A two-act drama, for 3 guys, to be run at the beginning and end of a Christmas program, church service or concert. The first act being just before Jesus was born and the second act somewhat mirroring the first act but in modem times.
ACT I
[Background sheep noises play quietly from sound desk audio. Stars on roof. Musicians darkened. Two shepherds stand behind fire, facing audience. Joe (stage right), Bart (Centre). A third Shepherd, Tom, walks in from stage left speaking the last few steps of his arrival]
TOM: Well, that’s the sheep locked up for the night.
I tell ya, there’s nothing like driving the sheep up that valley.
BART: Yeah, it’s a nice run. Here, I’ll take your rod.
[takes wooden rod and puts it off to left of stage, and returns during the next line]
TOM: Did you see the way I got the sheep over those rocks close to the creek? Wow-Wee I thought we’d end up IN the creek for a moment there.
JOE: Yeah, mate. No one can drive a sheep like you!
TOM: Augh, it’s good to get to the end of the day. What a stress it’s been!
JOE: This whole year’s been crazy so far, ay!
TOM: Yeah. Just like last year, AND the year before. And I can’t see life getting any better next year either.
[brief pause]
BART: I’m not sure if I’ve said this before, but I don’t know how I’d keep going if it weren’t for my faith in the scriptures and its promise of the coming King.
JOE: King David is returning?
BART: No, the Scriptures say the Messiah is coming, and will be crowned king and end the world’s troubles.
TOM: You believe those old writings?
BART: Yeah brother!
JOE: What if this messiah already came, in some faraway land that is girt by sea, and we just haven’t heard?
BART: Actually, in the prophet Micah’s scripture, he says a ruler over Israel will come out of Bethlehem - Right over the hill there! How awesome is that!
TOM: Will believe it when I see it.
JOE: [wanders to front of stage and stares out to audience] Hey guys, do you ever look out at the stars and get the feeling they’re a thousand eyes looking right back at you?
BART: [Other’s move forward and join either side and squint intently, side to side, out at audience for several seconds] …… Nup.
TOM: I guess we should call it a night. I think that’s all the excitement over for the day.
JOE: Actually, does that star look brighter to you than all the rest?
BART: [slightly interrupts] Hey guy’s, listen!
TOM: [pause 3 seconds] What?.... I don’t hear anything.
BART: Exactly! The sheep have gone quiet…
TOM: Wow, that is weird. I’ve never heard them this silent at night.
JOE: Huh. I wonder what they sense?
[lights fade]
SONG: Silent Night
ACT II
[Background Boobook owl sound desk effect, and Aussie crickets/frogs. Stars on roof. Musicians darkened. Three Aussie campers, same actors as first act, with fishing rods, hands-free microphones enter in same manner as Act I.]
TOM: [car locking ‘jip jip’ plays from front speaker.]
Well, that’s the Jeep locked up for the night.
I tell ya, there’s nothing like driving the Jeep up that valley.
BART: Yeah, it’s a nice run. Here, I’ll take your rod.
[takes fishing rod and puts it off to left of stage, and returns during the next line]
TOM: Did you see the way I got the Jeep over those rocks close to the creek?
Wow-Wee I thought we’d end up IN the creek for a moment there.
JOE: Yeah, mate. No one can drive a Jeep like you!
TOM: Augh, it’s good to get to the end of the year. What a stress it’s been!
JOE: This whole year’s been crazy, ay!
TOM: Yeah. Just like last year, AND the year before. And I can’t see life getting any better next year either.
[brief pause]
BART: I’m not sure if I’ve said this before, but, I don’t know how I’d keep going if it weren’t for my faith in the Bible, and its promise of the King returning.
JOE: Elvis is returning?
BART: No, the Bible says Jesus is coming back and will be crowned king, and end the world’s troubles.
TOM: You believe that old book?
BART: Yeah mate!
JOE: Well he’s a bit late, Charles has already been crowned king.
TOM: Hey, didn’t Jesus already come and get crowned with a crown of thorns or something – right before being nailed to a cross?
BART: Yeah, but in the book of Revelation it says Jesus will return to earth again and, unlike King Charles, Jesus will be crowned with MANY crowns.
JOE: Well, that just sounds uncomfortable!
BART: Yeah! Nah, it’s figurative. Like someone who wears many hats has, lots of responsibilities,
being crowned with many crowns is signifying being ruler over many kingdoms, or countries.
JOE: Or planets?
BART: Sure. And the Bible says Jesus will return to reign through all eternity, over all kingdoms, as the King of kings!!
TOM: And this is a good thing??
BART: Yeah!?! Because Jesus is a king who’s forgiving, who wipes away all tears, who meets us where we're at and, no matter what, loves everyone, and just wants them to join his family.
TOM: Loves… me you reckon??
BART: Mate, Jesus loves you more than you love your wife and kids, and that Jeep, all put together. [hand on Tom’s shoulder as spoken]
JOE: More than Tom loves his Jeep? Inconceivable! [hand on Tom’s shoulder as spoken]
[Strings start, and into intro of final song. Final line delivered with patriotic passion:]
BART: He does. And when Jesus comes back, and is crowned with His many crowns, we’ll have a leader who will restore peace on earth, and reign though all eternity.…….. with love.
[light fades – lyrics start immediately]
SONG: Crown Him with Many Crowns Christmas
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Performance: Sing Noel, Wahroonga Seventh-day Adventist Church - November 26, 2022