearance)
Director
Offstage Voice (Bumper)
Claudia Lexus
Scipio Petronius (Skip)
Abraham
Young Roman Soldier
Roman Soldier
Centurion Marcus Quintonius
Announcer -- 1
Chariot Man
Officer
Driver
Cellular Runner
Makeup Person*
Olivia Franco
Sapphira
Child
Esther
Joseph
Shepherd 1
Shepherd 2
Shepherd Group
Biff Bogus
3 "Lions" 2 Men*
Plato Euripedes
Caspar
Melchior
Balthasar
Soldier
Saul
Voiceover
*nonspeaking
Costumes
Togas
Props
Desk/papers/pen
"Hi! Mom" sign
Apples, loaf of bread
Chariot
Red flag
Scroll
"Rocks" for sitting on
Flock of "sheep"
Bell sound
Microphone
Scene One: News Desk
(Setting: The scene opens on the Caesar News Network Headline News set. Claudia Lexus, dressed in a toga, is sitting behind a desk, shuffling papers, studying papers, studying notes, while a makeup person primps her. The director, an offstage voice, speaks.)
Director: Back in five -- four -- three -- two -- cue the bumper....
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Claudia: (smiling) I'm Claudia Lexus and these are the top stories this hour: Rioting in Palestine results in major property damage and several casualties; why a space crunch may limit your travel plans this year; and how the unexpected discovery of a new heavenly body has some scholars scratching their heads.
(Pause as she shuffles papers, then turns slightly, as though facing a different camera)
Claudia: More unrest in Palestine today as peasants in the small town of Nazareth rioted to protest the Imperial census decreed by His Excellency Caesar Augustus. For a report on this latest incident of mob violence, we go to our own Scipio Petronius who is live on the scene. (turns to face offstage) Skip?
(Stand-up Setting: Scipio Petronius, a toga-clad reporter, is standing in front of two Roman soldiers and a civilian dressed in simple period garb. The younger soldier appears very excited while the older one looks uncomfortable. The civilian looks nervous and has his arms folded in front of him. Scipio looks toward the audience and presses one hand to his ear, as though pushing against an earpiece.)
Scipio: Yes, Claudia.
Anchor: Can you tell us what happened there, today?
Scipio: Claudia, eyewitness reports are sketchy, but it appears that a group of so-called "Zealots" began protesting the new Imperial census early this afternoon. Things got out of hand quickly when they destroyed several stalls in the marketplace then moved to the center of this sleepy town where they overturned several chariots and set fire to them. It was shortly after that a Legion patrol showed up to restore order.
(Scipio steps toward the civilian, elbowing the younger soldier out of the way)
Scipio: This is Abraham, who witnessed most of the events this afternoon. Abraham, can you tell us what happened in your own words?
Abraham: (shyly) Well, I was in the market picking up a few things for dinner when this commotion broke out.
(As they talk, the young Roman soldier gets behind Abraham and mugs for the camera, waving and mouthing "Hi, Mom." Scipio tries to maneuver away from him but is not successful.)
Scipio: Commotion?
Abraham: Yeah. I was looking over the pomegranates when these yahoos started yelling about how the census was an invasion of their privacy, and then they just flipped out and started throwing things.
Scipio: Throwing things?
Abraham: (nodding) Yeah. One minute everything was fine, and the next minute the air was full of fruits and vegetables -- it was like being in the middle of a big tossed salad.
(The young soldier holds up a handwritten sign that reads, "Hi, Mom.")
Scipio: (still trying to change position so that the young soldier is not in the line of sight) And then what happened?
Abraham: They were yellin' about taxes and how Rome was the Evil Empire. Then these bozos started ripping down awnings and tipping over the shopkeepers' carts. It was awful. Then people started grabbing groceries and running. (he shifts and a couple of apples fall from his arms) I was shocked -- just shocked. (a few more apples fall) After that they moved into the town square and started tipping over chariots, and then some idiot set fire to one of them. I was glad when the Legion showed up to get things back under control. (another apple falls; Abraham just stares straight ahead, ignoring it)
Scipio: And that would be the patrol led by Centurion Marcus Quintonius. Can you tell me what happened after that, Centurion?
Centurion: (eyeballing Abraham and the young soldier) Not much to tell, really. We had a report that some holiday revelers was getting out of hand here, so we came downtown to check it out. There we observed a number of young people turning chariots over, throwing rocks, and generally acting like idiots. (makes eye contact with young soldier, angrily gestures for him to stop)
Scipio: And what did you do then?
Centurion: We did just like we're trained to do: We assessed the situation carefully, took account of the available resources, and took appropriate action to restore order and protect public life and property.
Scipio: Which means --
Young Soldier: (surfer "dude" style) Which means we kicked their butts, man.
(Centurion Quintonius glares at the soldier, starts to say something, but then more fruit drops out of Abraham's arms, and when he tries to cover, a loaf of bread drops to the street.)
Centurion: (to Abraham) We need to talk, son. (he grabs Abraham by the arm and hustles him offstage, dropping food as they go)
Scipio: (to young soldier) And you were saying?
Young Soldier: I was saying we kicked their butts, man. These Zealot dudes were all alike, "Taxes are too high, man," and, "When the Messiah comes, your Caesar's going down, man." Then we marched in and we were all like, "You're just a bunch of rebels, and if you know what's good for you, you'll lay it down now, man." But they kept up, so the Centurion was all, "You go home now or you're under arrest."
Scipio: Then what happened?
Centurion: (walks back onstage and speaks loudly) Then we took control of the situation and used appropriate measures to restore order and secure property. (to young soldier) I think you've, like, said enough.
Young Soldier: (contrite) Yes, sir. It's just that this is my first action since I joined up. Years of training and now, finally --
Centurion: (gruffly) This ain't action, son. Huns and vandals -- they'll give you more action than you want. This is just police work. Bringing civilization to a bunch of backwater barbarians who don't appreciate the rule of Roman law and order.
Scipio: We understand there was some mention of taxes and that this riot was actually a protest against Roman taxes. Do you have any verification of that?
Centurion: (glares at young soldier) No, people here are like people everywhere in the Empire -- they don't mind paying taxes. They know it's just the price we pay for Roman law and order. (shrugs) Somebody has to pay for the Legion being here.
Scipio: Of course. Have things quieted down, now, Centurion?
Centurion: As you see, the fires are out, the smoke is gone, you can see the moon is coming out. We anticipate a silent night. All is calm. All is bright.
Scipio: (turning back to the audience) So that's the story from Nazareth, Claudia, where the Legion tells us order has been restored once more.
