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The Sounds of Christmas

The Song of Christmas – Chancel Choir

Host 1: on the eve of Christ, the descendants of Abraham have been a conquered people captive in

their own land for seven hundred years. It has been four centuries since the last prophet of Israel has

spoken. The Pharisees-the ruling class among the occupied nation have kept the customs and formal

rites of the Law alive, even as the spiritual heart of God’s people has been slowly ebbing away. Ritual

has become more sacred than reality. Where is God? What about His promises? Will there really be a

Messiah? When will He come?

Host 2: God’s plan to bring us back to Him, set in motion from the foundation of the world, is about to

be revealed in a manner that ritual cannot fathom and reality cannot deny. A host of angels sent from

Heaven descend through Earth’s atmosphere – their destination – the heart of the Promised Land, the

land of God’s countless interventions. The angels can now see the rolling hills just outside the ancient

city of David. All of creation takes a quick breath of anticipation. The Song is born. Gloria in excels is

Deo!

Hear the Sounds of Christmas – Chancel Choir/The Children’s Choir

(As “Hear the Sounds of Christmas” ends Gene, Marilyn and Dot pick up their coats and move to center

stage. The rest of the choir remains standing until the drama members leave. Have fun with this part.

There is general laughing and ad libbing among choir members with Gene, Marilyn and Dot (like choir

practice). As they begin to exit they are standing close enough to the choir director for him to overhear

their conversation. )

Dot: (Laughing) that was fun! But I am worn out and ready for a trip to our favorite place.

Marilyn: Me too. Gene, you’re still game, right?

Gene: Are you kidding? William’s has the best coffee in town. Just try to keep me away!

Choir Director: Hey, if you folks are heading over to Williams could you see if they’ll put up a poster or

two?

Dot: Oh sure, I don’t think they’ll mind. (He hands here the posters she checks out the posters). These

are really nice! Marilyn, look at these.

Marilyn: Oh yes, very nice!

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Gene: You two ready?

(Scene shifts to diner. – Video move up

(Julie and Cheryl are standing wrapping silverware and talking.)

Cheryl: We’re not that busy. You should go. I can handle it. Don’t tell me that boy of yours doesn’t

miss y you. It’s the third double you’ve pulled this week.

Julie: Max understands. It’s just for a little while longer. We’ll get back on our feet again. I’m getting a

phone hooked up this week. (She sighs) Besides, Christmas will be here before we know it.

Cheryl: I don’t even want to think about it. Slogging through snow, scraping car windows, trying to

figure out what my kid means when he says he wants an I Pad2… or is a 4. . . That’s enough to make

even a person of my sweet nature turn into Mr. Scrooge. Why does a 13 year old need an iPad anyway

he already has a Wii and about 100 games to go with it. Maybe my husband can talk with him.

Julie: Max would never say anything to me but, I know he’s got his eyes on a certain pair of basketball

shoes. I’ve been saving my tips from the extra shifts that I’ve been working. I’m hoping to have enough

to get them for him for Christmas. It’s gonna be tight, though.

Cheryl: He likes basketball?

Julie: Loves it! Don’t know where he gets it. It’s not like I’m the athletic type. And he Dad wasn’t really

much of a team kinda guy. (Pausing, she adds) I can’t help but think, if he can get on the team at school,

it’ll help him make some friends. It’s been more of a struggle this time-this new kid thing. It’s getting

old. . . (Her voice trails off and then she adds with a sigh) for both of us.

Cheryl: Hey, did you remember to bring in the picture?

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Julie: Oh yeah, it’s right here. (Dig in pocket and produce a small picture of Max holding a basketball)

Cheryl: Good lookin’ kid. He looks like his Dad?

Julie: Yea, I suppose he does. At least that’s what folks back home say. It’s been a long time since Max

and I have seen him through. I’m not even sure where he is anymore. (She changes the subject

abruptly.) You know, Max and I really like it here. I want to make this work. Besides, we’re both tired

of moving. I feel like we’ve left pieces of ourselves scattered from here to Kalamazoo.

(Dorothy, Marilyn and Gnu enter laughing and talking about the musical. They seat themselves; take off

their coats, scarves and gloves, talking all the while.)

Dot: I’m not kidding you, Gene: I could hear you clear in the alto section. It sounded like a wounded

animal. I thought (Bro. William was gonna lose it.

