The Hope of Christmas
Created by Phil Barfoot
Arranged by Dave Williamson
Optional Narrative and Dramatic Scripts
by John Plastow
Narrative Script
Dramatic Script Pages 1-6
Pages 7-31
You may make as many copies as you need for your cast.
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The Hope of Christmas
Share the Light
Narrative Script
Created by Phil Barfoot
Arranged by Dave Williamson Narra=ons by John R. Plastow
SONG: Celebra-on!
Narrator 1 Christmas! The most widely celebrated holiday in the world has come again, and we are here to celebrate! Not only are we enjoying the wonderful tradi<ons of the season, but also the celebra<on of the fact that we have hope in the promises of Christmas made by God when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem so many years ago. Narrator 2 Tonight we choose to celebrate, and to publicly praise and honor the very One whom this celebra<on is all about. It is in honor of Jesus’ birth that we gather…we sing…
and we tell the story of all that happened the night He became one of us. Through Christmas, we have peace. N1 Through Christmas, we have comfort and joy. N2 And best of all, through Christmas, we have the promise of a personal rela<onship with God. This is why we celebrate. This is why we sing. This is why we have hope. N1 Even in this world that seems to have lost its hope, we can s<ll celebrate, because Jesus is the true hope of Christmas. N2 Come now and celebrate with us as we tell His story!
SONG: All Glory
N2 It was quite a celebra<on at the birthplace of Jesus that night over two thousand years ago. And rightly so! (Music for “Join the Angels” begins) The King of kings had come to earth to be Emmanuel, God with Us. The only Son of God had leU His throne to become human flesh and to walk with us. 2
N1 Jesus was born in a humble stable, but a grand celebra<on also accompanied His birth! In fact, the Bible tells us that God Himself sent a mul<tude of angels who shouted their praise to announce the birth of God’s Promised One, the Messiah; Jesus, the Christ.
SONG: Join the Angels
N2 Hope. It’s the feeling we have when we actually believe that what we desire is going to happen. Christmas represents that for all of us: the hope of peace on earth, the hope of comfort and joy.
N1 The hope that there is a God in heaven who loves us, and with whom we can have a rela<onship. N2 Hope meant all of this for those who lived at the <me of the first Christmas. N1 The Jewish people hoped to see the promised Messiah, the One who would come and free them from the bondage under which they lived and establish a new kingdom. Though many didn’t recognize it at the <me, all of their hopes were born in the baby held by a young peasant girl whom God chose to bear His Son. N2 This baby, this hope of Christmas, would become everything that God had promised.
SONG: Mary, Did You Know?
N1 How much Mary knew of what would become of her very special child isn’t en<rely clear, but the scriptures tell us that she was told He would be great, and would be called the Son of the Highest, and that of His kingdom there would be no end. N2 He would be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:32-­‐35 paraphrased). N1 Mary may not have known every detail, but she must have known that this child, conceived in her by the Holy Spirit, would be the long-­‐awaited Messiah, the Promised One, the Hope and Savior of the world. He would bridge the gap between mankind and God, and be the one who would teach us to pray this prayer…
SONG: Thine is the Kingdom
N2 Just imagine the joy Mary felt knowing that the hope of all the ages was being fulfilled through her! 3
N1 Just imagine the excitement she felt as she witnessed the heavenly hosts praising God above the humble stable in which Jesus lay. N2 Imagine the scene as the shepherds came face to face with the angels, who were saying, Both “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). N2 Imagine the wonder.
N1 Imagine the emo<on.
N2 Imagine the glory.
N1 And imagine the light. N2 Imagine how that sleepy lible town of Bethlehem became a celes<al crossroads…the intersec<on of heaven and earth. For from that moment on, Bethlehem would occupy a magnificent place in history -­‐-­‐ the very place God reached down from heaven and touched the world. It was a special place; it was a special <me. N1 That night the world changed, and it all started in Bethlehem. SONG: Somethin’s Up (Down in Bethlehem)
N2 What an awesome celebra<on it was! Luke 2:17 paints the picture for us: “And when the shepherds had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:17-­‐19)
N1 Mary had heard the scriptures. Mary had been told of the prophecies. But did she know exactly what it meant that her newborn Son was to be the Savior of all? Did she know that He would become the sacrifice for sin? Could she fathom the thought of the nails and the cross? Was it possible for her to comprehend what was to come beyond the manger?
SONG: Beyond the Manger
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N1 In the beauty of that moment when Jesus was born, was it possible for Mary, or anyone, to comprehend the extent of God’s love for mankind? Why would the God of the universe and the Creator of all things send His Son to become the sacrifice for sin? This is a ques<on for the ages. N2 Even before Christ’s birth, the psalmist asked, “For what is man, that God is mindful of him?” And through the centuries since, we have wondered about, wrestled with, and abempted to grasp the apparently infinite depth of God’s amazing love for us. N1 It is in this love where we find our comfort, our joy, and our peace; it is this love which shines light into our darkness, and it is in this love where we find the true hope of Christmas, which moves us to share it with others.
SONG: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
N2 We sing with Mary, “My soul rejoices in God, my Savior.” We shout with the angels, Both “Glory to God in the Highest.” N2 We marvel with the shepherds, glorifying and praising God. And with the centuries of people who have sought God, we hold onto the hope of Christmas, that Jesus Christ is the light which has come to the world. N1 Let’s stand together and offer our praise to the One who is our Hope, who is our Peace, and who is our Joy!
SONG: Christmas Carol Sing-­‐Along
N1 Please be seated.
N2 Yes! Christ is born. N1 The hope of Christmas is fulfilled for those who choose to trust in Him and believe that He is the promised Messiah and Savior of the world. This Christmas, we express our praise and sing for joy! N2 With thanksgiving we shout hallelujah to Jesus, the Hope and Light of Christmas!
SONG: Hallelujah!
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N2 On the night of Jesus’ birth, not all the people of Bethlehem recognized what had happened. They did not all understand that Jesus’ arrival was the fulfillment of centuries of prophecies in which God promised that He would provide a way for us to be in communion with Him.
N1 And since that holy night, not everyone has accepted the great and mysterious giU given to mankind in the form of Jesus Christ. Many have, but many have rejected this giU of eternal life. They have refused to see that Jesus is the Son of the Most High, the Blessed Redeemer, and the long-­‐awaited Messiah, Savior of the World.
N2 Yet, on this night there is s<ll <me to turn back to God. There is s<ll a great victory coming for those who believe in Jesus. N1 There may be those who live in darkness today, but the good news is that in Jesus, there is light. In Jesus there is hope! N2 We can celebrate because Jesus remains the King of kings. He is alive and will one day back to claim his bride-­‐ the body of Christ!
SONG: This LiOle Child
Produc-on Note: AUer the conclusion to “ This Lible Child” is the perfect <me for the Pastor to give a brief invita<on to Christ and to encourage people to remember that regardless of the darkness of this world, there is s<ll hope, salva<on and eternal life offered to all who call upon the name of the Lord. This is the true Hope of Christmas! 6
The Hope of Christmas
Share the Light
Dramatic Script
Created by Phil Barfoot
Arranged by Dave Williamson
Drama Script by John R. Plastow
This contemporary script takes place in Central Park in New York City and is filled with realis<c characters, both comedic and hard-­‐hilng moments, and a story that points out that in a world filled with hopelessness, there is hope in Christ. The program has a realis<c feel and will touch lives and hearts in the cast and congrega<on alike.
STYLE:
Realis<c
TIME:
Present day—the final couple of days before Christmas, ending on Christmas Eve
LENGTH:
The en<re program will take about an hour and 45 minutes and is designed to be done in one act.
DIFFICULTY:
The program is of moderate difficulty, but is accessible to most churches with the proper rehearsal and is worth the effort. To the church that regularly presents produc<ons, this will be exci<ng and rewarding.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This program is designed to be an outreach to the unchurched and non-­‐Chris<an. Due to the target audience, the script does not “<e up in a neat lible Chris<an bow,” but rather, opens the door for the pastor to step in and give the audience a message of hope through an invita<on near the end of the program.
STAGING:
This is not a cantata! The program should be very well rehearsed and done en<rely from memory, including all the music. Musical numbers should be staged, even if simply, as that will help further the story.
SETTING:
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New York City, on the edge of Central Park. On stage right is a typical New York City newsstand, with a sign reading “Charlie’s Newsstand” prominently displayed. There are park benches nearby where people can sit, read and relax. The center stage area is open, with trees scabered upstage. Stage leU reveals the exterior of the Park Bible Church. The church is raised, with several steps leading up to its doors. A double door (or archway) leads into the church.
COSTUMES:
Costumes for this program are easy! All characters should be dressed appropriately for a winter in New York. During the tradi<onal story of Jesus’ birth, costumes for Joseph, Mary, the angels, the shepherds, and the Magi and their abendants may be as simple or elaborate as you wish. In the beginning of the program, all singers and dancers may be dressed in whatever holiday alre you choose, however, during the drama, the choir should either be in robes or dressed as a choir. If desired, the finale may be done in formalwear.
PROPS:
Required props include:
Newspapers, books and other miscellaneous items appropriate for a New York City
newsstand
A “Charlie’s Newsstand” sign over the newsstand
A bag of “stuff” Fran can do while silng on her bench
Posters and flyers labeled “ The Hope of Christmas”
A backpack and cell phone for the teen
A bookbag and books for Gwen
A stable set, including a manger and doll
GiUs for the Magi to present to Jesus
Various “vehicles” to transport the Magi to the stable, if desired
Any desired baskets, pots, or miscellaneous items for the Magi’s abendants to carry
CHARACTERS:
Charlie (C) Male or female owner of the newsstand. He’s likeable but crusty, disgusted with what the world has become. He has been in the business a very long <me and knows his customers and the people of the park very well. He has spent years watching the goings on at the church, but has never gone in. He runs the stand par<ally to make a living, but primarily because it gives him company, as he is very lonely. Benjamin (B) Male or female professional, this character is a park regular who is successful, driving, educated and cynical. Every day he buys a Wall Street Journal from Charlie, wishing that there was something really worth living for, but feeling that there isn’t much hope in the world.
Fran (F) Female. A park regular, she didn’t mean for her life to become so worthless; it just happened. She may or may not be homeless, but she 8
spends all of her <me in the park. She’s not very friendly and is suspicious and very self-­‐protec<ve.