Claudia: (turns back to face audience) Thanks, Skip. That was Scipio Petronius on the scene in Nazareth where it appears that holiday reveling got a little out of hand. And we'll be right back with more headline news on the Caesar News Network right after this word....
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN....
End Scene One
Commercial 1
(The scene opens on a man standing in a chariot. He is wearing a fancy toga, and is obviously bored, drumming his fingers on the front of the chariot while he waits. There is a voiceover from offstage.)
Announcer: Stuck in traffic -- again?
(An officer in a blue toga walks across the stage and stops by the chariot.)
Officer: (shaking his head) Looks like this is going to be another long one. A miniwagon jumped the guardrail about half a mile ahead and ran right into oncoming traffic. It's going to take hours to get everything untangled and moving again.
Driver: (distraught) Hours? I've got to be home for my son's birthday party in twenty minutes! They're going to wonder why I didn't show up!
Officer: (sadly) Sorry, sir. Maybe next year.... (walks off)
Announcer: Don't let this happen to you. Subscribe to our new cellular runner service, and don't miss another important date.
(The driver holds up a red flag as a runner jogs by. The runner immediately comes over to him.)
Cellular Runner: Yes, sir?
Driver: This traffic is going to be tied up for hours. Go tell my wife that I'll be late for the party, but I'll definitely be there as soon as I can. And -- (pause) wish Junior a happy birthday for me, will you?
Cellular Runner: (smiling broadly) Yes, sir. (runs off and the driver relaxes as he waits)
Announcer: Cellular Runners -- when you can't be there, send someone who can be.
End Commercial 1
Scene Two: Street Scene
(The scene opens on the news set, with Claudia Lexus behind the desk. The makeup person is putting on a few finishing touches when the bumper sounds.)
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Anchor: (smiling) I'm Claudia Lexus with more of the top stories this hour ... (turns slightly) The hospitality industry in the province of Palestine continues to struggle during a very busy travel season. Here with more on this story of small businesses faced with some very big challenges is business correspondent Olivia Franco. (faces offstage) Olivia?
(Standup Setting: Olivia Franco is standing in front of a stone building, next to two women and a man. The women are clad in period clothing for Palestine -- simple dress -- and Esther is clutching a scroll in her hand. The man is dressed simply and looks exhausted. Olivia, who has been talking to them, turns at the sound of her name and faces the audience.)
Olivia: Yes, Claudia, I'm here in the little town of Bethlehem, not too far from the temple city of Jerusalem where the local innkeepeers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for rooms during this exceptionally heavy travel season. I'm standing here with Sapphira, an innkeeper, and Esther, an economist with the Bureau of Travel and Tourism. Ladies, could you tell us about some of the problems Palestinian innkeepers are facing these days?
Sapphira: (nervously) It's been awful, Olivia. I haven't had a decent night's sleep in weeks.
Olivia: And why is that?
Sapphira: There are too many people coming to town -- people coming in from every which way -- and we've got nowhere to put 'em. It's terrible. And everyone of 'em expects fresh straw to sleep on and two meals a day. If I'm not at the front desk, I'm in the kitchen. And let me tell you, nobody's tipping worth a darn these days.
(A child walks up to Sapphira and tugs on her robe.)
Child: Mommy!
Sapphira: (brushing away child's hand) I haven't had a room open since last month. We've got two families to a room most nights, and there's still not enough room for everyone.
Olivia: And why are they coming here?
Sapphira: It's the new census. It's got everything turned upside down.
Child: (insistently) Mommy!
(The adults ignore the child.)
Olivia: And how could a census do that?
Esther: (stepping in front of Sapphira) The new census ordered by Emperor Caesar Augustus has resulted in a significant dislocation of the population. (unrolls scroll and holds it up) If you see here, the thick blue line represents the number of rooms available throughout the province, and this thinner brown line down here, that's the number of rooms available right here in Bethlehem.
Olivia: (staring at the scroll) I see. And this, here? (pointing at the scroll)
Esther: (peering) That's a soup stain. But this yellow line, here, shows the number of people needing rooms, because the census requires everyone to go back to the city their family came from. Bethlehem is the city of David, and a lot of families can trace their roots back to us, as shown by this dark teal line, here, next to the pie chart of family sizes. By following the red trend line back, you can see that demand exceeded the inventory of rooms about two weeks ago.
Olivia: (sighs) Which means what? And please don't show me another graph!
Esther: (seriously) Well, in simple terms, where there is a strong increase in demand vis a vis --
Sapphira: In simple terms, it means there's a lot of unhappy people out there. There's people sleeping in doorways, under bridges ... why, just a few hours ago I had to turn away this young man and his wife. (points to a man standing with them) They came in just before the gates closed for the night.
Olivia: And you are?
Joseph: Joseph -- Joseph of Nazareth.
Olivia: You traveled here from Nazareth?
Joseph: Yes, ma'am. Almost a week on the road, my wife and I. And when we got here, there was no room for us at the inn. Any inn.
Olivia: So what are you going to do? Sleep out in the countryside?
Sapphira: I found out his wife was going to have a baby. Once I saw that I knew I couldn't turn them out into the cold.
Olivia: So what did you do?
Sapphira: I rented them a corner of our stable. It's not much but it's warm and dry. And there won't be anyone else around, just the animals to keep them company.
Joseph: And we're very grateful for it, believe me. My wife is very tired and needs her rest. I'm afraid she could give birth at any time.
Sapphira: So, I couldn't very well let her do that in the street. The stables will do, and I sent my child to be sure they had everything --
Child: (loudly) Mommy!
Sapphira: (exasperated) What? I'm on TV here.
Child: It's that lady. I think she's going to have her baby.
Joseph: What?
Child: I think she's going to have the baby right now!
(Joseph runs offstage.)
Sapphira: (to child) You run along and see if they need anything. Let me know.
Esther: (nervously) Shouldn't we boil some water, or something?
Sapphira: Why? She's having a baby, not a lobster. (shakes her head) I don't want to be around when you have your first child. They're going to be fine. They're out of the cold with no one around to get in the way.
Olivia: So, at least this story has a happy ending.
Sapphira: (shrugs) How happy can it be? The baby's going to be born in a stable --
what could he ever amount to?
Olivia: (turning back to the camera) So, that's the story from the little town of Bethlehem, where innkeepers are facing big problems -- and coming up with some unique solutions.
Claudia: Thank you, Olivia. I'm sure everyone's hopes and fears are with that baby tonight. (turns to audience) More after this message.
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN....
End Scene Two
Commercial Two
(Setting: Two shepherds are sitting on rocks, tending a flock of sheep.)
Shepherd 1: I'm just saying -- it has to be the chicken. The egg can't be here unless a chicken lays it.
Shepherd 2: (looking out at sheep) Hey -- isn't one of your sheep missing?
Shepherd 1: (looking out at sheep) Don't try to change the subject just because you're wrong. (pause) You're right -- one of them is missing. (stands up) Where did she get to?
Shepherd 2: Do you think a wolf got her? Or a lion?
Shepherd 1: (shaking his head helplessly) I don't know.
Announcer: (offstage) Don't let this happen to you. Let the miracle of modern technology work for you, so you can keep track of your sheep, no matter where they are. (a third shepherd walks in front of the others) Just clap -- (the third shepherd claps) and listen -- (a bell rings loudly, followed by a sheep bleating) and know instantly where your sheep are. Works first time -- (shepherd claps, bell rings) every time. (third shepherd claps, bell rings, and sheep bleats) Don't be fooled by imitators, get the original -- and best -- sheep locator on the market: Sheepjack. Now available with a money back guarantee. (quickly) Guarantee not valid in all provinces, some restrictions apply.
End Commercial 2
Scene Three: Stable (nearby)
(Setting: The scene opens on the new set, with Claudia Lexus behind the desk. The makeup person finishes with her as the bumper sounds.)
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Claudia: (shuffles papers, looks up, and smiles) And now with the sports headlines, here's Sports Anchor Biff Bogus. Biff?
(Biff Bogus, dressed in a loud-colored toga, slips into the seat next to Claudia.)
Biff: Claudia? (pause)
Claudia: (after a moment) Biff?
Biff: Claudia? (pause)
Claudia: (after a moment, exasperated) Biff?
Biff: I just love hearing you say my name. (to audience) Here's what's happening in the world of sports from around the Empire to the street where you live. (turns slightly)
From the Circus Maximus in Rome: Race fans were stunned today when the chariot driven by favorite AJ Foitus hit the wall, bounced off, and slid across the track to the infield, causing three more chariots to spin out and putting a stop to the race for more than half an hour while horses and wreckage were cleared off the track. Luckily, there were no injuries, although three slaves in AJ's pit crew reportedly suffered broken legs.
From the amphitheater in Caesaria comes this footage: (in the background, three lions chase two men around the stage) It was a bad showing all the way around for today's games, as the gladiators refused to take part. Final score -- Lions 2, Gladiators 0. (they run offstage)
In Britannia, proud inventors showed off a new game in which grown men kick a stuffed sheep's bladder around a field until it goes out on one end of the field or the other. Developers say this is a new kind of game that is as exciting to watch as it is to play. (with mock thoughtfulness) Hmmm -- a game in which no one dies, there are no weapons or animals, and the object is to kick sheep parts from one end of the field to another. (puts fingers to forehead in the shape of an "L") Just like that Scottish invention, the so-called "game" of golf, this one has loser written all over it. Expect to see a lot of people losing their shirts on this one.
And finally, from Athens, the Greco-Roman Wrestling Federation announced that it was filing Chapter XI bankruptcy today. It seems they finally realized that nobody is going to pay to see oil-covered men wrestling. Biff Bogus, Headline Sports. Claudia?
Claudia: Biff. (starts to speak)
Biff: Claudia.
Claudia: Biff.
Biff: Claudia. (laughs and shakes his head) I just love doing that. It never gets old.
Claudia: Tell it to my lawyer. (Biff makes a mock-fearful face, gets up, and leaves) And now, for more real news. (turns to face another camera) A group of Eastern astrologers announced the appearance of a striking new heavenly body today at a news conference in Jerusalem. Our Philosophy Correspondent, Plato Euripides, was at the conference and also had a chance to speak with the scholars after the stunning announcement. (turns to face the scene of the interview)
(Standup Setting: Plato Euripides is standing with three ornately dressed men.)
Plato: I'm Plato Euripides, and I'm standing here in Jerusalem with Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, scholars from the Astrology Department of the Imperial University of Persia. Caspar, what brought you to Jerusalem today?
Caspar: My camel. (laughs) Get it? My camel?
Melchior: You'll have to excuse Caspar. He's been giddy ever since we saw the sign in the sky.
Plato: The sign?
Caspar: (waving his hand in the air) It said Eat -- At -- Joe's.
Melchior: (rolls his eyes and looks at Balthasar, gestures toward Caspar) Can you do something with him, please? (to Plato) I'm sorry, but he's been under a lot of strain lately. What did you want to know about the sign? (Balthasar takes Caspar aside and shows him how to do a cat's cradle while the others are talking; eventually, Caspar is enthralled, and Balthasar rejoins the interview.)
Plato: What's so important about this so-called sign?
Melchior: We at the University of Persia know that certain messages are sent to us through what we see in the sky. For instance, after the flood of Noah, God made the rainbow as a promise that he would never cause a worldwide flood again, so the rainbow is a sign of God's promise. We believe there are other signs, too, if we can just learn to understand them.
Plato: And what was the sign that brought you here today?
Melchior: It was an extremely bright object in the heavens. We've never seen anything like it before, certainly not in the position it's in. Obviously, it was a sign that something of great importance was happening somewhere.
Plato: I see. And how did that sign lead you to Jerusalem?
Melchior: It rose in the west, which told us that the event was happening somewhere around here, and Balthasar, there, is a student of the Hebrew religious texts. He remembered that the scriptures predicted a great king -- what they called a messiah -- would be born somewhere around here.
Plato: (holding microphone out to Balthasar) Did the texts mention where this messiah would be born?
Balthasar: No, just that he would be born from the family of King David.
Plato: So, what brought you here, to Jerusalem?
Caspar: (as he continues to play cat's cradle) I already told you, it was a camel. In Melchior's case, two camels.
Melchior: (tiredly) Caspar, that joke stopped being funny two days after we left Persia. You're supposed to be a wise man -- try thinking up some new material. (turns back to Plato, and Caspar mocks him as he speaks) We thought by coming here, closer to the event, we might get some information that would lead us to the new king.
Plato: And has it helped?
Melchior: Not yet.
Plato: Don't you think it's unusual that nobody here knows about this new king?
Balthasar: It's certainly different -- but the scriptures hinted that this would be an unusual king, too.
(A soldier approaches them, stops, and salutes Melchior.)
Soldier: Most wise man, I bring you greetings from King Herod.
Melchior: King Herod?
Soldier: Yes, sir. He has heard of your great mission and would like to speak to you about it.
(Melchior and Balthasar confer; Caspar tries to show the soldier how to do a cat's cradle. When the soldier ignores him, he starts to mock him behind his back.)
