| Man: In those days Ceasar Augustus made a law that everyone must pay a tax. It was necessary for Joseph and Mary to journey from their home in Galilee to Bethlehem to pay their tax.Now it was time for the baby to be born, and since so many others were there to pay their taxes as well, all the rooms in the Inn were full. The only place for them to sleep was in a stable. So this is where Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. (The organ plays O Little Town of Bethlehem softly) |
| Man: As night came we were on a hillside over looking Bethlehem, tending our sheep, on a high just like this.When, all at once, there was a bright light shining all around us, and an angel appeared to me and my brothers. OOOOO, at first we were very afraid, but as he spoke, a peace came upon us and our fear fa---ded away. He told us that in the city of David, on that day, was born a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And for a sign, that we might believe, he said the babe could be found wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a great multitude of the heavenly host with the angel praising God.And when they were gone, we rejoiced at the good news and decided to hurry down to Bethlehem and see this marvelous thing that had happened. |
| Shepherd:We mean you no harm. An angel of the Lord appeared to us and said we would find a new born babe lying in a manger who is Christ our Lord and Savior. |
| Joseph: Welcome friends. |
| Mary: Come and see, his name is Jesus. |
 |
| Man: When Jesus was eight days of age he was circumcised, as is the law. Mary also, after her fortieth day along with Joseph, brought Jesus into the temple at Jerusalem to perform the sacrifice of her purification, and to present Jesus to the Lord. And while they performed the custom of the law, there came in a man whose name was Simeon, who taking up the child in his arms, blessed God. |
| Mary: God of Heaven... (Pauses as she puts her sacrifice into the alter) I offer up unto you this pair of young turtledoves for the purification of my forty days, according as it is written in the law of Moses. |
| Joseph: And Father... (Pauses as he lifts the baby into the air, as if to give God a better look). We present to you, your son, a child of the Holy Ghost. |
| (Simeon walks in just as Joseph begins to speak) |
| Simeon: Thanks be to the God of Israel, for he has fulfilled his promise unto me, that I should not taste of death before beholding the Lord's Christ. Let now your servant depart in peace O'Lord, to sleep with my fathers, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. |
| Song: I lift my hands in honor and glory to the King, Hallelujah and blessings and praises now I bring. My heart no longer this blessing can contain. So I worship and magnify your name. |
| Man: And at that moment, there came in an old widow named Anna, a prophetess, and she gave thanks also. |
| Anna: Praise be to God Almighty, for my eyes have seen the day of his salvation, the coming of christ our Lord! The glory of the Lord has been revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. |
 |
| Song: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name. Master, Saviour, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and Earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but there's something about that name. |
 |
| Location:http://www.geocities.comgacbloomington/play994.html |
 |
 |