Gwen (G) Female. A park regular, she spends much of her <me reading on a bench by the newsstand. She is searching for something to give her life more meaning, so she has read and tried it all and become intellectually argumenta<ve.
Jason/Jennifer (J) Male or female teen. A new park regular, the teen “hangs out” and has very lible mo<va<on to do anything because, in his opinion, there’s nothing really worth going aUer in life. His altude is, “What’s the use in trying?”
Pastor Tom (P) The male pastor of the Park Bible Church. Friendly, invi<ng, caring.
Church Member (CM) Male or female.
Narrators (N1/N2) They act as members of the church and/or choir.
Church Members No lines
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The Hope of Christmas
OPENING SONG:
“Celebra-on!”
Scene One
(The first scene takes place three days before Christmas in the late aUernoon. As it opens, Charlie is straightening up the stand, pulng things away, and taking a customer’s payment for a paper. Benjamin enters, goes to the stand, and browses. Gwen also enters, chooses a magazine and leafs through it. In the background are people passing by, going about their day. Also seen is the teen, tex<ng on his phone, some<mes with friends and some<mes alone. Fran sits on a bench, going through the contents of her purse.)
C (Taking money from a customer) Thanks. Good reading to you. (The customer exits.)
(To Gwen) You gonna buy that or what?
G Yeah, I think so, just like every day. Just wait a second.
C Yeah, but while I wait for you, I lose business.
G (S<ll reading) Hold your horses, will you?
C Horses, I don’t got; overhead, I do. Now, is that what you’re buying, or what?
G (S<ll reading) Cool it, Charlie!
C This isn’t a library, you know; you goba buy the merchandise. I’ve got hungry kids at home!
G Here, here, I’ll buy this one. It’s got a follow-­‐up ar<cle on the alterna<ve extension of the new wave of self-­‐realizing psychological affirma<ons. (She begins to look at a book as the dialogue con<nues.)
C I’m sure it does, Gwen. But I wish you would self-­‐realize faster; I got a business to run here!
G Charlie, you know I’m good for it. I’ve only bought a ton of stuff from you over the years!
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C Yeah, yeah, I admit it—you’re my best customer.
G Here, I want this one, too. (She hands him the book.)
C Just giving you a hard <me. (Looking at the book) What is it this <me? Self-­‐help, metaphysics, astrology?
G Oh, just an old read on finding your inner child.
C Well, I hope you find her this <me.
G Me, too, or I may just go catch a Zumba class! C There you go.
G And what’s this bunk about hungry kids at home? Your kids are grown; you don’t have kids at home to feed!
C Yeah, yeah, but I wish I did. Let a lonely old man live in his delusions, all right?
G Sorry. You haven’t heard from them recently, huh?
C Not a call, not a card. Nothing.
G You know, this is a lot like what the author of Learning to Live in a Lonely World was talking about when he said that most older Americans oUen find—
C (Interrup<ng) Okay, okay, Gwen. Maybe I’ll pick up a copy some<me, but right now I need to help my other customers.
G Okay, Charlie. Hang in there.
(Charlie gives Gwen her change and she crosses to the bench, sits down, and reads for the rest of the scene. As she does this, Benjamin crosses to Charlie to pay for his purchases. As Benjamin and Charlie talk, a crowd begins to gather stage leU in front of the church.)
C (To Benjamin) So, what will it be today? Can I get you a good novel, a book of humor, a commentary on the great literary classics of the nineteenth century?
B No, just my usual, the Journal and the Times. (He gives Charlie some money.)
C You buy the same thing every day.
B I goba keep informed.
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C (Holding each up in turn) This one’ll tell you you’re broke, and this one’ll tell you, “Who cares? The world is going in the toilet anyway.”
B Ah, come on, Charlie, it’s not that bad, is it?
C Every day I read the headlines of a dozen papers and such, and it’s all bad. (Have Charlie recite several prominent current headlines here.) You can read for hours and never find any reason to have any hope in this world, or even in the human race.
B Yeah, maybe you’re right; the hope stock has been in a steady decline. But I’m s<ll gonna keep my head in the game. Even in this economy, there’s a lot of money to be made out there, you know. Even you know that—you sell this stuff. If they took out all the bad news, you’d have no news to sell at all.
C I guess you have a point there. I’ll keep selling, you’ll keep buying, and we’ll do just fine, as long as you don’t go high tech on me. B Unfortunately, my smartphone isn’t as smart as I’d like it to be. I’ll s<ck with print, at least for now. (They agree with each other.)
C So, what are you doing for Christmas?
B Christmas? I have no idea. Probably what I did last year—get up a lible late, call my mother, grab a labe, and go to the office and get some real work done while every other chump is out doing their Christmas thing. What about you?
C I’ll be here as always. I goba sell you your daily, you know. B Hmmm. Sorry.
C Why?
B I just figured you’d have someplace to go.
C My grandkids live in the country. I just don’t get to see them much. Their parents don’t make much effort to get us together. Every holiday is like this. They’ll probably call; I hope so. If not, well…I’ve always got you and all the rest of the characters in the park.
B One big unhappy family, huh?
C Yeah.
(Slight pause)
B Christmas. Hard to believe it’s here again. What date is today, anyway?