Melchior: We would be honored to speak with King Herod.
Soldier: Excellent. If you walk this way, I will take you to him at once.
(He starts to walk offstage; Balthasar and Caspar follow, with Caspar imitating the soldier's walk. The soldier stops, whirls around, and glares at Caspar.)
Melchior: Plato, by your leave. (he bows quickly and turns to follow the others)
Plato: That was Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar, representatives of the Astrology Department at the Imperial University of Persia, discussing signs in the heavens on this cold winter's night. Back to you, Claudia.
Soldier: (as they leave in a group) So, what brings you to Jerusalem?
Caspar: Camels, mostly. (Balthasar elbows him) Oof!
(Plato has joined Claudia at the anchor desk.)
Claudia: That interview was taped earlier today. And joining us now, live in the studio, is Plato Euripides. Plato, what was your impression of these astrologers?
Plato: Claudia, they were certainly very wise men, men on a mission. And, as you could see, some of them were also getting a little punchy from their ordeal.
Claudia: I understand they did meet with King Herod briefly.
Plato: Yes, they did meet for about an hour before setting off into the night again. There was no official press release after the meeting, but a spokesman for the king did say they enjoyed a frank and open discussion. The unofficial word is that Herod asked the wise men to let him know when they find this mystery king.
Claudia: And why would that be?
Plato: Without confirming the official word, the king's spokesman did say that he would like to bring the child gifts, to celebrate his birth. But we should point out that this mysterious king, if he exists, would be a potential rival of King Herod -- and potential rivals of the king seem to have a short life expectancy.
Claudia: Do they even know his name?
Plato: Apparently the old Hebrew texts called him names like Wonderful and Counselor -- but mostly he's known by the name of Immanuel, meaning "God is with us."
Claudia: Very interesting. I guess now we just have to wait and see if this Immanuel really comes. (to audience) More news after this break.
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
End Scene Three
Scene Four: News Desk
(Setting: The scene opens on the Headline News set with Claudia Lexus behind the anchor desk. As the scene opens, somebody hands her a sheaf of papers. The bumper sounds and she faces the audience.)
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Claudia: Good evening, I'm Claudia Lexus for Caesar News Network Headline News. We have breaking news from Palestine this hour, where a group of shepherds claim they have witnessed some miraculous events. For more on this breaking story, let's go live to our own Olivia Franco, in the formerly sleepy town of Bethlehem. Olivia, can you hear me? (presses a hand to her ear)
(Standup Setting: Olivia is standing in front of a group of shepherds dressed in simple period costume. They are all excited, some of them keep glancing toward the sky. Olivia is next to Saul, who seems just slightly more together than the others.)
Olivia: I can hear you, Claudia. I'm here with Saul, a shepherd, and we're actually just outside the gates of the town of Bethlehem. Saul, can you tell us what you're doing here?
Saul: The angels told us to come here.
Olivia: Angels, Saul?
Saul: (glances at the sky) Yes, Olivia, the angels. About an hour or two ago we were out in the hills, tending our sheep, and then -- well, it's really hard to explain.
Olivia: Just tell us what happened.
Saul: My brother, Stephen, was tending the sheep, and I was just going to sleep, when all of a sudden there was this incredibly bright, warm light from the sky. It was like nothing I've ever seen before -- it seemed brighter than the sun, but it didn't hurt my eyes. It flooded the whole hillside, and all I could see was the light.
Olivia: Were you frightened?
Saul: Out of my mind. But then all of a sudden there was this great feeling of peace and warmth inside of me, like my soul was wrapped in the softest, warmest blanket there ever was -- and then I wasn't scared anymore.
Olivia: What happened then?
Saul: That's when we saw the angels. Hundreds of them. Maybe thousands.
Olivia: Angels?
Saul: You know -- messengers of God. I don't know how many there were, but they were everywhere in the sky, everywhere you looked, just hanging there, singing. (glances at the sky again) I've never seen anything like it.
Olivia: And then what happened, Saul?
Saul: They spoke. It was as powerful as the sound of rushing water, but clear, like a single note of music. And they said, "Behold! We bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you is born this day in the city of Bethlehem a savior, which is Christ the Lord."
Olivia: A savior?
Saul: That's what they said. And then they said we would find this savior wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. After that, they disappeared, and I found that I was on my knees -- we all were. And we all knew we had to come into Bethlehem to find this savior, this new king. I left Stephen to watch the younger sheep, but the rest of us came into town as quickly as we could. And now we're looking for this child.
Olivia: I don't see how a child born in a stable can be a savior, or a king.
Saul: (shrugs) Who's to say? But it stands to reason that a savior would have to share the burdens of the saved in order to understand them.
Shepherd 1: (hurries up to Saul) We found the child -- he's in a stable near the inn!
Saul: Then we must go.
(The shepherds start to walk away, but Olivia pursues Saul and stops him with one more question.)
Olivia: Do you think this is the king the wise men are seeking?
Saul: I don't know about any wise men. I just know that the scriptures told us a savior would come one day -- and the angels have told us that today is the day. God has kept his promise.
(The shepherds walk toward the stable, which is now softly illuminated at the rear of the set. The reporter stares after them for a moment, then the wise men walk by her.)
Olivia: Stop! Aren't you the wise men from the East?
Melchior: (stops, but looks longingly at the stable) Wise men? We are students, nothing more.
Olivia: Why is this child so important? What's going on here?
Melchior: Young lady, every child is important. Every child brings with it the hopes of the past and the promise of the future. But this child -- this child -- is even more than that. He is the living promise of God and the hope of the world.
(The wise men start to walk past her. Olivia grabs Caspar by the arm.)
Olivia: But you have to wait -- we still have questions.
Caspar: It's not a night for questions. It's the night we finally have our answer. (looks past her, toward the audience) It's a night for celebration and worship.
Olivia: But ... but ... I don't understand.
Balthasar: (as they start to walk away) You don't have to understand -- you just have to believe. That's all God ever really asks.
(Olivia looks after them as they walk to the stable, then looks up at the sky.)
Voiceover: (offstage) Behold! We bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you is born this day in the city of Bethlehem a savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Olivia: Wait! Wait! I believe! (to the wise men) I believe! Can I come along?
Melchior: (turns and opens his arms in welcome) It's a small stable, but there's always room for anyone willing to go there.
(She lays down her microphone and follows the others to the stable. She stops for a moment, then turns back to the audience.)
Olivia: There's room for everybody. Won't you come, too?
(She walks to the stable and falls to her knees with the others.)
