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Good News in Bethlehem
by Tim Pickl (Lone spotlight on the Narrator. Bring lights up on Bob and Marcia as the Narrator reads their names.) NARRATOR It's only a few days before Christmas, and Bob and Marcia finally have some time to relax. It's been a harrowing month of shopping, wrapping and preparing for all 24 grandchildren who will be coming over tomorrow. (Bob and Marcia seated on comfortable chairs, center stage, facing the audience. There is a small table between them with a lamp. Bob is reading a newspaper. Marcia is working on a needlework project in her lap.) MARCIA So, Bob, you sure we got everything wrapped? BOB Yeah, I reckon we did. MARCIA Well, please make sure. I don't wanna forget anybody. Remember what happened last year? BOB I don't wanna remember. MARCIA Little Nolan was sittin' in that corner, cryin'..cuz he didn't get anything. BOB Turn on the TV, I wanna watch the news. MARCIA Oh, it's all BAD news. This world's gone plum-crazy. (Marcia picks up a television remote control, points it at the audience, and punches a button. Sound effect: television news shows and commercials.) MARCIA Which channel do you wanna watch? BOB I like Channel 7. (Marsha starts to punch in the number on the remote. We hear GOOD NEWS in Bethlehem, it's an exciting all-new Christmas play--) MARCIA Where's Channel 7 again? These fancy HDTV channels have different numbers-- BOB WaitWait! Stop. MARCIA I thought you wanted Channel 7? (Bring the entire family! Bring your friends! GOOD NEWS in Bethlehem. Don't you want to hear some good news for once?) BOB Ohoh no. Guess what? MARCIA What Bob, what? What's goin' on? You're scarin' me. (shuts off the television) BOB I COMPLETELY forgot. Nolan's in that playhe's playing Joseph. It's tonight. Poor little guy. Why do we always forget him? MARCIA Oh, Bob! I can't believe this Well, we better get goin'. We're already late. (Lights off. Scene change. Manger center-stage. Lights on. Mary standing, cuddling baby Jesus in her arms, then places him in the hay. Joseph (Nolan) stands behind her, comforting her.) NARRATOR The Good News that Jesus was born in Bethlehem quickly spread throughout the land. Soon, Shepherds gathered to see and to worship Him. (Seven Shepherds walk on stage, from all different directions, kneel and bow before Him) NARRATOR Later, wise men brought gifts to Jesus. (Three bearded actors walk up to Jesus, kneel and place gifts. Bob and Marcia walk inlateand sit in the front row in the audience.) NARRATOR Butwhywhy is this Good News? Babies are born every day, right? What made this baby so special? Let me ask you directly. (The Narrator grabs a microphone, and walks down to the audience. Spotlights follow.) NARRATOR What is your name, sir? BOB I'm Bob. NARRATOR And what is your nameis this your wife? MARCIA I'm Marcia. BOB Yes. MARCIA Yes. NARRATOR We're so glad you folks made it to our play tonight. Bob, do you know what the title of our play is? BOB "Good News in Bethlehem"it says it right here on the Program. NARRATOR That's right! What does that mean to you, Marciathe Good News? MARCIA Well, I reckon it means that the Good News is Jesus was born. NARRATOR Right! AndBobwhy is the birth of Jesus so special? What's so good about it? He's still a babyMary's still going to need to feed and change Him, and give him baths. BOB Because(pauses) because He's God Himself, wrapped up in flesh. ImmanuelGod is with us. NARRATOR Excellent! MARCIA AndI hope you don't mind me speakin' outta turn. NARRATOR No, go ahead-- MARCIA If Jesus wasn't born, He'd never have grown up and done all those miracles and He wouldn't have died for our sins. We'd still be lost. Unforgiven. NARRATOR That's perfect. (walks back on stage) We need to understand Jesus was born and grew upjust like each of us didor are in the process of doing. God loves us so much--He GAVE HIMSELF so we could live. JOSEPH (Nolan) Excuse me sir, can I say something? NARRATOR Sure. JOSEPH Bob and Marcia are my grandparents. I've been mad at them for a year. But, them showin' up and tellin' us the Good News has got me thinkin'. Granny and Grandpa, please forgive me. (Nolan walks down to them, and hugs them) MARCIA Awww, little Nolan, please forgive us. We love you, honey. ---end--- November 29, 2008 A.D. + + + Tim Pickl's Testimony: http://www.pickl.com/timandmarsha/timtestimony.htm FaithWriters Profile: http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?id=22603 FaithReaders Featured Author: http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=44 Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |