Section 2 of 12 - Table of Contents
ANNA (_joining the group_).
Look ye, I've found a little lamb new-born.
TIMOTHY.
Poor little beastie! Wrap him well and warm.
SIMEON.
An ill night to be born in, frost and snow,
Naught but cold skies above, cold earth below.
I marvel any little creature should be born
On such a night.
ANNA.
I found it all forlorn,
Crying beside its mother in the storm.
SIMEON (_comes down a little to right front_).
Hark, I thought I heard a sound of mighty wings!
Listen! Is it the winter sky that sings?
ISAAC (_with the group at rear center_).
Nay, gran'ther, I heard naught. You're old and gray
And weary with the miles you've walked today.
SIMEON.
At noon I met a man who tarried in the shade,
He led a mule, and riding it a maid--
A maiden with a face I'll ne'er forget,
A wondrous face, I seem to see it yet
Lit with an inward shining, as if God
Had set a lighted lamp within her soul.
Many have passed all day, but none like these,
And no face have I ever seen like hers.
TIMOTHY.
Belike the man and maid were strangers here,
And come to Bethlehem at the king's command.
RUTH (_comes down to_ SIMEON _and takes his hand_).
Methinks I met that very man and maid--
A maiden with such wondrous dove-like eyes,
I saw them near this place, all tired and worn,
Trudging about the town, seeking an inn.
SIMEON.
And did they find one?
RUTH.
Nay, not so!
For every inn was crowded to its doors.
Hard by Deborah's inn there is a little barn,
All full of cattle, oxen, cooing doves--
I showed it to them, and they went therein.
THOMAS (_standing at rear L. with_ ANNA).
Mother, that star! That wondrous, wondrous light,
(_Points up._)
It turns the night to day, it shines so bright
I am afraid! It cannot be that any star,
Only a star, can give so great a light.
It frightens me.
ANNA.
All things are strange tonight.
The very sheep are restless in their fold,
They watch the star and do not mind the cold.
SIMEON (_puts hand to right ear, bends toward right and listens_).
Again I heard a singing in the sky!
TIMOTHY.
You heard the tinkling bell of some stray sheep,
The night grows late, come let us all to sleep.
SIMEON.
Yea, all ye lie down and take your rest,
I'll keep the watch alone, this night is blest.
(_The others recline at the rear._)
ANNA (_comes to_ SIMEON).
Here, take the little sheep and keep it warm.
(_Lies down._)
SIMEON.
Poor little new-born beast, I'll guard from harm.
Again I marvel that you should be born
On such a night, poor little lamb forlorn.
(SIMEON _walks toward the manger with the sheep in his arms. The
others sleep._)
The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
(_Soft Music._)
Hark! There's music in the wind! And that strange light
There in the east, it brightens all the night!
I seem to hear again the whir of wings,
Awake, awake! It is an angel sings!
(_He arouses the others. They listen wonderingly, standing or
reclining._)
VOICE (_an unseen soprano chants softly_).
Glory to God in the highest!
Fear not!
For behold I bring you glad tidings
Of great joy.
For unto you is born this day
In the city of David, a Saviour
Which is Christ, the Lord.
And this shall be the sign unto you:
Ye shall find the heavenly Babe
Wrapped in swaddling clothes,
Lying in a manger.
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men!
TIMOTHY.
'Twas a fine voice, even as ever I heard.
ANNA.
The hills, as with lightning, shone at his word.
SIMEON.
He spoke of a Babe here in Bethlehem.
That betokens yon star!
Full glad would I be,
Might I kneel on my knee,
Some word to say to that Child.
TIMOTHY.
See! In the east there breaks the day.
ANNA.
Let us tarry no longer; away, then, away!
(ANNA _goes out at rear, behind the stable, with_ TIMOTHY, RUTH _and_
THOMAS.)
ISAAC.
Come, gran'ther, let us go and see this thing!
SIMEON.
But first get gifts to take the new-born King!
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men.
(_They follow the others out at rear._)
_The curtains fall._
SCENE III: _Hymn by the congregation:_
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Christ, by highest Heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail th' incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hail! The Heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! The Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
_Enter_ PROLOGUE _before the closed curtains._
PROLOGUE.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying,
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star
in the east, and are come to worship him.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ
should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written
by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the
least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a
Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that
I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had
opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh.
_The White Christmas._
As the three wise men rode on that first Christmas night to find the
manger-cradled Babe of Bethlehem, they bore gifts on their
saddle-bows. Gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And so the spirit
of Christmas giving crept into the world's heart. We bring our gifts
to the children. Rich children, poor children! The children of the
high and the children of the humble! Poor little sick children--and
the ragged children of the slums of our cities. Let us remember them
all.
So go ye, all of ye, into the highways and byways, and seek out the
poor and the distressed, the humble and the afflicted, seek out the
ragged children and the outcasts and the aged ones, and in the name of
Him who was born on Christmas day, carry some sunshine into their
hearts! Give unto the poor and the afflicted, and your hearts shall
glow with that inward peace that passeth all understanding.
Then--and then only--will you be able to sing with all the company of
Heaven, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward
men! And this will be your pure white Christmas. (_Exit_ PROLOGUE _at
L._)
_Soft chimes are heard. The curtains are drawn, disclosing the same
scene as before._ DEBORAH _sits before her inn, deep in thought._
DEBORAH (_reading a scroll_).
This is the ancient prophecy. Therefore the Lord himself shall give
you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall
call his name Immanuel.
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and
choose the good.
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the
good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her
kings.
_Enter_ GASPAR _from behind the inn. He comes down center._
GASPAR.
I pray thee, tell me, Lady Bethlehemite,
If any wonders you have seen this night?
DEBORAH (_rises_).
I've seen a wondrous silver shaft of light
Come from a star, and blinded is my sight.
GASPAR.
Tell me, for thou art native of this place,
What dost thou know about the King of Grace--
King of the Jews?
DEBORAH.
Aye, in Jerusalem
He dwells, and not in Bethlehem.
He sits upon his mighty judgment throne,
Cruel and stern, his heart a living stone.
GASPAR.
I mean a new-born King, of love and peace;
His is the star--His reign shall never cease.
DEBORAH.
All things tonight seem passing strange to me,
I have just read an ancient prophecy
That this, our Bethlehem, King David's town,
Shall be the birthplace, e'er of great renown,
Of one called Councillor of King David's line
Whose coming is foretold in words divine.
And now you come with words of mystery!
(_Muses._)
Why should thy questions, which are dark to me,
Cause me to think of Him?
GASPAR.
The star! The star!
No more it moves about the heavens afar,
It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray,
For Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born today!
(_Hurries out right._)
DEBORAH.
His words are fraught with mystery; I'll within
And seek protection in my humble inn.
(_Exits right front._)
_After a short pause_, MELCHOIR, GASPAR _and_ BALTASAR _enter from
rear right._
MELCHOIR.
Three kings came riding from far away,
Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar;
Three wise men out of the east were they,
And they traveled by night and they slept by day,
For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.
BALTASAR.
The star was so beautiful, large and clear,
That all other stars of the sky
Became a white mist in the atmosphere;
And by this they knew that the coming was near
Of the Prince foretold in prophecy.
GASPAR.
Of the child that is born, O Baltasar,
I begged a woman to tell us the news;
I said in the east we had seen His star,
And had ridden fast and had ridden far
To find and worship the King of the Jews.
--_Adapted from Longfellow._
MELCHOIR.
Brothers, our quest is ended; see the star
Is standing still over this lowly hut.
BALTASAR.
Methinks it is a stable. Knock and see!
GASPAR (_knocks on the door of the manger_).
What ho, within!
JOSEPH _enters from the L. rear._
JOSEPH.
Sirs, whom seek ye?
MELCHOIR.
We have journeyed from afar
Led by the shining of yon splendid star.
We are Gaspar, Melchoir and Baltasar.
BALTASAR.
We seek a new-born King,
Gold, frankincense to him we bring.
And many a kingly offering.
JOSEPH _draws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the
manger._ MARY _is seen bending over the crib. The_ SHEPHERDS _are
kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance,
with faintly chiming bells at intervals._
GASPAR.
Behold, the child is clothed in light!
MELCHOIR.
Our journey ends, passed is the night.
BALTASAR.
Now let us make no more delay,
But worship Him right worthily.
(_They enter the manger and kneel._)
SIMEON.
Hail, hail, dear child
Of a maiden meek and mild.
See, he merries!
See, he smiles, my sweeting,
I give thee greeting!
Have a bob of cherries.
(_Places a spray of cherries on the crib._)
TIMOTHY.
Hail, little One we've sought,
See, a bird I've brought,
See its feathers gay.
Hail, little One adored,
Hail, blessed King and Lord,
Star of the day!
(_Places a bird on the crib._)
ISAAC.
Hail, little One, so dear,
My heart is full of cheer,
A little ball I bring,
Reach forth thy fingers gay,
And take the ball and play,
My blessed King.
(_Places a ball on the crib._)
_Enter all others from the Inn. They kneel outside the manger._
ALL (_sing, with concealed choir_).
CHRISTMAS CAROL.
(_See page 169_)
Christ was born on Christmas day,
Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
Light and life and joy is He--
The Babe, the Son,
The Holy One
Of Mary.
He is born to set us free;
He is born our Lord to be;
Carol, Christians, joyfully;
The God, the Lord,
By all adored
Forever.