The End
Director
Offstage Voice (Bumper)
Claudia Lexus
Scipio Petronius (Skip)
Abraham
Young Roman Soldier
Roman Soldier
Centurion Marcus Quintonius
Announcer -- 1
Chariot Man
Officer
Driver
Cellular Runner
Makeup Person*
Olivia Franco
Sapphira
Child
Esther
Joseph
Shepherd 1
Shepherd 2
Shepherd Group
Biff Bogus
3 "Lions" 2 Men*
Plato Euripedes
Caspar
Melchior
Balthasar
Soldier
Saul
Voiceover
*nonspeaking
Costumes
Togas
Props
Desk/papers/pen
"Hi! Mom" sign
Apples, loaf of bread
Chariot
Red flag
Scroll
"Rocks" for sitting on
Flock of "sheep"
Bell sound
Microphone
Scene One: News Desk
(Setting: The scene opens on the Caesar News Network Headline News set. Claudia Lexus, dressed in a toga, is sitting behind a desk, shuffling papers, studying papers, studying notes, while a makeup person primps her. The director, an offstage voice, speaks.)
Director: Back in five -- four -- three -- two -- cue the bumper....
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Claudia: (smiling) I'm Claudia Lexus and these are the top stories this hour: Rioting in Palestine results in major property damage and several casualties; why a space crunch may limit your travel plans this year; and how the unexpected discovery of a new heavenly body has some scholars scratching their heads.
(Pause as she shuffles papers, then turns slightly, as though facing a different camera)
Claudia: More unrest in Palestine today as peasants in the small town of Nazareth rioted to protest the Imperial census decreed by His Excellency Caesar Augustus. For a report on this latest incident of mob violence, we go to our own Scipio Petronius who is live on the scene. (turns to face offstage) Skip?
(Stand-up Setting: Scipio Petronius, a toga-clad reporter, is standing in front of two Roman soldiers and a civilian dressed in simple period garb. The younger soldier appears very excited while the older one looks uncomfortable. The civilian looks nervous and has his arms folded in front of him. Scipio looks toward the audience and presses one hand to his ear, as though pushing against an earpiece.)
Scipio: Yes, Claudia.
Anchor: Can you tell us what happened there, today?
Scipio: Claudia, eyewitness reports are sketchy, but it appears that a group of so-called "Zealots" began protesting the new Imperial census early this afternoon. Things got out of hand quickly when they destroyed several stalls in the marketplace then moved to the center of this sleepy town where they overturned several chariots and set fire to them. It was shortly after that a Legion patrol showed up to restore order.
(Scipio steps toward the civilian, elbowing the younger soldier out of the way)
Scipio: This is Abraham, who witnessed most of the events this afternoon. Abraham, can you tell us what happened in your own words?
Abraham: (shyly) Well, I was in the market picking up a few things for dinner when this commotion broke out.
(As they talk, the young Roman soldier gets behind Abraham and mugs for the camera, waving and mouthing "Hi, Mom." Scipio tries to maneuver away from him but is not successful.)
Scipio: Commotion?
Abraham: Yeah. I was looking over the pomegranates when these yahoos started yelling about how the census was an invasion of their privacy, and then they just flipped out and started throwing things.
Scipio: Throwing things?
Abraham: (nodding) Yeah. One minute everything was fine, and the next minute the air was full of fruits and vegetables -- it was like being in the middle of a big tossed salad.
(The young soldier holds up a handwritten sign that reads, "Hi, Mom.")
Scipio: (still trying to change position so that the young soldier is not in the line of sight) And then what happened?
Abraham: They were yellin' about taxes and how Rome was the Evil Empire. Then these bozos started ripping down awnings and tipping over the shopkeepers' carts. It was awful. Then people started grabbing groceries and running. (he shifts and a couple of apples fall from his arms) I was shocked -- just shocked. (a few more apples fall) After that they moved into the town square and started tipping over chariots, and then some idiot set fire to one of them. I was glad when the Legion showed up to get things back under control. (another apple falls; Abraham just stares straight ahead, ignoring it)
Scipio: And that would be the patrol led by Centurion Marcus Quintonius. Can you tell me what happened after that, Centurion?
Centurion: (eyeballing Abraham and the young soldier) Not much to tell, really. We had a report that some holiday revelers was getting out of hand here, so we came downtown to check it out. There we observed a number of young people turning chariots over, throwing rocks, and generally acting like idiots. (makes eye contact with young soldier, angrily gestures for him to stop)
Scipio: And what did you do then?
Centurion: We did just like we're trained to do: We assessed the situation carefully, took account of the available resources, and took appropriate action to restore order and protect public life and property.
Scipio: Which means --
Young Soldier: (surfer "dude" style) Which means we kicked their butts, man.
(Centurion Quintonius glares at the soldier, starts to say something, but then more fruit drops out of Abraham's arms, and when he tries to cover, a loaf of bread drops to the street.)
Centurion: (to Abraham) We need to talk, son. (he grabs Abraham by the arm and hustles him offstage, dropping food as they go)
Scipio: (to young soldier) And you were saying?
Young Soldier: I was saying we kicked their butts, man. These Zealot dudes were all alike, "Taxes are too high, man," and, "When the Messiah comes, your Caesar's going down, man." Then we marched in and we were all like, "You're just a bunch of rebels, and if you know what's good for you, you'll lay it down now, man." But they kept up, so the Centurion was all, "You go home now or you're under arrest."
Scipio: Then what happened?
Centurion: (walks back onstage and speaks loudly) Then we took control of the situation and used appropriate measures to restore order and secure property. (to young soldier) I think you've, like, said enough.
Young Soldier: (contrite) Yes, sir. It's just that this is my first action since I joined up. Years of training and now, finally --
Centurion: (gruffly) This ain't action, son. Huns and vandals -- they'll give you more action than you want. This is just police work. Bringing civilization to a bunch of backwater barbarians who don't appreciate the rule of Roman law and order.
Scipio: We understand there was some mention of taxes and that this riot was actually a protest against Roman taxes. Do you have any verification of that?
Centurion: (glares at young soldier) No, people here are like people everywhere in the Empire -- they don't mind paying taxes. They know it's just the price we pay for Roman law and order. (shrugs) Somebody has to pay for the Legion being here.
Scipio: Of course. Have things quieted down, now, Centurion?
Centurion: As you see, the fires are out, the smoke is gone, you can see the moon is coming out. We anticipate a silent night. All is calm. All is bright.
Scipio: (turning back to the audience) So that's the story from Nazareth, Claudia, where the Legion tells us order has been restored once more.
