"Unto Us A Child Is Born... Next, On Omar"
Drama
No Stable Too Small
15 Christmas Plays for Churches of All Sizes
Object:
Characters (in order of appearance)
Jacob
Omar Looseandfree
Applause Child (nonspeaking)
Shepherd 1
Shepherd 2
Shepherd 3
Lead Angel
2nd Angel
Angel Choir
Audience Member 1
Wise Man 1
Wise Man 2
Wise Man 3
Servant (nonspeaking)
Mary
Joseph
Audience Member 2
Audience Member 3
Stage Manager
Stagehands (nonspeaking)
Props
Four chairs
Handheld microphones (real or fake)
Sign with "Applause" written on it
Bells
Three pillows
Baby doll
Notes
Another one of our "intentional anachronism plays," "Unto Us A Child Is Born ... Next, On Omar" imagines how a very contemporary talk show might have covered the events surrounding the birth of Christ. In keeping with the "sound stage" look, the set is very basic, consisting of three chairs placed downstage center. Another chair, for the Applause Child, is placed just off stage right. One or two handheld microphones are needed, one for Omar, and one for Jacob, who will take the audience questions. Three cast members should be planted in the audience.
Because of its somewhat sophisticated take on the story, this play is best suited for a youth group presentation, though older elementary children can cover some of the parts. Please note that if females are cast as the talk show host and announcer, the names of Omar and Jacob can be changed. In its original production, both parts were played by women.
(Stage is empty at opening. Jacob enters from stage right, with a hand mike.)
Jacob: And now, from downtown Bethlehem, home of the House of David, it's the known world's favorite talk show, "Omar!" And now, here's your host, Omar Looseandfree.
(Small child walks in from stage right with an "Applause" sign as Omar enters from stage left with hand mike. If the audience doesn't applaud, the child should point to the sign and say, "Can't you read?" Child then sits on chair, next to the platform, stage right.)
Omar: Thank you, thank you. It's good to see all of you after our two-week vacation. Yeah, we were off in Jerusalem for a bit, doing that census thing to register, just like everybody else. That's right, even celebrities had to do it. You'd think being on television would give you some privileges. But, Jacob tells me you had a bit of mob scene here, right Jacob?
Jacob: That's right. I was lucky. I was born right here, so I could stay in my own house. Even made a few bucks renting the stable out back. There weren't even rooms at the inns for all the people, and some of them just wandered the streets all night. And a few of them had some pretty wild stories to tell.
Omar: Wild stories. Well, here's our answer for Sweeps Week. Anyway, that leads us to our topic for tonight, "People Who Came To Bethlehem Because Of A Vision." First up, let's welcome a group of shepherds.
(Applause Child holds up sign. Shepherds enter from stage left and sit on the three chairs. They appear nervous and a bit confused.)
Omar: (speaking slowly and calmly) Thank you for coming to talk to us, Shepherds. Now, just relax, and tell us, what happened to bring you here tonight?
Shepherd 1: Well, it all started a few nights ago. We were out in the field, watching the sheep. And, you know, that's pretty hard work. (gaining courage) A lot harder than talking into a microphone every night.
Shepherd 2: Those sheep wander all over. They're always getting lost. Getting their paws caught in brambles. And, they never sleep when they should.
Shepherd 3: We finally got them all together and we were trying to eat our dinner when we heard a sound.
Omar: What kind of sound?
Shepherd 1: I've tended sheep a long time, and I've never heard a sound like this. It sounded like ... tinkling bells ... and singing.
(Angels enter from stage right, ringing bells and singing "Glory." Several cluster on the steps next to the stage. Others come up and stand behind where the Shepherds are seated. Shepherds react to the "memory" with fear and trembling.)
Shepherd 2: Who are you? And what do you want?
Shepherd 3: (jumps off chair and curls up in a ball) Make them go away!
Lead Angel: Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!
2nd Angel: (leaning over the hiding Shepherds) Which shall be to all people -- even you!
(Shepherds sit up and watch.)
Lead Angel: For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.
2nd Angel: (standing up and stepping forward) And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
Shepherd 2: And then, we turned around and saw that those Angels were not alone. They had brought friends. There were angels everywhere you looked. And they were singing ... on key!