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C You buy a paper every day and you don’t look at the date?
B I just know when the market closes, okay?
C Doesn’t your iPhone, Droid or Blackberry tell you the date?
B Yeah, all three do.
C Today is the twenty-­‐second. Christmas is in three days.
B Whoa. I guess I’d beber send something to Mom, don’t you think?
C (Thinking about his children) Yeah. Take it from a lonely old parent—I know it would mean a lot to her.
B (Realizing what Charlie really just said) Yeah, I’ll make sure I do. (Looking over at the crowd in front of the church) Hey, what’s all the commo<on over there?
C Oh, the church is just gelng ready for Christmas. Every year they put on a big Christmas Eve thing. I’m always packing up for the day when they do it.
B Hmmm. Mom and I used to go to a big thing at her church when I was a kid.
C Yeah? A lot of people go to this one every year. I always sell out of papers that day ‘cause they buy ‘em as they’re wai<ng to go in. That lible church can’t hold all the people, so people come and wait for hours to get a seat.
B I’m surprised a lible church like that is s<ll opera<ng here downtown. You wouldn’t think they’d have anyone interested in coming.
C Yeah, but they seem to do preby well. Loba people go in and out. Maybe this church is doing something different.
B Hmmm. Maybe I should get in on it. Religion is one business I’ve never tried.
C Uh, I don’t think it’s quite your style.
B What are you saying, Charlie—I’m not the church type?
C Interpret it however you want, but I do know that they wouldn’t work on Christmas Day.
B Goba keep the business going. I’m just trying to eke out a living while I’m spreading the joy of capitalism around. C Don’t say that too loud—you’re liable to abract those occupiers!
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B (Laughing) But isn’t that what the song says… “Joy to the World”?
C That’s not the joy I think the song is talking about!
SONG:
“All Glory”
Scene Two
(This scene takes place later on the same day. As it begins, Charlie, Benjamin and assorted other customers are at the stand. Gwen is on her bench and Fran is onstage among the people. The choir is in forma<on in front of the church.)
P (Speaking to the choir at the end of the song) Very nice, folks, very nice. It’s coming along nicely. Tenors, can you get a bit more spunk in the bridge, though? That would help. See what you can do next <me, guys. Everyone, take a quick break, and then we’ll finish up for the day. The program’s going to be great, and I know that good things are going to happen as a result of it.
(The choir breaks ranks and mills around, with some members going back to the church while a church member carrying a stack of posters and a staple gun approaches the pastor. From the audience’s viewpoint, the only legible word on the poster is “HOPE.”)
CM Pastor, I’ve done what you asked me to do. I’ve been all over town pulng up these posters.
P Thanks. Good work. I’m sure that’ll help get the word out to come on Christmas Eve. Did you talk to Charlie yet?
CM Not yet, but I will. (He starts to cross to Charlie.)
P No, let me talk to him. I’ll see you later.
CM Okay.
(The church member goes into the church as the pastor makes his way through the people over to the newsstand. He greets various people as he crosses.)
P (To Fran) Hey, Fran, how’s it going?
(She responds by giving him a glare and turning away from him.)
P (To Gwen) Good aUernoon, Gwen.
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G (Not looking up from her book) Hello.
P How are you today?
G Just fine.
(There is a slight uncomfortable pause.)
P Nice talking to you, Gwen.
G The same.
(The pastor sighs and goes over to Charlie. Benjamin inconspicuously listens to his conversa<on with Charlie.)
C Pastor, I don’t know why you even try. She never talks to you.
P I know, but one of these days she might.
C She’s just not interested in what you’re selling.
P Well, she’s tried what everyone else is selling. One of these days, I’ll break through.
C Don’t hold your breath. I’ve watched her for years. She’s read every book you can imagine on religion, psychology…you name it. She could probably tell you a few things.
P (Smiling) And I’ll let her, as soon as she starts to talk to me!
C (Laughing) Sure thing.
P (Shrugging) There’s always hope.
C There you go again, the eternal op<mist.
P Charlie, there is always hope.
C If you say so. (Changing the subject) So, what can I get for you today?
P Well, I wanted to ask you a favor. Do you think you could hang this poster here in the stand?
C What is it?
P It’s for our Christmas Eve program.
C You goba adver<se? You’re packed every year. You can’t fit the people in that do come!
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P C This year’s different. We’re moving it outside this year…into the park. We’re gonna do it right over there (poin<ng stage leU).
Out here in the park?
P Yeah. Great idea, huh?
C (Doubsully) I guess so. Aren’t you afraid of abrac<ng all the wackos that hang out in the park? P You mean like you?
C Hey!
P (Smiling) This year I guess you’ll have no excuse not to come.
C I told you I’d come some<me.
P Well, this year you don’t have to come to us—we’re coming to you! We’re building the na<vity scene under those trees and bringing the choir out onto the steps. It’ll start right as people are gelng off work. This year everyone will get to enjoy what we’ve enjoyed for years. Do you think you could hang the poster?
C I guess so.
(The pastor responds by stapling the poster right over the middle of Charlie’s name on his sign.)
P Thanks.
C Hey, why did you put it there?
P So everyone would see it.
C Right in the middle of my name?
P Sure. Everyone knows Charlie’s newsstand, but not everyone knows about the real hope of Christmas.