Claudia: (turns back to face audience) Thanks, Skip. That was Scipio Petronius on the scene in Nazareth where it appears that holiday reveling got a little out of hand. And we'll be right back with more headline news on the Caesar News Network right after this word....
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN....
End Scene One
Commercial 1
(The scene opens on a man standing in a chariot. He is wearing a fancy toga, and is obviously bored, drumming his fingers on the front of the chariot while he waits. There is a voiceover from offstage.)
Announcer: Stuck in traffic -- again?
(An officer in a blue toga walks across the stage and stops by the chariot.)
Officer: (shaking his head) Looks like this is going to be another long one. A miniwagon jumped the guardrail about half a mile ahead and ran right into oncoming traffic. It's going to take hours to get everything untangled and moving again.
Driver: (distraught) Hours? I've got to be home for my son's birthday party in twenty minutes! They're going to wonder why I didn't show up!
Officer: (sadly) Sorry, sir. Maybe next year.... (walks off)
Announcer: Don't let this happen to you. Subscribe to our new cellular runner service, and don't miss another important date.
(The driver holds up a red flag as a runner jogs by. The runner immediately comes over to him.)
Cellular Runner: Yes, sir?
Driver: This traffic is going to be tied up for hours. Go tell my wife that I'll be late for the party, but I'll definitely be there as soon as I can. And -- (pause) wish Junior a happy birthday for me, will you?
Cellular Runner: (smiling broadly) Yes, sir. (runs off and the driver relaxes as he waits)
Announcer: Cellular Runners -- when you can't be there, send someone who can be.
End Commercial 1
Scene Two: Street Scene
(The scene opens on the news set, with Claudia Lexus behind the desk. The makeup person is putting on a few finishing touches when the bumper sounds.)
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Anchor: (smiling) I'm Claudia Lexus with more of the top stories this hour ... (turns slightly) The hospitality industry in the province of Palestine continues to struggle during a very busy travel season. Here with more on this story of small businesses faced with some very big challenges is business correspondent Olivia Franco. (faces offstage) Olivia?
(Standup Setting: Olivia Franco is standing in front of a stone building, next to two women and a man. The women are clad in period clothing for Palestine -- simple dress -- and Esther is clutching a scroll in her hand. The man is dressed simply and looks exhausted. Olivia, who has been talking to them, turns at the sound of her name and faces the audience.)
Olivia: Yes, Claudia, I'm here in the little town of Bethlehem, not too far from the temple city of Jerusalem where the local innkeepeers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for rooms during this exceptionally heavy travel season. I'm standing here with Sapphira, an innkeeper, and Esther, an economist with the Bureau of Travel and Tourism. Ladies, could you tell us about some of the problems Palestinian innkeepers are facing these days?
Sapphira: (nervously) It's been awful, Olivia. I haven't had a decent night's sleep in weeks.
Olivia: And why is that?
Sapphira: There are too many people coming to town -- people coming in from every which way -- and we've got nowhere to put 'em. It's terrible. And everyone of 'em expects fresh straw to sleep on and two meals a day. If I'm not at the front desk, I'm in the kitchen. And let me tell you, nobody's tipping worth a darn these days.
(A child walks up to Sapphira and tugs on her robe.)
Child: Mommy!
Sapphira: (brushing away child's hand) I haven't had a room open since last month. We've got two families to a room most nights, and there's still not enough room for everyone.
Olivia: And why are they coming here?
Sapphira: It's the new census. It's got everything turned upside down.
Child: (insistently) Mommy!
(The adults ignore the child.)
Olivia: And how could a census do that?
Esther: (stepping in front of Sapphira) The new census ordered by Emperor Caesar Augustus has resulted in a significant dislocation of the population. (unrolls scroll and holds it up) If you see here, the thick blue line represents the number of rooms available throughout the province, and this thinner brown line down here, that's the number of rooms available right here in Bethlehem.
Olivia: (staring at the scroll) I see. And this, here? (pointing at the scroll)
Esther: (peering) That's a soup stain. But this yellow line, here, shows the number of people needing rooms, because the census requires everyone to go back to the city their family came from. Bethlehem is the city of David, and a lot of families can trace their roots back to us, as shown by this dark teal line, here, next to the pie chart of family sizes. By following the red trend line back, you can see that demand exceeded the inventory of rooms about two weeks ago.
Olivia: (sighs) Which means what? And please don't show me another graph!
Esther: (seriously) Well, in simple terms, where there is a strong increase in demand vis a vis --
Sapphira: In simple terms, it means there's a lot of unhappy people out there. There's people sleeping in doorways, under bridges ... why, just a few hours ago I had to turn away this young man and his wife. (points to a man standing with them) They came in just before the gates closed for the night.
Olivia: And you are?
Joseph: Joseph -- Joseph of Nazareth.
Olivia: You traveled here from Nazareth?
Joseph: Yes, ma'am. Almost a week on the road, my wife and I. And when we got here, there was no room for us at the inn. Any inn.
Olivia: So what are you going to do? Sleep out in the countryside?
Sapphira: I found out his wife was going to have a baby. Once I saw that I knew I couldn't turn them out into the cold.
Olivia: So what did you do?
Sapphira: I rented them a corner of our stable. It's not much but it's warm and dry. And there won't be anyone else around, just the animals to keep them company.
Joseph: And we're very grateful for it, believe me. My wife is very tired and needs her rest. I'm afraid she could give birth at any time.
Sapphira: So, I couldn't very well let her do that in the street. The stables will do, and I sent my child to be sure they had everything --
Child: (loudly) Mommy!
Sapphira: (exasperated) What? I'm on TV here.
Child: It's that lady. I think she's going to have her baby.
Joseph: What?
Child: I think she's going to have the baby right now!
(Joseph runs offstage.)
Sapphira: (to child) You run along and see if they need anything. Let me know.
Esther: (nervously) Shouldn't we boil some water, or something?
Sapphira: Why? She's having a baby, not a lobster. (shakes her head) I don't want to be around when you have your first child. They're going to be fine. They're out of the cold with no one around to get in the way.
Olivia: So, at least this story has a happy ending.
Sapphira: (shrugs) How happy can it be? The baby's going to be born in a stable --
what could he ever amount to?
Olivia: (turning back to the camera) So, that's the story from the little town of Bethlehem, where innkeepers are facing big problems -- and coming up with some unique solutions.
Claudia: Thank you, Olivia. I'm sure everyone's hopes and fears are with that baby tonight. (turns to audience) More after this message.
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN....
End Scene Two
Commercial Two
(Setting: Two shepherds are sitting on rocks, tending a flock of sheep.)
Shepherd 1: I'm just saying -- it has to be the chicken. The egg can't be here unless a chicken lays it.
Shepherd 2: (looking out at sheep) Hey -- isn't one of your sheep missing?
Shepherd 1: (looking out at sheep) Don't try to change the subject just because you're wrong. (pause) You're right -- one of them is missing. (stands up) Where did she get to?
Shepherd 2: Do you think a wolf got her? Or a lion?
Shepherd 1: (shaking his head helplessly) I don't know.
Announcer: (offstage) Don't let this happen to you. Let the miracle of modern technology work for you, so you can keep track of your sheep, no matter where they are. (a third shepherd walks in front of the others) Just clap -- (the third shepherd claps) and listen -- (a bell rings loudly, followed by a sheep bleating) and know instantly where your sheep are. Works first time -- (shepherd claps, bell rings) every time. (third shepherd claps, bell rings, and sheep bleats) Don't be fooled by imitators, get the original -- and best -- sheep locator on the market: Sheepjack. Now available with a money back guarantee. (quickly) Guarantee not valid in all provinces, some restrictions apply.
End Commercial 2
Scene Three: Stable (nearby)
(Setting: The scene opens on the new set, with Claudia Lexus behind the desk. The makeup person finishes with her as the bumper sounds.)
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Claudia: (shuffles papers, looks up, and smiles) And now with the sports headlines, here's Sports Anchor Biff Bogus. Biff?
(Biff Bogus, dressed in a loud-colored toga, slips into the seat next to Claudia.)
Biff: Claudia? (pause)
Claudia: (after a moment) Biff?
Biff: Claudia? (pause)
Claudia: (after a moment, exasperated) Biff?
Biff: I just love hearing you say my name. (to audience) Here's what's happening in the world of sports from around the Empire to the street where you live. (turns slightly)
From the Circus Maximus in Rome: Race fans were stunned today when the chariot driven by favorite AJ Foitus hit the wall, bounced off, and slid across the track to the infield, causing three more chariots to spin out and putting a stop to the race for more than half an hour while horses and wreckage were cleared off the track. Luckily, there were no injuries, although three slaves in AJ's pit crew reportedly suffered broken legs.
From the amphitheater in Caesaria comes this footage: (in the background, three lions chase two men around the stage) It was a bad showing all the way around for today's games, as the gladiators refused to take part. Final score -- Lions 2, Gladiators 0. (they run offstage)
In Britannia, proud inventors showed off a new game in which grown men kick a stuffed sheep's bladder around a field until it goes out on one end of the field or the other. Developers say this is a new kind of game that is as exciting to watch as it is to play. (with mock thoughtfulness) Hmmm -- a game in which no one dies, there are no weapons or animals, and the object is to kick sheep parts from one end of the field to another. (puts fingers to forehead in the shape of an "L") Just like that Scottish invention, the so-called "game" of golf, this one has loser written all over it. Expect to see a lot of people losing their shirts on this one.
And finally, from Athens, the Greco-Roman Wrestling Federation announced that it was filing Chapter XI bankruptcy today. It seems they finally realized that nobody is going to pay to see oil-covered men wrestling. Biff Bogus, Headline Sports. Claudia?
Claudia: Biff. (starts to speak)
Biff: Claudia.
Claudia: Biff.
Biff: Claudia. (laughs and shakes his head) I just love doing that. It never gets old.
Claudia: Tell it to my lawyer. (Biff makes a mock-fearful face, gets up, and leaves) And now, for more real news. (turns to face another camera) A group of Eastern astrologers announced the appearance of a striking new heavenly body today at a news conference in Jerusalem. Our Philosophy Correspondent, Plato Euripides, was at the conference and also had a chance to speak with the scholars after the stunning announcement. (turns to face the scene of the interview)
(Standup Setting: Plato Euripides is standing with three ornately dressed men.)
Plato: I'm Plato Euripides, and I'm standing here in Jerusalem with Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, scholars from the Astrology Department of the Imperial University of Persia. Caspar, what brought you to Jerusalem today?
Caspar: My camel. (laughs) Get it? My camel?
Melchior: You'll have to excuse Caspar. He's been giddy ever since we saw the sign in the sky.
Plato: The sign?
Caspar: (waving his hand in the air) It said Eat -- At -- Joe's.
Melchior: (rolls his eyes and looks at Balthasar, gestures toward Caspar) Can you do something with him, please? (to Plato) I'm sorry, but he's been under a lot of strain lately. What did you want to know about the sign? (Balthasar takes Caspar aside and shows him how to do a cat's cradle while the others are talking; eventually, Caspar is enthralled, and Balthasar rejoins the interview.)
Plato: What's so important about this so-called sign?
Melchior: We at the University of Persia know that certain messages are sent to us through what we see in the sky. For instance, after the flood of Noah, God made the rainbow as a promise that he would never cause a worldwide flood again, so the rainbow is a sign of God's promise. We believe there are other signs, too, if we can just learn to understand them.
Plato: And what was the sign that brought you here today?
Melchior: It was an extremely bright object in the heavens. We've never seen anything like it before, certainly not in the position it's in. Obviously, it was a sign that something of great importance was happening somewhere.
Plato: I see. And how did that sign lead you to Jerusalem?
Melchior: It rose in the west, which told us that the event was happening somewhere around here, and Balthasar, there, is a student of the Hebrew religious texts. He remembered that the scriptures predicted a great king -- what they called a messiah -- would be born somewhere around here.
Plato: (holding microphone out to Balthasar) Did the texts mention where this messiah would be born?
Balthasar: No, just that he would be born from the family of King David.
Plato: So, what brought you here, to Jerusalem?
Caspar: (as he continues to play cat's cradle) I already told you, it was a camel. In Melchior's case, two camels.
Melchior: (tiredly) Caspar, that joke stopped being funny two days after we left Persia. You're supposed to be a wise man -- try thinking up some new material. (turns back to Plato, and Caspar mocks him as he speaks) We thought by coming here, closer to the event, we might get some information that would lead us to the new king.
Plato: And has it helped?
Melchior: Not yet.
Plato: Don't you think it's unusual that nobody here knows about this new king?
Balthasar: It's certainly different -- but the scriptures hinted that this would be an unusual king, too.
(A soldier approaches them, stops, and salutes Melchior.)
Soldier: Most wise man, I bring you greetings from King Herod.
Melchior: King Herod?
Soldier: Yes, sir. He has heard of your great mission and would like to speak to you about it.
(Melchior and Balthasar confer; Caspar tries to show the soldier how to do a cat's cradle. When the soldier ignores him, he starts to mock him behind his back.)