Let the bright red berries glow,
Everywhere in goodly show,
Life and light and joy is He,
The Babe, the Son,
The Holy One
Of Mary.
Christian men, rejoice and sing;
'Tis the birthday of our King,
Carol, Christians, joyfully;
The God, the Lord,
By all adored
Forever.
THE THREE KINGS.
Hail, King of Kings!
GASPAR.
I bring Thee a crown, O King of Kings,
And here a scepter full of gems,
For Thou shalt rule the hearts of men.
(_Places crown and scepter on crib._)
MELCHOIR.
For Thee I bring sweet frankincense!
(_He swings a smoking censor._)
BALTASAR.
And I bring myrrh to offer Thee!
(_Places casket on the crib._)
GASPAR.
The greatest gift is yet ungiven,
The gift that cometh straight from Heaven.
O, Heavenly King,
Heart's love we bring.
MELCHOIR.
Not gold nor gems from land or sea
Is worth the love we offer Thee.
BALTASAR.
And lowly folk who have no gold,
Nor gift to offer that is meet,
May bring the dearest thing of all--
A loving heart and service sweet.
(_All join in singing "Joy to the World."_)
_Curtain falls._
THE WHITE CHRISTMAS.
WHAT IT MEANS.
How to make a pleasant, _helpful_ Christmas for the Sunday School is
an annual problem. A tree with gifts, Santa Claus coming down the
chimney, a treat of candy and nuts--these and many other schemes have
been tried with a greater or less degree of success. But the criticism
is often made that the true significance of the celebration of the
birth of Christ is lost in the mere idea of bartering Christmas
presents. "She didn't give me anything last year, so I'm not going to
give her anything this year."
One wise superintendent determined to teach his Sunday School pupils
the precious lesson of the beauty of giving. He called his teachers
together a few weeks before Christmas and proposed to eliminate
entirely the idea of "getting something," and in its stead to try to
teach something of the true spirit of Christmas, the blessedness of
giving.
The children were told that while at home they would receive all the
usual presents, of course they would not get anything whatever from
the Sunday School. The story of Jesus and how He gave His life, and
how He liked best the gifts that cost us something, love, thought,
foresight, charity, money--was told to the children and they were
asked to save their pennies, instead of spending them for candy and
nuts, to brighten the Christmas Day for God's poor and unfortunate.
It was put to a vote and every little hand was raised, although it may
be confessed that a few went up a little reluctantly.
Teachers and young ladies met a few evenings later and made little
stockings out of cheap cambric, with a cord put into the top of each
in such a manner that it could be drawn together so the pennies would
not be lost out. The stockings were about five inches long, and of
various bright colors, and there were enough for every child. These
were given out two weeks before Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, near the close of the regular program, a large tree
was disclosed, but without a single present on it. The Minister made a
short talk on the joys of giving to the poor and the children marched
up, singing a Christmas carol, and attached their little stocking-bags
to the tree.
Six little boys and girls passed among the congregation with larger
stockings, collecting donations for the tree. These stockings had
their tops neatly sewed around little circles of wire to keep them
open.
The program consisted of Christmas hymns and carols, interspersed with
recitations--all breathing the spirit of the White Christmas.
REMARKS ON THE PRODUCTION.
SCENERY.
Hang the rear and the sides of the stage with dark blue curtains,
spangled with small silver bits of tinfoil, to represent very tiny
stars. If the blue curtains are not available, use white sheets.
Cover the floor with white sheets. Have two or three small evergreen
trees at rear, covered with white calcimine and diamond powder. Soak
long rags, shaped like icicles, in a strong solution of alum, and then
let them crystallize, then attach them to the trees.
[Illustration]
Down right, near the audience, is a doorway, supposed to be the
entrance to the inn. This may be simply an opening between two wooden
columns, with a step or two leading in. A lantern hangs over the door.
A small bench stands by the inn.
Down left, near the audience, is the manger, a building extending out
from left about seven feet. It has a back and one side of scenery or
dark draperies and a thatched roof, covered with twigs or evergreen
branches. There may be a door leading into the manger from the stage,
but this is not necessary, as the characters can go out behind the
manger. A front curtain, of dark goods, conceals the interior of the
manger from the audience until it is withdrawn by Joseph.
The interior of the manger is covered with hay. Rude boxes and farm
implements all around. A large upturned chair with wooden legs may
simulate the crib, if it is concealed by enough straw. An electric
light bulb is concealed in this straw and shines on the face of Mary,
bending over the crib.
If desired, the manger scene may be presented in the choir loft, the
manger hidden by curtains until revealed by Joseph. In this case have
the evergreen trees at the left of the stage and arrange the manger
scene at the rear and elevated above the other scene. This will prove
most feasible in churches where the choir loft is immediately behind
and above the platform.
LIGHTS.