(Angels move off steps and spread themselves across the front of the platform.)
Angel Choir: Glory to God in the highest. Peace on Earth, good will to men.
(Angels then move quickly off stage right.)
Shepherd 3: And, just like that (snaps fingers) they were gone!
Omar: (genuinely amazed, also snaps fingers) Just like that?
Shepherd 3: (snaps fingers) Just like that!
Omar: Wow! (to audience) What do you think, guys? Some vision, huh? Well, what did you do then?
Shepherd 1: Well, we knew the city of David was Bethlehem. Shepherds aren't all that dumb, you know. And we knew Bethlehem was about a day's journey from where we were.
Shepherd 2: So we gathered up the sheep and we headed toward Bethlehem. Funny thing. It was like those sheep knew something special was happening, because they didn't give us a hard time rounding them up.
Shepherd 3: And just like the Angels said, we found the baby lying in a manger, with animals all around him, and he was all wrapped up like a mummy.
Shepherd 2: That was the swaddling clothes, dummy! And, besides, his head wasn't covered.
Omar: Okay, okay, let's cool it. Our "Shepherds Who Just Can't Get Along" show is next week. Let's take some questions from the audience.
(Audience Member 1 stands up, from front row of audience. Jacob walks over with microphone.)
Audience Member 1: Yes. First, I just want to tell that second shepherd that I think he shouldn't be making fun of his coworker. That can really wreck company morale. So, try to be a little more tolerant, okay? Anyway, my question is, you went all that distance just because some angels told you to?
Shepherd 3: You want to argue with angels?
Audience Member 1: (taken aback) I guess not. Well, thank you. (sits down)
Omar: Okay. Thank you, Shepherds. Everyone, let's give a hand for the Shepherds.
(Shepherds exit stage left.)
Omar: Now, we have three kings who've taken an even bigger leap of faith. Let's welcome them.
(Applause Child steps forward with sign. Wise Men enter up center aisle slowly, regally. They are accompanied by a Servant, who runs ahead and places pillows on the three chairs, bows deeply, notices Omar and Jacob have not bowed, and clears throat loudly, indicating that they should. Omar and Jacob hastily also bow until Wise Men are all seated.)
Omar: Well, your highnesses, so kind of you to join us. You're not from around here, are you?
Wise Man 1: Well, let me make one correction. We're not really Kings. We're just very learned men who have earned the respect and adoration of others because of our knowledge, and our ability to see and understand things others don't. We watch the stars to tell us things about our world.
Wise Man 2: When the winds will change.
Wise Man 3: I'm working on using the stars to foretell the weather.
Omar: Now that would be great. We could use that. I know our weather soothsayers haven't been doing too well lately. So, what should we call you?
Wise Man 3: Wise men would be fine.
Omar: (calling off to Jacob) Remind me to fire my crack research team tomorrow. (to Wise Men) But, please, tell your story.
Wise Man 1: When I viewed the stars that night, I found one I could not identify on my charts.
Wise Man 2: None of us could.
Wise Man 1: I watched the star for several nights and realized it was moving.
Wise Man 2: We couldn't explain it.
Wise Man 3: I remembered reading in the ancient prophecies that a star would appear in the East. And that it would lead us to a new king.
Omar: A new king, huh? What did Herod think about that?
Wise Man 1: Well, we stopped by to see him, of course. We wanted to know if he knew where this king was, but he hadn't heard anything. He seemed as curious as all of us were.
Wise Man 2: More than curious, as we later found out.
Wise Man 1: He practically ordered us to find this king, so he could go worship him, too.
Wise Man 2: We continued to follow the star, so we could deliver our gifts.
Omar: So, what sort of gifts do you give a king?
Wise Man 2: We brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Wise Man 3: I suggested the myrrh. I like the smell.
Jacob: It is different ... more along the lines of "Caravan" than "Camel No. 5."
Omar: (giving a dirty look to Jacob for butting in) Excuse me. The last time I looked, this show wasn't called "Jacob"! (turning back to Wise Men) But, myrrh is usually used to prepare bodies for burial, isn't it? Kind of a morbid gift for a baby.
Wise Man 1: Are you questioning the wisdom of a Wise Man?