(Charlie grumbles a bit, and Benjamin crosses over to him.)
B (Handing Charlie another magazine he wants to purchase) Here, Charlie. I’ll take this one, too.
P (To Benjamin) AUernoon, Ben.
B Good aUernoon, Reverend.
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P Reverend? Call me Tom.
B Good aUernoon, Reverend.
P On Christmas Eve, we’re doing our annual program at 5:30. Why don’t you come? Charlie, here, is even helping us promote it.
(Benjamin looks over at Charlie, who kind of shakes his head.)
B We’ll see. I’ll probably be taking care of business.
P Me, too.
B Huh?
P Me, too. That’s what I’ll be doing, too—taking care of business.
B Sure, Reverend. I mean I’ll be working, doing my part to keep this city going. P Me, too. (Pause) Suit yourself, but you’ll be missing out.
B I’ll get over it.
P I sure hope not, Ben. (Ben just shakes his head.)
P (To Charlie) Well, Charlie, thanks for your help. I’ve got to get back to rehearsal.
C Sure, sure.
(The pastor goes back to the front of the church, where the choir is reassembling.)
C (To Benjamin) You know, you could be a lible more pleasant to him. He’s not so bad.
B Never give an inch when you don’t have to, I always say. If I encourage him, the next thing you know, he’ll be aUer my wallet.
C S<ll, you should give him a chance. He’s trying to do good.
B Well, there’s a lot of people who need what he’s selling more than me.
C (AUer a moment) Anything else today?
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B Nah, this’ll do it. (No<cing the poster) Hope, huh? There’s something that you don’t hear a lot about anymore. I wonder what they have to say about it.
C Who knows?
B (Cynically) Hmph. (Reading) “ The Hope of Christmas.” I don’t know…
C What?
B In all those years of going to church with my mom, I never got what it was they were gelng at. I never saw what the big deal was. (Pause) I’ll see you tomorrow.
C Sure thing.
(Benjamin exits. Charlie closes up as the song starts, showing mild interest in what’s going on.)
SONG:
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
Scene Three
(This scene takes place two days before Christmas in the late aUernoon. Charlie is going about his business as on every other day. The park regulars are in their places. The pastor and a few church members are working up center on the na<vity set. As they build it, Benjamin enters and goes to the newsstand.)
P (As they lower the roof on the stable) Down a lible, over to the leU, down a lible more. There. Lower it into place. Good. We’ve got it. Now, let’s abach it. We don’t want the wind to kick up and blow it off.
(The pastor hammers a few strokes, then crosses to the newsstand.)
P (As he’s leaving) You guys keep working on this. I’ll be right back.
(The church members add the side rails, fence, etc. during the following scene.)
P Here’s your hammer, Charlie. (Hands it to him) Thanks for lelng me borrow it. It’s coming together nicely, don’t you think?
C Sure. It looks like a stable.
P Good, that’s what it is. Remember, 5:30 Christmas Eve. Pay aben<on.
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C How could I forget? You remind me every ten minutes!
P Just trying to take care of you, Charlie.
C I can take care of myself, thank you.
(There is a slight pause.)
P (Looking toward the teen) Hey, Charlie, about that kid that’s been hanging around here lately…
C (Nodding towards the teen, who is silng on the church steps, tex<ng) Him?
P Yeah. Do you know anything about him?
C Not much. He just showed up a few weeks ago. I’ve tried to be friendly, but he isn’t interested in too much.
P Where’s he from, do you know?
C Nah. Some other state, I reckon.
P Does he live on the street?
C I’m not sure. All I can get out of him is that his name is Jason (or Jennifer, if a female).
P Good. That’s all I need. (Starts to head toward the teen)
C I doubt he’ll talk to you, either.
P I know, but I can try. Thanks.
(The pastor crosses to the teen, who is very involved in his tex<ng.)
P Hey, Jason.
(The teen looks up, but then goes back to tex<ng.)
P Jason, I’m Pastor Tom from the church over there. How’re ya doing today?
J I’m okay.
P Have you been in town long?
J A lible while.
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P Where are you staying?
J You ask a lot of ques<ons.
P Sorry. I just want to get to know you a lible.
(Pause)
J Why?
P Because I care.
J Why?
P Why do I care?
J Yeah. Why would you care about me?
P I just do. That’s why I’m here—to care about people.
J (A lible sarcas<cally) That’s different. (He returns to tex<ng.)
P Doesn’t anyone care about you back home, Jason?
J What do you think?
P I’m sorry.
J Don’t be. It doesn’t maber, anyway.
P What do you mean?
J Nothing mabers, does it?
P Sure it does.
J (Shrugging) Whatever.
(The pastor pauses and tries to think of a way to get through, then tries again.)
P What are your plans for here in the city, Jason? Where do you go from here?
J Just hangin’ out.
P What do you want to do?
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J (Irritated, he stops tex<ng.) Nothing, okay? I don’t want to do anything.
P How can you say that? You’ve got your whole life in front of you.
J Who are you, my dad? And just in case you haven’t no<ced, life s<nks. Everything I might have wanted…anything I’ve tried…I screw everything up. Anything more you want to know? And how do you know my name?