Melchior: We would be honored to speak with King Herod.
Soldier: Excellent. If you walk this way, I will take you to him at once.
(He starts to walk offstage; Balthasar and Caspar follow, with Caspar imitating the soldier's walk. The soldier stops, whirls around, and glares at Caspar.)
Melchior: Plato, by your leave. (he bows quickly and turns to follow the others)
Plato: That was Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar, representatives of the Astrology Department at the Imperial University of Persia, discussing signs in the heavens on this cold winter's night. Back to you, Claudia.
Soldier: (as they leave in a group) So, what brings you to Jerusalem?
Caspar: Camels, mostly. (Balthasar elbows him) Oof!
(Plato has joined Claudia at the anchor desk.)
Claudia: That interview was taped earlier today. And joining us now, live in the studio, is Plato Euripides. Plato, what was your impression of these astrologers?
Plato: Claudia, they were certainly very wise men, men on a mission. And, as you could see, some of them were also getting a little punchy from their ordeal.
Claudia: I understand they did meet with King Herod briefly.
Plato: Yes, they did meet for about an hour before setting off into the night again. There was no official press release after the meeting, but a spokesman for the king did say they enjoyed a frank and open discussion. The unofficial word is that Herod asked the wise men to let him know when they find this mystery king.
Claudia: And why would that be?
Plato: Without confirming the official word, the king's spokesman did say that he would like to bring the child gifts, to celebrate his birth. But we should point out that this mysterious king, if he exists, would be a potential rival of King Herod -- and potential rivals of the king seem to have a short life expectancy.
Claudia: Do they even know his name?
Plato: Apparently the old Hebrew texts called him names like Wonderful and Counselor -- but mostly he's known by the name of Immanuel, meaning "God is with us."
Claudia: Very interesting. I guess now we just have to wait and see if this Immanuel really comes. (to audience) More news after this break.
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
End Scene Three
Scene Four: News Desk
(Setting: The scene opens on the Headline News set with Claudia Lexus behind the anchor desk. As the scene opens, somebody hands her a sheaf of papers. The bumper sounds and she faces the audience.)
Bumper: (offstage voice) This is CNN.
Claudia: Good evening, I'm Claudia Lexus for Caesar News Network Headline News. We have breaking news from Palestine this hour, where a group of shepherds claim they have witnessed some miraculous events. For more on this breaking story, let's go live to our own Olivia Franco, in the formerly sleepy town of Bethlehem. Olivia, can you hear me? (presses a hand to her ear)
(Standup Setting: Olivia is standing in front of a group of shepherds dressed in simple period costume. They are all excited, some of them keep glancing toward the sky. Olivia is next to Saul, who seems just slightly more together than the others.)
Olivia: I can hear you, Claudia. I'm here with Saul, a shepherd, and we're actually just outside the gates of the town of Bethlehem. Saul, can you tell us what you're doing here?
Saul: The angels told us to come here.
Olivia: Angels, Saul?
Saul: (glances at the sky) Yes, Olivia, the angels. About an hour or two ago we were out in the hills, tending our sheep, and then -- well, it's really hard to explain.
Olivia: Just tell us what happened.
Saul: My brother, Stephen, was tending the sheep, and I was just going to sleep, when all of a sudden there was this incredibly bright, warm light from the sky. It was like nothing I've ever seen before -- it seemed brighter than the sun, but it didn't hurt my eyes. It flooded the whole hillside, and all I could see was the light.
Olivia: Were you frightened?
Saul: Out of my mind. But then all of a sudden there was this great feeling of peace and warmth inside of me, like my soul was wrapped in the softest, warmest blanket there ever was -- and then I wasn't scared anymore.
Olivia: What happened then?
Saul: That's when we saw the angels. Hundreds of them. Maybe thousands.
Olivia: Angels?
Saul: You know -- messengers of God. I don't know how many there were, but they were everywhere in the sky, everywhere you looked, just hanging there, singing. (glances at the sky again) I've never seen anything like it.
Olivia: And then what happened, Saul?
Saul: They spoke. It was as powerful as the sound of rushing water, but clear, like a single note of music. And they said, "Behold! We bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you is born this day in the city of Bethlehem a savior, which is Christ the Lord."
Olivia: A savior?
Saul: That's what they said. And then they said we would find this savior wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. After that, they disappeared, and I found that I was on my knees -- we all were. And we all knew we had to come into Bethlehem to find this savior, this new king. I left Stephen to watch the younger sheep, but the rest of us came into town as quickly as we could. And now we're looking for this child.
Olivia: I don't see how a child born in a stable can be a savior, or a king.
Saul: (shrugs) Who's to say? But it stands to reason that a savior would have to share the burdens of the saved in order to understand them.
Shepherd 1: (hurries up to Saul) We found the child -- he's in a stable near the inn!
Saul: Then we must go.
(The shepherds start to walk away, but Olivia pursues Saul and stops him with one more question.)
Olivia: Do you think this is the king the wise men are seeking?
Saul: I don't know about any wise men. I just know that the scriptures told us a savior would come one day -- and the angels have told us that today is the day. God has kept his promise.
(The shepherds walk toward the stable, which is now softly illuminated at the rear of the set. The reporter stares after them for a moment, then the wise men walk by her.)
Olivia: Stop! Aren't you the wise men from the East?
Melchior: (stops, but looks longingly at the stable) Wise men? We are students, nothing more.
Olivia: Why is this child so important? What's going on here?
Melchior: Young lady, every child is important. Every child brings with it the hopes of the past and the promise of the future. But this child -- this child -- is even more than that. He is the living promise of God and the hope of the world.
(The wise men start to walk past her. Olivia grabs Caspar by the arm.)
Olivia: But you have to wait -- we still have questions.
Caspar: It's not a night for questions. It's the night we finally have our answer. (looks past her, toward the audience) It's a night for celebration and worship.
Olivia: But ... but ... I don't understand.
Balthasar: (as they start to walk away) You don't have to understand -- you just have to believe. That's all God ever really asks.
(Olivia looks after them as they walk to the stable, then looks up at the sky.)
Voiceover: (offstage) Behold! We bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you is born this day in the city of Bethlehem a savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Olivia: Wait! Wait! I believe! (to the wise men) I believe! Can I come along?
Melchior: (turns and opens his arms in welcome) It's a small stable, but there's always room for anyone willing to go there.
(She lays down her microphone and follows the others to the stable. She stops for a moment, then turns back to the audience.)
Olivia: There's room for everybody. Won't you come, too?
(She walks to the stable and falls to her knees with the others.)
The End