Gene: (Laughing good naturedly) Well, you can be sure they weren’t thinking about me when they

wrote that part! (He belts out a “rejoice” and Dot and Marilyn roll their eyes.).

Marilyn: You know, I’ve heard we’re really going all out this year. (She says the next with an affected

English accent). Someone told me they’ve even got dra-ma team working on something. (More eye

rolling)

Dot: (Playing along with the accent) Oh, really!?

Marilyn: (Still keeping up the “bit”) Gene, maybe you should see if you could get in on that. I’ve heard

that they’ve even got a part for a middle aged balding man of dubious singing ability. What do you

think, Dot, has he got the right stuff?

Dot and Marilyn: (Singing, imitating Gene) Rejoice! (It breaks off as they dissolve into fits of laughter)

Gene: (Pulling himself up and straightening out his shirt, he says with mock dignity) I would if they

didn’t need me in the choir so badly.

(Still enjoying the obviously enjoying the good-natured ribbing as Julie walks over and greets them.

Julie: Hi, what can I get for you folks this evening? Can I start you off with some coffee?

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Gene: Well (He leans forward to read her name tag) Julie, the ladies and I have had a long night of

singing, so a cup of your fine brew seems like just the ticket to soothe our tired vocal cords.

Julie: (Immediately warms to Gene’s friendly nature and smiles genuinely) Sure thing, we just brewed a

fresh pot. I’ll get your coffee and be right back to take your orders. (She exits).

Gene: I don’t remember seeing her in here before, do you? (They shake heads) Well, she must be new.

(Proudly) I know all the waitresses. We are on a first name basis. (Mischievously) I’ll try to take it easy

on her.

Marilyn: (In a no nonsense tone) you better! Nothing embarrassing, you hear me?

Gene: Mar, I’m hurt. When have I ever embarrassed you? (She gives him a knowing look. He throws

up his hands in surrender) Alright! Alright, nothing embarrassing! I’m just gonna make her feel

welcome.

(Julie comes back carrying a tray and three coffee cups. She has creamers in her apron which she gets

out and lays on the table. She pours the coffee.

Gene: So, Julie, you new here?

Julie: Yes, my son and I just moved here last month.

Gene: Really, where are you from?

Julie: Oh, here and there. We’ve lived lots of different places actually.

Gene: O.K. How do you like Philadelphia so far?

Julie: Oh, real well. Seems like a nice town.

Gene: It is. Lots of good people here. If you’ve gotta be from somewhere, this might as well be the

place. Hope you’ll stick around. It’s a good place to put down roots.

Julie: thanks, I appreciate that. You folks ready to order?

Marilyn: Julie, do you have any of that wonderful peanut butter pie left?

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Julie: I’m so sorry. We served the last piece about an hour ago. Could I get you something else?

Marilyn: Oh that’s alright. How about butterscotch? It tastes the same to me anyway. Just so it’s

sweet.

Julie: Sure thing, butterscotch it is.

Dot: Leave it to Marilyn to go straight for the dessert!

Marilyn: And what may I ask I wrong with that?

Dot: Not one thing. Sweetie! It’s just that you are, to say the least. . . predictable!

Marilyn: there is a certain level of comfort in predictability don’t you think?

Dot: Absolutely! That’s why you won’t be surprised when I order a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato

and ma-yo!

Marilyn: Oh, Dot, really! Starting first thing next week, you and I are both going to start eating

healthier.

Marilyn & Dot: Yeah, right! (Laugh)

Gene: You know what, Julie? I think I’m good with just the coffee.

Julie: (Laughing) You sure?

Gene: Yeah, my stomach can’t take too much of that stuff at his hour. It’s got enough to deal with

ingesting the caffeine.

Julie: Alright, I’ll get your orders in then.

Gene: Thanks Julie. Oh. . . and welcome to the neighborhood. (She smiles and exits. If you have other

tables with diners have Julie check on them to see if they need any refill while gene addressed Dot and

Marilyn) Well, how’d I do? I think that went rather well.

Dot: Well, at least you didn’t scare her.

Gene: Not this time. . . but I won’t make any promises for next time! (Suddenly remembering) The

posters! Don’t let me forget to ask if they’ll put on of them up here. Maybe I can get them to put one

up in the window and one by the cash register.

Marilyn: I don’t see how they could refuse you and your charm. (eyes twinkling) I know I never could.

Julie: (Coming out with the pie and a pot of coffee). Your cheeseburger will be right out. Can I get you

anything else right now? (Addressing Gene) Are you ready for a refill?