Dim all the lights in the audience. Have a powerful searchlight,
engine headlight or two powerful auto lights shining on the stage from
a concealed elevation at the left. Shade these lights with a blue
isinglass shield, thus casting a blue light over the entire stage. Use
a strong yellow light on the manger scene, the rest of the stage being
in darkness.
PROPERTIES.
If it is possible have bits of white confetti or finely cut paper fall
from above during the shepherds' scene in Act II.
The bases of the trees should be covered with cotton.
Three rough crooks for the shepherds.
Chimes to ring off the stage. A dinner gong or set of chimes will
answer.
For the lamb use a white muff, being careful to shield it from the
direct gaze of the audience.
A spray of cherries.
A small bird of blue feathers.
A ball.
A crown and scepter made of gilded wood.
A censor made of metallic butter dish suspended by chains.
A fancy jewel case, supposed to contain myrrh.
Bench in front of inn.
Rude box in front of manger.
COSTUMES.
MARY--A sweet-faced blonde. Long tunic of light blue, falling straight
from neck to the ankles. White stockings. Sandals. Hair in two long
braids either side of face. White veil draped around head and
shoulders, bound about the brow with circlet. Dark red mantle,
fastened to left shoulder and draped around body. This mantle may
trail on the ground. The tunic may be made of cotton crepon, the
mantle of dyed muslin.
JOSEPH--A virile, bearded man of about fifty. Sandals. Long black
cassock, easily obtained from an Episcopal choir. Striped couch cover
may serve as mantle. This should be draped about head and body. Long
staff.
SIMEON--An old man with white hair and beard. Tunic of potato sacking
falling in straight folds from neck to ankles. Large gray shawl serves
as mantle, draped on head and body. Long crook. Sandals.
TIMOTHY--Man of forty. Costume similar to Isaac's. Striped mantle.
ISAAC--Man of twenty. Shorter tunic similar to Simeon's. Fur rug
draped over left shoulder. Dark red drapery on head. Sandals. Brown
stripes criss-crossed on legs. Crook.
ANNA--Long tunic of brown. Take a square white sheet and stripe it
with bands of dark blue. This serves as a mantle, draped over head and
body. Hair hanging. A woman of thirty-five. Sandals. If desired, a
blue veil may be draped around the head and neck and the mantle draped
over the body.
THOMAS--A boy of seven. Sandals. Brown strips criss-crossed on legs
from sandals to hips. Short white tunic cut like a boy's nightgown,
but coming only to knees. Dark blue mantle. Small crook.
RUTH--A girl of eleven. Blue tunic hanging in straight folds from neck
to three or four inches above ankles. Border of figured goods, to
simulate oriental embroidery, around bottom of robe and down the
front. This should be about two inches wide. Sandals. White stockings.
Hair hanging. White veil draped around head and shoulders. Later she
enters with striped mantle.
DEBORAH--A dignified matron of about forty-five. Sandals. Long kimono
of solid color. Sash of yellow. Hair in two long braids on either side
of face. Yellow drapery over head and shoulders. Rich striped mantle
draped over the costume.
RACHEL--Sandals. White tunic trimmed with red figured cloth to
simulate oriental embroidery. Red sash. Wreath of red roses on head.
Mantle made of a square white sheet with stripes of red sewed on it.
Bracelets, armlets and anklets of silver paper.
PRISCILLA--Sandals. Light green tunic. Dark green mantle. Gold paper
armlets, etc.
MELCHOIR--Tall, dark man with dark mustache. Long black cassock may be
borrowed from an Episcopal Church. Over this is a red or yellow
kimono. Sandals. Turban on head. This turban may be made from a calico
covered crown of an old derby, with red and white striped rim. He
wears many rich ornaments. Curtain chains around neck and on arms.
This costume may sometimes be borrowed from a lodge of Shriners,
Knights Templar, Royal Arch Masons or Odd Fellows.
GASPAR--Similar to Melchoir. He is a young king aged about twenty-two.
Wear white drapery on head and over it a golden (paper) crown. May
wear sword. Sandals.
BALTASAR--Old king with white hair. Long rich robe or kimono over a
cassock. Red sash. Red head drapery. Golden crown. Sandals.
ANGELS--Invisible to the audience.
PROLOGUE--Stately lady in trailing Grecian robe of white. Hair
powdered. This character should be played by a lady with distinct
dramatic ability.
NOTE.--If it is desired to simplify these costumes, kimonos, cassocks
and cottas from Episcopal choirs, draperies of sheets and couch
covers, and sandals made of a sole bound to foot with brown cloth
cords, will answer admirably in the dim blue light.
Nightgowns, dressing gowns, fur rugs, fur muffs opened, fur stoles,
opera capes, spangled tunics, window cords and chains, etc., will make
valuable substitutes for the oriental garments.
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