(Pause)
P Charlie told me. I don’t need to know anything else, okay? But I want you to know that if you ever need anything—
J (Interrup<ng) Spare me. I don’t need your help.
P Just the same, my door is always open if you need anything.
J Yeah, right.
P Hey, if you’re around tomorrow, it’ll be Christmas Eve and we’re doing a special program here in the park. You might enjoy it. See you around, Jason.
(The pastor returns to the newsstand.)
CM (Calling to pastor) Pastor, we’re done with the manger. Does it look okay?
P (Distracted) What?
CM The manger. Is it all right?
P Yeah. It looks good. Great job. You guys head on home; I’ll see you tomorrow for the program.
CM You okay, Pastor?
P I’m okay. I just wish I could get through to the people around here.
CM We will. Don’t give up hope. P Hope. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? (Pause) I’ll see you tomorrow.
CM Yeah. Bye.
(All the church members exit.)
B (Sarcas<cally) “ The Hope of Christmas.” When does that start?
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P (Unfazed) Tomorrow at 5:30.
B Good. It’s nice to know when we can hope again.
P Actually, it started 2000 years ago, and it’s s<ll with us. It’s never leU.
B I don’t see much of it around this place.
P It’s here. You just have to look a lible harder some<mes…let your guard down.
B Like that kid over there? P (Giving Benjamin a lible glare) Yeah. There’s s<ll a chance for him—and you, too.
B (Laughing) Well, there’s one in every crowd.
P Huh?
B I guess there needs to be at least one posi<ve thinker in every crowd.
P Oh, I’m much more than a posi<ve thinker.
B Yeah? How’s that?
P Posi<ve thinkers work hard to convince themselves that things will work out. I know they will.
B Oh?
P You see, I know who’s in control of everything. My hope comes from God.
B Well, then, God must have given you all of it, because you’re the only one in this city with any leU. (Mo<oning to the teen) Over there is just another example of how bad things have goben.
P You seem to be doing all right for yourself.
B That’s because I put all my stock in myself. I don’t have to count on anyone else, and I don’t let anything control my life. I make the deals; I call the shots.
P Sorry to hear that.
B What?
P It must be an awful responsibility to have nothing to hope in except your own abili<es.
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B (Irritatedly) What’s with you? Look around you. There’s nothing for most of the people out here.
P I don’t agree.
B There’s nothing you have to offer—
P (Interrup<ng) There certainly is.
B Listen. You struck out with Mr. Valedictorian over there (mo<oning to the teen) and you’ve struck out with me. There’s Miss America (mo<oning to Fran). She’s a real winner. Go get her to even say hello to you!
P Fine. (He goes and sits next to Fran.) Fran? How are you today?
(Fran moves down towards the end of the bench.)
P You know, we’re doing our Christmas Eve program here in the park tomorrow. I hope you’ll come to it.
(Fran turns away.)
P Can I do anything for you, Fran?
F Leave me alone! (She gets up and exits.)
B (Laughing) I proved my point.
P No, you didn’t. You said she wouldn’t talk to me, but she did. She told me to leave her alone.
B Well, that doesn’t count. I s<ll proved my point.
P No, you haven’t. She just needs some <me.
B And some hope, but there is none. You got the last of it.
P No. There is hope in Christmas.
B Where? In the stores? Online? The tree lots? Silng on Santa’s lap? Where?
P You just don’t get it, do you? It’s in the baby born in Bethlehem. B The baby? Sure thing, Reverend.
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P That’s the whole point.
B Whatever you say. I goba go. Nice talking with you. See you tomorrow, Charlie.
(Benjamin exits, and the pastor stops and thinks for a moment.)
P The hope is in the baby. The baby born in Bethlehem.
(Pause) C You okay?
P (Frustrated) Yeah.
C Don’t let him bug you. He and I argue all the <me. Some<mes he wins, some<mes I win. Today he won…you’ll get him tomorrow.
P Thanks, but I don’t need to win. I just want him and all of you to know that the whole point of Christmas is the baby.
C Sure thing, Pastor.
SONG:
“Somethin’s Up (Down in Bethlehem)”
Scene Four
(The fourth scene takes place in the late aUernoon on Christmas Eve, just before the presenta<on. As the scene opens, the park regulars are going about their normal business. The choir members, now in costume, are milling around the stable and church steps. The pastor is walking around the stage, handing out flyers to passersby.)
P The program starts in just a few minutes. Hope you’ll s<ck around. “ The Hope of Christmas,” presented by the Park Bible Church Choir. Please come. (Ad lib as necessary, repea<ng the above lines) (Crossing to teen) Hey, Jason, our program starts preby soon
—don’t go away. (To Fran) How’re ya doing, Fran? Don’t leave; there’s good music coming. (He goes over to Gwen and sits next to her.) Here, Gwen. (He hands her a flyer.) Our Christmas Eve program is about to begin. Why don’t you take a break from your books and take a peek?
G You never give up, do you?
P No, I don’t. I want you to know what I know.
G I know plenty already.
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P You don’t know about this.
G And what is that?
P That Jesus was born, and He came to give us hope for the future…that through Him, we can really live.
G I know all about Chris<anity. I’ve probably read a dozen books about it, including the Bible, cover to cover.
P But reading about it is very different than knowing it. Reading it is just words, but really experiencing the presence of God in your life… (Searching for words) All it takes is believing in who Jesus really is.