Gene: Sure

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Marilyn: (Taking a bite) This is really good! I think it’s my new favorite.

Dot: They do make good pie here. I once asked them for their coconut cream pie recipe. They didn’t

mind sharing it one bit.

Gene: Julie, we were wondering, could we get you to put up one or both of these posters in here?

(She takes it from him and looks at it)

Julie: (Shrugging) Guess so. I’m not really sure what their policy is about hanging stuff up though, what

is this anyway, “The Sounds of Christmas”? What does that have to do with church?

Dot: (In a rush of excitement) Yes, it’s going to be so neat! The music is wonderful and there’s going to

be drama. You know, like a play with actors and all! And they’ll be refreshments afterwards. We have

some ladies that could put Famous Amos to shame with the cookies they bake! (A thought suddenly hits

her) I just had a wonderful idea. Why don’t you come and bring your son? We would love to have you

and it would be a great way for you to get to know some people since you’re new here and all.

(She ends her outburst and the others all look at Julie hopefully. There is a moment of awkward silence

as Julie obviously hesitates in answering. Dot is chagrined. She continues)

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. Really, I just thought. . .(Her voice trails off leaving the

sentence unfinished. She looks at Marilyn and Gene for help)

Marilyn: (Picking up where Dot left off) We just thought you might enjoy it. Of course, we understand if

it isn’t your kind of thing. Sometimes we just get a little carried away. We love it, so we think that

everyone will too. I can just imagine how hard it must be to be new in town; having to make new

friends and all. So, let’s just say that you have an open invitation. We would love to have you. Ok?

Julie: It’s just that it’s been a long time since I’ve been to church. I used to go with my parents when I

was a kid. But, it’s been a long time since I’ve been home. I wouldn’t even know what to wear. Besides

that, I probably couldn’t get off work anyway.

Gene: Well, if it’s clothing you are worried about, don’t let that stop you. I once wore my favorite

purple golfing sweater, a fisherman’s hat and my lucky green St. Patrick’s Day Socks to a Christmas

concert and they didn’t kick me out.

(Merilyn and Dot look at Gene with strange expressions on their faces)

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Julie: (Smiling at Gene’s remark) Thanks . . . I’ll keep that in mind. Really, I appreciate the invitation, I’ll

think about it OK?

Gene: fair enough.

Julie: (Tearing off their bill from her order pad and laying it on their table) You folks have a good

evening. (She walks away.)

(Gene just shrugs sheepishly as the lights go down.)

Host 1: It is a silent, serene, soon to be holy night. Shepherds are out in the fields near Bethlehem

watching over their flocks. Then, a brilliant light pierces the darkness as Heaven’s emissaries appear in a

blaze of extraterrestrial extravagance that will be remembered and celebrated fro0m this night forward

by those who embrace the Light. Their fear of the shepherds is replaced by astonishment at what they

are seeing. The angel speaks – the shepherds listen in awe. Then they run to where they are directed.

As they hurry away, they hear something they will remember forever; the voices of the mighty host of

angels proclaiming, singing, shouting - “Gloria in excelsis Deo!

“Sing” - Youth Choir

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Scene 2

(This scene opens with the gang at the diner again. They are sitting at a different table and are dressed

differently. They have obviously been to the diner several times since their first meeting with Julie and

the “Sounds of Christmas” Posters have been hung up. This time, Cheryl comes over coffee pot in hand

to wait on them. Julie is at the counter working out of ear shot.

Cheryl: Evening folks, the usual?

Gene/Marilyn/Dot: Yup, thanks, Cheryl.

Cheryl: So, how’s the Christmas program coming along?

Marilyn: Oh, not bad! The music’s so fun. I think the challenge is going to be to get everything

coordinated. You know –music, lighting, drama. . .cookies. (She continues shaking her head seriously)

Very important element you know- the cookies. You’re gonna let us talk you into coming aren’t you,

Cheryl? (Nodding her head toward Julie) You could bring her, you know.

Cheryl: Aw, Marilyn, you know if we both came they’d have to shut this place down. (She glances Julie’s

way to see if she is listening lowering her voice a little) Just between you and me, I think that do Julie

some good to get hooked up with a church or something. She needs a break. She works herself ragged

and that boy of hers needs her around more. I think they’re really having a tough time of it. . . you know

financially. She’s been saving to get him these special basketball shoes for Christmas. She doesn’t say

much, but I think her boy is having a hard time fitting into school.