Omar: (genuinely humbled) No, of course not. Never.
Wise Man 2: There's more to the gift of myrrh than just a nice smell. It symbolizes the supreme sacrifice this boy will be called to make for us when he becomes a man.
Omar: That sounds like another show. So, where did the star finally take you?
Wise Man 1: We found him in a stable. Such a terrible place for a king.
Wise Man 2: All those animals ... and he was sleeping on hay. Not a fitting place.
Wise Man 3: Oh, I don't know. I thought it was kind of warm and cozy. And the innkeeper and his wife made sure it was very clean. The hay was freshly pitched, not the same stuff the animals had been chewing. It was serene and quiet and, now I know this sounds crazy, but I even felt like the animals were in awe of it all. They just kept watching the baby and making quiet, contented little noises.
Jacob: The animals even noticed? Hey, Omar, how about that topic for tomorrow's show? "Animals That Kept Watch Over A King."
Omar: (with a withering look) How about "Talk Show Announcers Living In Barns Because They Kept Upstaging The Star"?
Jacob: I think I'll go check on our next guests. (exits stage right)
Omar: (to the Wise Men) Sorry about that. Please, continue.
Wise Man 3: The prophecies say this king will be "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." I think the humble setting couldn't have been more perfect.
Wise Man 1: There is a lot of truth in that, I guess. Anyway, we gave the child our gifts.
Wise Man 3: And we told the parents what Herod had said. But then, as we were starting back, I had a very troubling dream. An Angel warned me not to return to Herod because, out of his jealousy, he would harm the new king and us.
Wise Man 1: We tend to believe his dreams. They usually are right.
Wise Man 2: Unlike his weather forecasts.
Wise Man 1: So, we've mapped out a different route and we'll be going home another way.
Wise Man 2: Speaking of which, we should be going.
Wise Man 3: Yes, we have a long journey ahead ... and, besides, our camels are double-parked.
Omar: Well, thank you for being on our show. Ladies and gentlemen, a big hand for the Wise Men.
(Wise Men once again exit up the center aisle.)
Omar: I don't know. Shepherds seeing visions. Kings dreaming dreams. Either everyone has gone crazy, or something really miraculous has happened in this little town. Maybe our final guests can clear up the mystery. Our staff caught them just as they appeared to be packing for a trip, and they agreed to appear on this program. Here they are, the family that caused all the fuss, Mary, Joseph, and the baby.
(Applause Child again holds up sign. Mary, Joseph, and the baby enter from stage right, and sit. Mary holds the baby tight and gazes somewhat nervously at the audience.)
Omar: Mary, Joseph. I can't thank you enough for coming to visit with us.
Joseph: We can't stay long. We have to get to Egypt very soon.
Mary: The dream the Wise Men talked about? Joseph had the same dream. God told us to take our baby and move to Egypt because Herod means to harm him.
Joseph: We don't know exactly what Herod is cooking up, but he's probably so jealous of some other king coming to take his place, he could try to kill our son -- and maybe kill a lot of other little boys trying to find him. I don't want to take any chances. He's too special already. (smiles and kisses the baby on the head)
(Omar, Jacob, and Applause Child crowd around the child. The Shepherds appear on the steps, and Omar waves to them to come up.)
Omar: He is very sweet.
Mary: And too important for all of us to allow any harm to come to him. This baby has a special destiny. He's mine, but he really belongs to all human beings everywhere. I mean, an Angel told me he was coming.
Omar: What did you name him, Mary?
Mary: We call him Jesus.
Omar: Not a common name. What made you choose it?
Mary: The Angel told me that was to be his name. It's a name that carries some pretty heavy baggage. The Angel also told me that it meant he would save the people from their sins. (nodding to Shepherds) We don't argue with Angels, either.
Omar: I know you two are in a hurry, but our audience must have a bunch of questions about all this. Can you just answer a few?
(Mary looks toward Joseph who appears anxious, but finally nods his head "okay." Jacob heads out to the audience with microphone.)
Audience Member 2: Wasn't this king foretold in the prophecies supposed to be a descendent of David?
Mary: Joseph is from David's family.
Audience Member 3: Joseph, what do you do for a living?
Joseph: I'm a carpenter.