G I’m sorry. Life is more complicated than that. I’ve spent years searching my soul, expanding my mind, gelng in touch with the universe in which we live. Our world is complicated. Religion is too simple.
P This isn’t about religion; it’s about a rela<onship. Jesus is there in a way everyone can understand. That’s the beauty of it. He’s there for anyone who seeks Him, and you don’t have to be a rocket scien<st to understand Him. Why don’t you s<ck around for our program?
G Don’t count on anything happening.
P That’s not up to me, Gwen. Just s<ck around.
(The pastor moves to the newsstand.)
P Things are all set, Charlie. Why don’t you close up and listen in?
B (Interrup<ng) Close up when there’s business to do, money to make? If he did that, I’d lose all my faith in the small business community.
P At least you have faith in something.
B What does that mean?
P All you care about is money.
B What else is there?
P There are more important things than money.
B Sure. (Sarcas<cally) Like this Christmas Eve thing of yours?
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P Yes. The message that it contains is far more important—
B (Interrup<ng) Save your breath, Reverend.
P (Finally irritated) What’s your problem? You act as if God Himself has offended you or something.
B Well, maybe He has. Maybe if God had ever cared about me, life would be different. Where was God when Dad split and I had to learn to fend for myself…take care of myself…count on myself?
P So that’s what this is all about. You’re mad at God.
B I’m not mad at anyone.
P (Sympathe<cally) Sure you are. You had your heart broken as a kid and you’ve never been able to make any sense of it. No wonder you feel the way you do.
B (Sarcas<cally) So now you’re a shrink?
P No, I—
B (Interrup<ng) Do me a favor—just go do your Christmas thing. P Are you going to stay?
B I’m wai<ng for my bus.
P Then you’ll be here. They always run late on Christmas Eve—too much traffic. I’ll talk to you aUerwards. (He quickly takes his place with the choir.)
(The following is the Park Bible Church’s actual Christmas Eve presenta<on.)
N2 It was quite a celebra<on at the birthplace of Jesus that night over two thousand years ago. And rightly so! (Music for “Join the Angels” begins) The King of Kings had come to earth to be Emmanuel, God with Us. The only Son of God had leU His throne to become human flesh and to walk with us. N1 Jesus was born in a humble stable, but God didn’t miss the chance to celebrate. In fact, the Bible tells us that He sent a mul<tude of angels who shouted their praise to announce the birth of God’s Promised One, the Messiah, Jesus, the Christ.
SONG:
“Join the Angels”
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N2 Hope. It’s the feeling we have when we actually believe that what we desire is going to happen. Christmas represents that for all of us: the hope of peace on earth, the hope of comfort and joy.
N1 The hope that there is a God in heaven who loves us, and with whom we can have a rela<onship. N2 Hope meant all of this for those who lived at the <me of the first Christmas. N1 The Jewish people hoped to see the promised Messiah, the One who would come and free them from the bondage under which they lived and establish a new kingdom. Though many didn’t recognize it at the <me, all of their hopes were born in the baby held by a young peasant girl whom God chose to bear His Son. N2 This baby, this hope of Christmas, would become everything that God had promised.
SONG: “Mary, Did You Know?”
N1 Exactly what Mary knew of what would become of her very special child isn’t en<rely clear, but the scriptures tell us that she was told He would be great, and would be called the Son of the Highest, and that of His kingdom there would be no end. N2 He would be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:32-­‐35 paraphrased)
N1 Mary may not have known every detail, but she must’ve known that this child, conceived in her by the Holy Spirit, would be the long-­‐awaited Messiah, the Promised One, the Hope and Savior of the world. He would bridge the gap between mankind and God, and be the one who would teach us to pray…
SONG: “Thine is the Kingdom”
N2 Just imagine the joy Mary felt knowing that the hope of all the ages was being fulfilled through her! N1 Just imagine the excitement she felt as she witnessed the heavenly hosts praising God above the humble stable in which Jesus lay. N2 Imagine the scene as the shepherds came face to face with the angels, who were saying, N1/2 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
N2 Imagine the wonder.
N1 Imagine the emo<on.
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N2 Imagine the glory.
N1 And imagine the light. N2 Imagine how that sleepy lible town of Bethlehem became a celes<al crossroads…the intersec<on of heaven and earth. For from that moment on, Bethlehem would occupy a magnificent place in history—the very spot God reached down from heaven and touched the world. It was a special place; it was a special <me. N1 That night the world changed, and it all started in Bethlehem. N2 “And when the shepherds had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:17-­‐19)
N1 Mary had heard the scriptures. Mary had been told of the prophecies. But did she know exactly what it meant that her newborn Son was to be the Savior of all? Did she know that He would become the sacrifice for sin? Could she fathom the thought of the nails and the cross? Was it possible for her to comprehend what was to come beyond the manger?
SONG: “Beyond the Manger”
N1 In the beauty of that moment when Jesus was born, was it possible for Mary, or anyone, to comprehend the extent of God’s love for mankind? Why would the God of the universe and the Creator of all things send His Son to become the sacrifice for sin? This is a ques<on for the ages. N2 Even before Christ’s birth, the psalmist asked, “For what is man, that God is mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4) And through the centuries since, we have wondered about, wrestled with, and abempted to grasp the apparently infinite depth of God’s amazing love for us. N1 It is in this love where we find our comfort, our joy, and our peace; it is this love which shines light into our darkness, and it is in this love where we find the true hope of Christmas, which moves us to share it with others.