Gene: I hate to hear that. Sure would like to find a way to help. Keep your ear to the ground for us,

would you Cheryl? The Lord sometimes opens doors in unexpected ted ways.

Cheryl: I will. She’s a good worker. I’d hate to lose her. I’ve got to leave a little early tonight, so I’ll

send Julie over with your pies. Ok?

Gene: Works for me. You be careful going home.

Cheryl: Thanks. See you folks next time. They’re all yours, Jul. Are you sure you don’t mind closing up

alone tonight.

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Julie: I’ll be fine. Besides I won’t be alone. The sitter is dropping Max off here in a little bit so he’ll be

here to keep me company.

Cheryl: Good, that makes me feel better. See you tomorrow. (Exit)

Julie: Bye. (She brings pie over and sets it in front of them) Can I get you anything else, right now?

Gene: No, that should do it. Thanks Julie. So, are we gonna get to meet your son?

Julie: (Glancing at her watch) Looks that way. They should be here pretty soon. Doesn’t sound ok. We’ll

talk about it later. (Stands behind Max with both her hands on Max’s shoulders.) (She moves him

forward as she introduces him.) Right now, I want you to meet someone.

Gene: It’s a pleasure young man.

Marilyn & Dot: Very nice to meet you Max

Gene: I’ve heard rumors that you’re a basketball player. That true?

Max: Yes, sir.

Gene: How’s your jump shot?

Max: (Shrugs) Pretty good, I guess.

Gene: Now, this is what I call divine providence, Max. I’ve got a grandson about your age. He could use

a little help with his basketball skills. I don’t suppose you’d be available to give him some pointers,

would you? There are3 some kids that get together over in the church gym on Tuesdays to shoot

around. Maybe I could pick you up sometime. I bet you and David would hit it right off.

(Max likes the idea and looks to Julie hopefully)

Julie: (Immediately closing down the possibility) Thanks for the offer, Mr. Harison, but Max isn’t

available on Tuesdays.

Gene: Oh that’s alright; we could make it another night.

Julie: Thanks anyway. We wouldn’t want to put you out.

Gene: Oh, no trouble at all. It’s practically walking distance from here to the church. I wouldn’t mind.

Julie: All the same, Max doesn’t go out much after school. He usually has homework.

Gene: Oh. . .(Big pause while he tries to think of something to say) Well, let me know if you change

your mind. The offer stands.

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Julie: Sure. (Another awkward pause) Well, I better get to work.

Gene: Very nice to meet you, Max. You let me know if you change your mind.

(Julie and Max walk over behind the counter. Max pulls up a chair and gets out a book to read while

Julie cleans up in preparation to close. Gene, Marilyn and Dot get up to leave. There is some discussion

and Gene gets out his wallet. He carefully lays some money on the table and they exit. After a short

time we see Julie walk over to the table to clean it off. We see shock register on her face as she picks up

the money and looks at it. We hear a small gasp escape and from her expression we realize that they

have left her a substantial tip. She looks in the direction they exited and shakes her head. It appears as

if she might cry but holds it back as she slides the money into her apron pocket.

(Lights out.)

Host: While the keepers of the law awaited an appropriate regal birth and coronation in accordance

with ritual and sacred rites, God came in a way that only he could have conceived. The Incarnation was

not announced to royalty. It was proclaimed to lowly shepherds. There was no great ceremony in a

palace; there was a celebration in the heavens. The centuries of waiting, the countless prayers and

sacrifices from God’s children, the promises voiced by the prophets, all came together on a holy night in

a little town called Bethlehem.

Wonderful News – Chancel Choir

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Scene 3

(As this scene opens, Gene, Marilyn, and Dot are in their places in the choir for another rehearsal. During

song Max enters quietly. Everyone should be able to see him, but it should not be distracting. He is

visibly upset; his face smudged and shirt torn. He has a black eye. He wipes his good eye with the back

of his hand. He looks around as it trying to find someone. In spite of his distress, he is interested in what

is going on, and he sits and watches the singing. As the song ends we see that Gene has noticed him.

Gene says something to Marilyn, she nods, & Gene approaches Max.

Gene: (He speaks gently and warmly.) Hey there, Max. How did you get here? Is everything alright?

(Max silently shakes his head, sniffing a little.) Want to tell me about it? I’m a pretty good listener.

Max: They were making fun of me again.

Gene: Who was?