Audience Member 3: No offense, but if this is the Messiah we've all been waiting for, don't you think God would have chosen a more distinguished family member as a father? You know, one of the chief priests, or a leader of the temple, or at least a wealthy merchant?
Joseph: No offense taken. I know I'm one of the humblest branches of the "Jesse Tree." But, I think you're missing the point here, just like Herod. Jesus didn't come to be a human king ... someone who'll knock Herod off the throne and rule in a great palace.
Mary: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, but of heaven. He didn't come just for the wealthy merchants, but for the shepherds, and the innkeepers, and the farmers, and the people that run the poorest stall in the marketplace ... even for the beggars, and drunks, and thieves ... (looking at Omar) and shallow, sleazy, but not soulless talk show hosts.
Jacob: Amen.
Omar: Mary, Joseph, I know you have to leave now. My staff has arranged for you to have a safe escort out of the city and on into Egypt. And, thank you for sharing this very special child with all of us.
(Mary, Joseph, Baby, Shepherds, and Applause Child all exit stage right.)
Omar: (struggling to find the words) What do you know friends? For once in my life, I'm speechless. I put this show together because I thought it would be good for a few laughs. I mean, come on ... all these visions, and angels and stuff. We're all so sophisticated now; we think we're beyond the power of miracles. But I truly believe, after what I've seen and heard tonight, that these events are miracles, and that God has given us a very special gift. Remember, giving the gift is only part of the action. It isn't truly a gift until it is opened, accepted, and acknowledged with thanks. We must welcome the gift of this child by opening our hearts to him, accepting him as our Savior, and thanking God by living the way he wants us to live. Good night, everyone.
(Stage Manager's voice is heard offstage, saying "And, we're off the air." Stagehands enter and remove the chairs.)
Jacob: (walking over to Omar and giving him a hug) Good show, Omar. I think this may be our best one yet.
Omar: I think so, too. You know, it was so good, maybe we should make the gift of this child an annual celebration.
Jacob: Yeah! Like a holiday. We could call it "Jesus Is Born Day."
Omar: We're going to need a catchier name than that. All right, we'll work on it.
(Arm in arm. Omar and Jacob exit stage right.)
Jacob
Omar Looseandfree
Applause Child (nonspeaking)
Shepherd 1
Shepherd 2
Shepherd 3
Lead Angel
2nd Angel
Angel Choir
Audience Member 1
Wise Man 1
Wise Man 2
Wise Man 3
Servant (nonspeaking)
Mary
Joseph
Audience Member 2
Audience Member 3
Stage Manager
Stagehands (nonspeaking)
Props
Four chairs
Handheld microphones (real or fake)
Sign with "Applause" written on it
Bells
Three pillows
Baby doll
Notes
Another one of our "intentional anachronism plays," "Unto Us A Child Is Born ... Next, On Omar" imagines how a very contemporary talk show might have covered the events surrounding the birth of Christ. In keeping with the "sound stage" look, the set is very basic, consisting of three chairs placed downstage center. Another chair, for the Applause Child, is placed just off stage right. One or two handheld microphones are needed, one for Omar, and one for Jacob, who will take the audience questions. Three cast members should be planted in the audience.
Because of its somewhat sophisticated take on the story, this play is best suited for a youth group presentation, though older elementary children can cover some of the parts. Please note that if females are cast as the talk show host and announcer, the names of Omar and Jacob can be changed. In its original production, both parts were played by women.
(Stage is empty at opening. Jacob enters from stage right, with a hand mike.)
Jacob: And now, from downtown Bethlehem, home of the House of David, it's the known world's favorite talk show, "Omar!" And now, here's your host, Omar Looseandfree.
(Small child walks in from stage right with an "Applause" sign as Omar enters from stage left with hand mike. If the audience doesn't applaud, the child should point to the sign and say, "Can't you read?" Child then sits on chair, next to the platform, stage right.)
Omar: Thank you, thank you. It's good to see all of you after our two-week vacation. Yeah, we were off in Jerusalem for a bit, doing that census thing to register, just like everybody else. That's right, even celebrities had to do it. You'd think being on television would give you some privileges. But, Jacob tells me you had a bit of mob scene here, right Jacob?