N2 We sing with Mary, “My soul rejoices in God, my Savior.” We shout with the angels, N1/2 “Glory to God in the Highest!” N2 We marvel with the shepherds, glorifying and praising God. And with the centuries of people who have sought God, we hold onto the hope of Christmas, that Jesus Christ is the light which has come to the world. 28
N1 Together, let us offer our praise to the One who is our Hope, who is our Peace, and who is our Joy!
N1/2 Yes! Christ is born. N1 The hope of Christmas is fulfilled for those who choose to trust in Him and believe that He is the promised Messiah and Savior of the world. This Christmas, we express our praise and sing our joy! With thanksgiving we shout hallelujah to Jesus, the Hope and Light of Christmas!
SONG: “Hallelujah!”
Scene Five
(This scene takes place on Christmas Eve aUer the presenta<on.)
B (Antagonis<cally) So, what did you say the point was?
P I don’t understand your ques<on.
B What’s the point? You have a baby in a manger, angels and shepherds, but what does that do for me today?
P It’s the story of Jesus’ birth, the Son of God. It’s Christmas.
B Well, I need more than an archaic story.
P But that’s not the whole story. The birth of Jesus was just the beginning of how God brought hope back into a world that was filled with hopelessness.
B A world filled with hopelessness? Sounds kind of like today, doesn’t it?
P Well, there’s your answer.
B What?
P That’s the point.
B (Puzzled) The point is a baby born in a stable with animals a long <me ago?
P No, but it’s a start.
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B All right, then, where do we go from here? What does your story have to do with anything? What will it do for anybody today? (Mo<oning to Fran) Will it help her deal with the life that she has had to live? (Mo<oning to the teen) Will it make the kid feel like life is worth living? (Mo<oning to Gwen) What significance do shepherds have in her life? And how do singing angels help a lonely old man who’s been forgoben by his family?
P Jesus was born to help with all of that, plus He gives us all a way to be with God. You went to church as a kid—you’ve heard the rest of the story. And somewhere inside you know it’s true. Jesus was born to die on a cross so that God could forgive us and we could be with Him again. All we need to do is accept it. That’s the point. That’s why we tell this story.
B You can tell it all you want, but I don’t need your stories, true or untrue. I need answers; my world may come tumbling down tomorrow. When I wake up, I could get word that the worldwide market has collapsed and I’m not only out of a job, but penniless. I need to be able to know that I won’t be buried alive.
P You’re right.
B So what does your story have to say to me?
P That there is something you can hope for.
B What? What does a story about a baby in a manger have to say to me?
P (Irritatedly) Will you forget the story for a minute?! Forget the angels. Forget the shepherds. Forget about all of that.
B (Sarcas<cally) The baby, too?
P No, not Him. Listen. The baby was God. There’s your point. There’s the one thing that you can’t forget. I’ll make it simple for you: world lost, baby born, God came!
B (S<ll cynical) The hope of Christmas?
P In a world that makes no sense, we all need something to hold on to. The baby Jesus is what we’re all looking for…hope. Hope that tomorrow we’ll be able to get through whatever life throws at us without being wiped out. Hope that life can be, and should be, beber. Hope that there is something bigger than ourselves. That’s what Jesus is: hope for today and tomorrow. Hope that there is s<ll a God out there who cares what happens to us, and whom we can live with when this life is over. (Benjamin thinks for a moment.)
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B No. Not for me.
(Benjamin throws his hands up in disbelief and exits as the pastor stands and sadly watches him walk away. The pastor then watches Fran, Gwen, and the teen all exit, unconvinced, then sees Charlie cross to the manger and look at the baby. He approaches Charlie.)
P Charlie?
C I think I’d like to hear more about this baby. I’d like to know more about this hope you’re talking about.
P Let’s go inside where it’s warmer, and I’ll make you a cup of coffee. (They begin to exit.) Shouldn’t you close up the stand?
C Nah. Let ‘em take whatever they want…it’s Christmas!
(They exit into the church as the lights dim and the music begins.)
N2 On the night of Jesus’ birth, not all the people of Bethlehem recognized what had happened. They did not all understand that Jesus’ arrival was the fulfillment of centuries of prophecies in which God promised that He would provide a way for us to be in communion with Him.
N1 And since that holy night, not everyone has accepted the great and mysterious giU given to mankind in the form of Jesus Christ. Some have, but many have turned away. They have refused to see that Jesus is the Son of the Most High, the Blessed Redeemer, and the long-­‐awaited Messiah, Savior of the World.
N2 Yet, on this night there is s<ll <me to turn back to God. There is s<ll a great victory coming for those who believe in Jesus. N1 There may be those who live in darkness today, but the good news is that in Jesus, there is light. In Jesus there is hope! N2 We can celebrate because Jesus remains the King of Kings. Jesus is alive and well, and He is coming back!
SONG: “This LiOle Child”
INVITATION BY PASTOR
SONG: “Christmas Carol Sing-­‐Along”
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