Max: The kids at school.

Gene: What about?

Max: (angrily) The same thing they always make fun of. They say that I don’t have a dad; that I don’t

even know who he is.

Gene: You know that that’s not true, don’t you?

Max: (Sullenly) I might as well not have a Dad. I hardly even remember him.

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Gene: Why do you think the kids are teasing you, Max?

Max: I don’t know. They’re just mean.

Gene: So you got into a fight?

Max: (Nodding his head) I hit Joey. He said if my mom cared about me she would let me see my Dad.

Gene: Then what happened?

Max: (shrugging) Nothing…I ran away.

Gene: And you came here? That was a long walk.

Max: I didn’t want to go home. I’m in big trouble, huh?

Gene: Well, I imagine that your mom is pretty worried about you. So, tell you what. How about you let

me call your mom? That way she’ll quit worrying about where you are. I’ll talk to her and explain what

happened. Then you and I can talk some more. Deal? (Max shakes his head in agreement.) Ok son,

let’s go find a phone.

(They exit.)

Child: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east

came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star

in the east and have come to worship Him.’”

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Behold That Star – Chancel Choir

Host: One of the great mysteries of the Christmas story is the Bethlehem star. God allowed men of

wisdom to see His celestial handiwork in the heavens. They immediately set out in search of a King

worthy of this kind of wonder. It was this miraculous beacon that guided the wise men to the Christ

Child. Over the shifting sands and barren land they came…seeking…hoping…knowing.

Scene 3A

(Max and Gene re-enter the sanctuary. They have already talked to Julie. Max and Gene sit down

together. Find a spot where they can talk comfortably and still be seen easily by the audience. Have

Gene pull up a couple of chairs if need be. Max is dejected.)

Gene: (Reaching out to touch Max’s cheek) Looks like Joey got a lick in before you took off.

Max: Yeah. (He touches his eye gingerly) It hurts.

Gene: (Gently) I imagine it doesn’t hurt as badly as your wounded pride.

Max: Whaddaya mean?

Gene: I mean, it hurts when people say things about someone that you love that’s not true. Sometimes

it makes you wonder if it might be true.

Max: Like about my mom letting me see my dad?

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Gene: Yes, like that. Do you miss him?

Max: I don’t remember him very much. I just wish I had a dad. All of the other kids’ dads come and

watch them play basketball. Nobody watches me. Mom works all the time.

Gene: Does your mom know how you feel, Max?

Max: Nah, it’d just make her sad. She’s always tired. I can handle it. It’s not that big a deal.

Gene: It is a big deal, Max. Your mom loves you and she wants you to be happy. Since you and your

mom are a family, it’s really important that you tell your mom how you feel. Besides, you can’t hide

your feelings for very long. They have a way of coming out anyway. Sometimes in unexpected ways-like

fighting at school.

Max: (Sighs) Yeah, I guess you’re right. But now what? I’m already in trouble.

Gene: Well, do you really want to know what I think?

Max: (Affirmatively) Uh-huh.

Gene: I’m not sure if you’ll completely understand this right now, Max. But, when I have problems like

this, I always pray. I pray and I know Jesus hears me because He loves me. The thing is…He loves you

too. He’ll look out for you and your mom if you ask Him to. Did you know that’s the reason He was born

and why we celebrate Christmas? He came because He wants to be your friend. You might not know

your earthly father very well, but you can know your heavenly Father, Max. He sent Jesus, His son, to be

born and to die for us so we could have a relationship with Him. It’s a great deal. I was just about your

age when I asked Jesus into my heart. And I’ll tell you this Max, He’s never let me down; not one time in

all these years. I can’t think of a better time than Christmas to ask Jesus into your heart.

Max: How do I do that?

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Gene: It’s really simple. If you want, I can help you pray.

Max: I don’t know. What if I want to wait and talk to my mom?

Gene: You know what Max, it’s a really important decision and if you want to talk to your mom, I think

that’s a really good idea. Would you like for me to talk to her with you?

Max: (Relieved) You wouldn’t mind?

Gene: Not even a little bit.

Max: (Taking a deep breath) Ok, that’s what I want to do.

Gene: Mind if I pray so I can ask God to help us? I’d kinda like for Him to go with us.

(Max shakes his head. Gene reaches out to take Max’s hand and they bow their heads.)