Jacob: That's right. I was lucky. I was born right here, so I could stay in my own house. Even made a few bucks renting the stable out back. There weren't even rooms at the inns for all the people, and some of them just wandered the streets all night. And a few of them had some pretty wild stories to tell.
Omar: Wild stories. Well, here's our answer for Sweeps Week. Anyway, that leads us to our topic for tonight, "People Who Came To Bethlehem Because Of A Vision." First up, let's welcome a group of shepherds.
(Applause Child holds up sign. Shepherds enter from stage left and sit on the three chairs. They appear nervous and a bit confused.)
Omar: (speaking slowly and calmly) Thank you for coming to talk to us, Shepherds. Now, just relax, and tell us, what happened to bring you here tonight?
Shepherd 1: Well, it all started a few nights ago. We were out in the field, watching the sheep. And, you know, that's pretty hard work. (gaining courage) A lot harder than talking into a microphone every night.
Shepherd 2: Those sheep wander all over. They're always getting lost. Getting their paws caught in brambles. And, they never sleep when they should.
Shepherd 3: We finally got them all together and we were trying to eat our dinner when we heard a sound.
Omar: What kind of sound?
Shepherd 1: I've tended sheep a long time, and I've never heard a sound like this. It sounded like ... tinkling bells ... and singing.
(Angels enter from stage right, ringing bells and singing "Glory." Several cluster on the steps next to the stage. Others come up and stand behind where the Shepherds are seated. Shepherds react to the "memory" with fear and trembling.)
Shepherd 2: Who are you? And what do you want?
Shepherd 3: (jumps off chair and curls up in a ball) Make them go away!
Lead Angel: Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!
2nd Angel: (leaning over the hiding Shepherds) Which shall be to all people -- even you!
(Shepherds sit up and watch.)
Lead Angel: For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.
2nd Angel: (standing up and stepping forward) And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
Shepherd 2: And then, we turned around and saw that those Angels were not alone. They had brought friends. There were angels everywhere you looked. And they were singing ... on key!
(Angels move off steps and spread themselves across the front of the platform.)
Angel Choir: Glory to God in the highest. Peace on Earth, good will to men.
(Angels then move quickly off stage right.)
Shepherd 3: And, just like that (snaps fingers) they were gone!
Omar: (genuinely amazed, also snaps fingers) Just like that?
Shepherd 3: (snaps fingers) Just like that!
Omar: Wow! (to audience) What do you think, guys? Some vision, huh? Well, what did you do then?
Shepherd 1: Well, we knew the city of David was Bethlehem. Shepherds aren't all that dumb, you know. And we knew Bethlehem was about a day's journey from where we were.
Shepherd 2: So we gathered up the sheep and we headed toward Bethlehem. Funny thing. It was like those sheep knew something special was happening, because they didn't give us a hard time rounding them up.
Shepherd 3: And just like the Angels said, we found the baby lying in a manger, with animals all around him, and he was all wrapped up like a mummy.
Shepherd 2: That was the swaddling clothes, dummy! And, besides, his head wasn't covered.
Omar: Okay, okay, let's cool it. Our "Shepherds Who Just Can't Get Along" show is next week. Let's take some questions from the audience.
(Audience Member 1 stands up, from front row of audience. Jacob walks over with microphone.)
Audience Member 1: Yes. First, I just want to tell that second shepherd that I think he shouldn't be making fun of his coworker. That can really wreck company morale. So, try to be a little more tolerant, okay? Anyway, my question is, you went all that distance just because some angels told you to?
Shepherd 3: You want to argue with angels?
Audience Member 1: (taken aback) I guess not. Well, thank you. (sits down)
Omar: Okay. Thank you, Shepherds. Everyone, let's give a hand for the Shepherds.
(Shepherds exit stage left.)
Omar: Now, we have three kings who've taken an even bigger leap of faith. Let's welcome them.
(Applause Child steps forward with sign. Wise Men enter up center aisle slowly, regally. They are accompanied by a Servant, who runs ahead and places pillows on the three chairs, bows deeply, notices Omar and Jacob have not bowed, and clears throat loudly, indicating that they should. Omar and Jacob hastily also bow until Wise Men are all seated.)