(Lights out)

Christ Be Born In You– Chancel Choir

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Scene 4

(Max and Gene enter the restaurant. As soon as Julie sees them she rushes over to Max, grabs him by

the shoulder, pulls him to herself, and embraces him. She is both relieved and angry.)

Julie: Don’t you ever do that to me again! You hear me? I didn’t know where you were. The school

called. I was frantic.

Max: (Genuinely remorseful) I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to worry you, honest.

Julie: Well, you didn’t mean to, but you did anyway. I don’t know when I’ve ever been so scared.

(Turning to Gene) Mr. Henson, I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you for looking after Max. This won’t

happen again. I don’t know what got into him.

Gene: He wasn’t any trouble, Julie. Really…you have a great kid here. He’s just having a bit of a tough

time, that’s all. Look, I don’t want to be poking my nose in anywhere that I’m not welcome, but Max

and I had a little talk. I was hoping you’d have a few minutes to talk about a couple of things.

Julie: Well, I guess you’ve earned the right to say a few things. I was just closing up for the night. (She

motions them over to a table.) We can sit here and talk. (They sit down.)

Gene: Max, maybe you should explain first about what happened at school.

Max: It wasn’t my fault, Mom. I couldn’t let Joey say that stuff. He had it comin’.

Julie: Looks like Joey thought you had it comin’ too.

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Max: (Acting brave) Aw, it hardly even hurts anymore.

Julie: What did Joey say, Max?

Max: He said you didn’t love me.

Julie: (Distressed) Why would he say that?

Max: ‘Cause I don’t have a dad.

Julie: (Looking pained) Max, that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you.

Max: I know. But I’m tired of being the only one whose dad never comes to school.

Julie: (She signs and addresses Gene.) Mr. Hanson, it looks like Max and I have some things we need to

talk about, just the two of us.

Gene: You’re right, Julie. May I just say something before I leave?

Julie: Like I said, you’ve earned the right.

Gene: You don’t have to do this alone. It’s hard…what you’re doing…raising a son by yourself. There

are people who care and want to help you.

Julie: I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but Max and I are doing fine. It’s hard sometimes, but we

do alright. I’ve been there, you know. I grew up with the rules and the guilt trips. I got tired of it.

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Gene: I understand what you’re saying, Julie. But people weren’t meant to be islands. Maybe all you

saw growing up was a bunch of rules, but I’m not talking about rules. I’m talking about relationships.

That’s what Jesus cared about, people, not rules. In fact, Jesus spent His time with ordinary people, not

religious people. Just give us a chance to get to know you.

Julie: Well, it does get overwhelming sometimes. I used to think I had all the answers, but now I just

have questions. You’ve been nothing but kind to me and to Max. I just need some time to think. Max

and I need to talk. It’s been a long day and I’m tired.

Gene: (Getting up, he pats her hand reassuringly.) I understand. I’ll be praying for you. I mean that. If

you need anything, just let me know. Max, you come talk to me anytime, you hear?

Max: Thanks, Mr. Hanson.

(Gene exits.)

Julie: Well, we’ve had quite a day, haven’t we? You know, we’re going to have to go see the Principal,

don’t you?

(Max shakes his head ruefully.)

Max: Mom?

Julie: What?

Max: I like Mr. Hanson.

Julie: I do too, Max. He’s a very nice man.

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Max: He said that if we pray, Jesus will help us. Do you think that’s true?

Julie: I don’t know, Max. Mr. Hanson certainly believes it. You know, I used to go to church a long time

ago. Then, I made some big mistakes with my life. I thought that church would help, but I didn’t like

feeling guilty all the time. It just seemed like I always felt alone. Then I had you, and you were the best

thing that ever happened to me. So, I just decided to leave everything and start over. I thought we

wouldn’t need anybody else. I thought we could be happy, just us. But, Mr. Hanson seems ok. Maybe,

it wouldn’t hurt to get to know them better. They seem like they really care.

(Julie changes the mood abruptly and makes an announcement.) Now, it was supposed to wait until

Christmas, but so what. We’ve had a lousy day and it’s almost Christmas anyway. I’m gonna give you

your present early. (She goes over behind the counter and produces a wrapped gift and hands it to

Max.) Go ahead, open it.

Max: (Grinning as he starts to tear open the gift) Alright, but you still have to wait for your present.

Julie: In mock disappointment) No fair!

Max: You’re the one breaking the rules! (The present is open and Max realizes that Julie has gotten him

the basketball shoes that he has been longing for. He is momentarily speechless as he looks from the

shoes to Julie. Then he tears them out of the box.) Oh, wow, awesome! (He throws his arms around

Julie and gives her a big hug.) Thanks, Mom!

Julie: You’re welcome, Max. I need to tell you something about these shoes.

Max: What?

Julie: I wouldn’t have been able to afford to get them for you, but Mr. Hanson left me a really big tip

one day. You should thank him the next time you see him.

Max: Could I tell him at the musical? It’s tomorrow night.

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Julie: Sure, why not? They’ll be surprised to see us.

Max: I wish I could give them a gift.

Julie: Maybe just bringing yourself is enough of a gift, Max.

Max: (Disappointed) Aww!

Julie: Tell ya what. We’ll buy either a butterscotch or a peanut butter pie for them. They really like our

pies.

Max: Peanut butter!

Julie: Ok, peanut butter.

Max: (Pausing) Mom, I’m really sorry about today.

Julie: it’s alright, Max. To tell you the truth, I’m almost glad it happened. I mean, I’m sorry you got a

black eye, but it did give us a chance to talk about some things. Let’s go home.

(They exit.)

Wise Men from the East– Chancel Choir

Host: Three gifts-gifts of great significance-gold, frankincense, and myrrh, were laid at the feet of the

Christ Child. These were gifts that could only come from royal treasures. The gifts we bring are of much

greater value to the Lord. My life-my heart-my praise-all my desires-all of my accomplishments-all of my

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failures-all of the thanksgiving I can comprehend-all of me-the surrender of my imagined authority-to

the Author of all life, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, Jesus, Messiah, Emmanuel, God with us.

Host 2: Lord, what can we offer You? We give You our praise. We give You our lives, surrendered and

broken, desperately in need of a Savior. And Jesus…ultimately I give you my heart.

I Give You My Heart-First Sunday with Congregation

Host: Just as He promised, the Lord has come. He set aside all of the trappings due His station. He

humbled Himself and lived a life of obedience that led Him from His throne in Heaven, to our world of

sorrow, from His courts of praise, to my cross of shame. He did not let His exalted position, or self-

protection stand in the way of saving us.

Host 2: In like manner, we obey. We come stripped of pride and piety, but filled with the wonders of

His love. It is right and fitting that we offer our all to the One whose birth we celebrate this day. The

song the angels taught us on that Holy Night so long ago was not just meant for them. It was given to

us. The song has continued through the centuries and will echo into eternity; forever praise, forever

thanksgiving, forever Gloria!

One Child– Chancel Choir

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Scene 5

(Julie and Max are seated in the congregation. They have changed into dressier clothing. They come up

front to greet Gene, Marilyn, and Dot. Max is holding a pie box. Perhaps the choir could converse and

gather their things as though the musical were over. They meet center stage. The dialogue is spoken as

they exchange hugs.

Marilyn: (Delighted) What a nice surprise to see you two.

Dot: I thought that was you out there, but I wasn’t sure.

Gene: (Giving Max’s shoulder a playful punch) Hey Max, glad you could make it.

Max: Mom and I wanted to surprise you.

Gene: Well, it worked. (Addressing Julie) What did you think?

Julie: You know, I really enjoyed it.

Gene: Yeah?

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Julie: Yeah, I’m surprised by how much. Tonight gave me a lot of things to think about. And you’re

right, people were so friendly. I think Max and I would like to come back. Maybe this would be a good

place to make some changes and some friends. I’ve got lots of questions.

Gene: We’d love to have you. We don’t have all the answers, but Jesus is great with questions and this

is a great place to meet Him.

(addresses Max) Max, you have to meet my grandson, David. He’s here somewhere.

Max: Cool!

Gene: Hey, those are some pretty nice tennis shoes you’re wearing.

Max: (Proud) These are my new basketball shoes. Mom said that you helped get them for me. Thank

you.

Gene: (Winks at Julie) You’re very welcome.

Max: I have a present for you too.

Gene: You do? What’s that?

Max: This!

Gene: (Taking the box he peeks inside.) Umm! Is this peanut butter?

Max: Yup!

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Gene: Do I have to share?

Marilyn: Unless you want to sleep with the dog tonight, you will!

Gene: (Throwing up his hands in surrender) Alright! Alright! I’ll share! I can’t get away with anything!

(Everyone laughs)

Dot: Alright, who’s ready for some refreshments?

All: Me!

Joy to the World-Hallelujah Chorus