Omar: Well, your highnesses, so kind of you to join us. You're not from around here, are you?
Wise Man 1: Well, let me make one correction. We're not really Kings. We're just very learned men who have earned the respect and adoration of others because of our knowledge, and our ability to see and understand things others don't. We watch the stars to tell us things about our world.
Wise Man 2: When the winds will change.
Wise Man 3: I'm working on using the stars to foretell the weather.
Omar: Now that would be great. We could use that. I know our weather soothsayers haven't been doing too well lately. So, what should we call you?
Wise Man 3: Wise men would be fine.
Omar: (calling off to Jacob) Remind me to fire my crack research team tomorrow. (to Wise Men) But, please, tell your story.
Wise Man 1: When I viewed the stars that night, I found one I could not identify on my charts.
Wise Man 2: None of us could.
Wise Man 1: I watched the star for several nights and realized it was moving.
Wise Man 2: We couldn't explain it.
Wise Man 3: I remembered reading in the ancient prophecies that a star would appear in the East. And that it would lead us to a new king.
Omar: A new king, huh? What did Herod think about that?
Wise Man 1: Well, we stopped by to see him, of course. We wanted to know if he knew where this king was, but he hadn't heard anything. He seemed as curious as all of us were.
Wise Man 2: More than curious, as we later found out.
Wise Man 1: He practically ordered us to find this king, so he could go worship him, too.
Wise Man 2: We continued to follow the star, so we could deliver our gifts.
Omar: So, what sort of gifts do you give a king?
Wise Man 2: We brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Wise Man 3: I suggested the myrrh. I like the smell.
Jacob: It is different ... more along the lines of "Caravan" than "Camel No. 5."
Omar: (giving a dirty look to Jacob for butting in) Excuse me. The last time I looked, this show wasn't called "Jacob"! (turning back to Wise Men) But, myrrh is usually used to prepare bodies for burial, isn't it? Kind of a morbid gift for a baby.
Wise Man 1: Are you questioning the wisdom of a Wise Man?
Omar: (genuinely humbled) No, of course not. Never.
Wise Man 2: There's more to the gift of myrrh than just a nice smell. It symbolizes the supreme sacrifice this boy will be called to make for us when he becomes a man.
Omar: That sounds like another show. So, where did the star finally take you?
Wise Man 1: We found him in a stable. Such a terrible place for a king.
Wise Man 2: All those animals ... and he was sleeping on hay. Not a fitting place.
Wise Man 3: Oh, I don't know. I thought it was kind of warm and cozy. And the innkeeper and his wife made sure it was very clean. The hay was freshly pitched, not the same stuff the animals had been chewing. It was serene and quiet and, now I know this sounds crazy, but I even felt like the animals were in awe of it all. They just kept watching the baby and making quiet, contented little noises.
Jacob: The animals even noticed? Hey, Omar, how about that topic for tomorrow's show? "Animals That Kept Watch Over A King."
Omar: (with a withering look) How about "Talk Show Announcers Living In Barns Because They Kept Upstaging The Star"?
Jacob: I think I'll go check on our next guests. (exits stage right)
Omar: (to the Wise Men) Sorry about that. Please, continue.
Wise Man 3: The prophecies say this king will be "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." I think the humble setting couldn't have been more perfect.
Wise Man 1: There is a lot of truth in that, I guess. Anyway, we gave the child our gifts.
Wise Man 3: And we told the parents what Herod had said. But then, as we were starting back, I had a very troubling dream. An Angel warned me not to return to Herod because, out of his jealousy, he would harm the new king and us.
Wise Man 1: We tend to believe his dreams. They usually are right.
Wise Man 2: Unlike his weather forecasts.
Wise Man 1: So, we've mapped out a different route and we'll be going home another way.
Wise Man 2: Speaking of which, we should be going.
Wise Man 3: Yes, we have a long journey ahead ... and, besides, our camels are double-parked.
Omar: Well, thank you for being on our show. Ladies and gentlemen, a big hand for the Wise Men.
(Wise Men once again exit up the center aisle.)
Omar: I don't know. Shepherds seeing visions. Kings dreaming dreams. Either everyone has gone crazy, or something really miraculous has happened in this little town. Maybe our final guests can clear up the mystery. Our staff caught them just as they appeared to be packing for a trip, and they agreed to appear on this program. Here they are, the family that caused all the fuss, Mary, Joseph, and the baby.
(Applause Child again holds up sign. Mary, Joseph, and the baby enter from stage right, and sit. Mary holds the baby tight and gazes somewhat nervously at the audience.)
Omar: Mary, Joseph. I can't thank you enough for coming to visit with us.
Joseph: We can't stay long. We have to get to Egypt very soon.
Mary: The dream the Wise Men talked about? Joseph had the same dream. God told us to take our baby and move to Egypt because Herod means to harm him.
Joseph: We don't know exactly what Herod is cooking up, but he's probably so jealous of some other king coming to take his place, he could try to kill our son -- and maybe kill a lot of other little boys trying to find him. I don't want to take any chances. He's too special already. (smiles and kisses the baby on the head)
(Omar, Jacob, and Applause Child crowd around the child. The Shepherds appear on the steps, and Omar waves to them to come up.)
Omar: He is very sweet.
Mary: And too important for all of us to allow any harm to come to him. This baby has a special destiny. He's mine, but he really belongs to all human beings everywhere. I mean, an Angel told me he was coming.
Omar: What did you name him, Mary?
Mary: We call him Jesus.
Omar: Not a common name. What made you choose it?
Mary: The Angel told me that was to be his name. It's a name that carries some pretty heavy baggage. The Angel also told me that it meant he would save the people from their sins. (nodding to Shepherds) We don't argue with Angels, either.
Omar: I know you two are in a hurry, but our audience must have a bunch of questions about all this. Can you just answer a few?
(Mary looks toward Joseph who appears anxious, but finally nods his head "okay." Jacob heads out to the audience with microphone.)
Audience Member 2: Wasn't this king foretold in the prophecies supposed to be a descendent of David?
Mary: Joseph is from David's family.
Audience Member 3: Joseph, what do you do for a living?
Joseph: I'm a carpenter.
Audience Member 3: No offense, but if this is the Messiah we've all been waiting for, don't you think God would have chosen a more distinguished family member as a father? You know, one of the chief priests, or a leader of the temple, or at least a wealthy merchant?
Joseph: No offense taken. I know I'm one of the humblest branches of the "Jesse Tree." But, I think you're missing the point here, just like Herod. Jesus didn't come to be a human king ... someone who'll knock Herod off the throne and rule in a great palace.
Mary: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, but of heaven. He didn't come just for the wealthy merchants, but for the shepherds, and the innkeepers, and the farmers, and the people that run the poorest stall in the marketplace ... even for the beggars, and drunks, and thieves ... (looking at Omar) and shallow, sleazy, but not soulless talk show hosts.
Jacob: Amen.
Omar: Mary, Joseph, I know you have to leave now. My staff has arranged for you to have a safe escort out of the city and on into Egypt. And, thank you for sharing this very special child with all of us.
(Mary, Joseph, Baby, Shepherds, and Applause Child all exit stage right.)
Omar: (struggling to find the words) What do you know friends? For once in my life, I'm speechless. I put this show together because I thought it would be good for a few laughs. I mean, come on ... all these visions, and angels and stuff. We're all so sophisticated now; we think we're beyond the power of miracles. But I truly believe, after what I've seen and heard tonight, that these events are miracles, and that God has given us a very special gift. Remember, giving the gift is only part of the action. It isn't truly a gift until it is opened, accepted, and acknowledged with thanks. We must welcome the gift of this child by opening our hearts to him, accepting him as our Savior, and thanking God by living the way he wants us to live. Good night, everyone.
(Stage Manager's voice is heard offstage, saying "And, we're off the air." Stagehands enter and remove the chairs.)
Jacob: (walking over to Omar and giving him a hug) Good show, Omar. I think this may be our best one yet.
Omar: I think so, too. You know, it was so good, maybe we should make the gift of this child an annual celebration.
Jacob: Yeah! Like a holiday. We could call it "Jesus Is Born Day."
Omar: We're going to need a catchier name than that. All right, we'll work on it.
(Arm in arm. Omar and Jacob exit stage right.)
