© Copyright 1985 Jewell Ellen Smith. Nonprofit groups may perform this play without payment, but if you plan to perform it, Jewell’s children ask that you e-mail her older son David at (DSmith1204@TEST.com, substitute "aol" for "TEST"). All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.

 

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"Unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

 

TIME: December 1899.

 

PLACE: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

PURPOSE or Theme: To tell, in a new way, the sacred story of the coming of the Christ Child.

 

PLOT: Jan van Bol, an elderly American artist of Dutch descent, famous as a painter of landscapes, dreams of knocking at the gates of heaven, only to have Saint Peter tell him he has never painted anything to honor his Creator, who gave him his talent.

When he wakes, Van Bol vows to undertake a series of paintings on the life of the Christ, starting with his birth in Bethlehem. He asks his sister Margaretha to read from the Bible all the passages that record the holy event.

As Margaretha reads, the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and many other biblical characters mentioned (and some who are not) appear on stage in a series of mini-scenes.

Then Van Bol, working day and night, "paints" these persons on his enormous canvas. He depicts the shepherds, the host of angels, the three kings, all gathered in the Bethlehem stable to adore the Christ Child and to present Him gifts. Van Bol calls his painting

 

THE ADORATION.

 

When Van Bol unveils his work, the painting comes to life. The characters speak as if it were the holy night when Christ was born.

In the denouement the old artist dreams that Saint Peter admires the painting and invites Van Bol to come back up to heaven and paint a picture of the pearly gates.

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:

Luke 2; Matthew 2; Psalm 72:10; Isaiah 9:6b; Isaiah 40:11; John 10:1-16; Hebrews 6:20; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Luke 1:31-35.

 

CHARACTERS: (in the order of appearance):

Margaretha van Bol, a well educated, devout lady of Philadelphia, sister of Jan van Bol.

Jan van Bol, a famous American landscape artist, well advanced in years.

Katie, a maid in the Van Bol household.

Saint Peter

A Roman Senator

Caesar Augustus

Joseph

Mary

Ahab, Bethlehem innkeeper

Athaliah, the innkeeper's wife

Jethro, a shepherd

Ezra, a shepherd

Jonathan, son of Jethro

Joel, son of Ezra

Angel of the Lord

Host of angels (not less than 7)

King Herod

Herod's Advisor, Amariah

Chief Priest, Ahijah

Kaspar, king of Tarshish and the Isles of the Sea

Balthasar, king of Sheba

Melchior, king of Seba

Christ Child (a baby two or three months old)

(Total: 12 women, 14 men, 2 boys, and 1 baby)

 

THE SCENES

ACT I

Scene 1: It is late, the first Saturday evening in December, 1899, at the van Bol residence.

Scene 2: At the Pearly Gates, during Jan's dream.

 

ACT II

Scene 1: Early Sunday morning, in Jan's studio.

Scene 2: A street in Rome, when Caesar Augustus was in power.

Scene 3: The home of Mary and Joseph, in Nazareth.

Scene 4: At the Bethlehem Inn, late in the afternoon.

Scene 5: In the Shepherds' Field near Bethlehem, in twilight.

Scene 6: The throne room of King Herod's palace in Jerusalem.

 

ACT III

Scene 1: A day in mid-December, in the spare room of the van Bol residence, where Jan has his painting well underway.

Scene 2: Late Saturday afternoon of the same week, in Jan's studio, where Margaretha and Katie are wrapping Christmas presents for orphan children.

Scene 3: That same afternoon, in the spare room, where--after working day and night--Jan has completed the painting.

Scene 4: A short time later, in Jan van Bol's studio, where the exhausted old artist is taking a nap.

 

 

SCRIPT

 

ACT I

Scene 1. Late Saturday evening, at the Van Sol residence in Philadelphia. Jan and Margaretha have just returned from a banquet held in his honor. He wears tails and top hat, carries a cane and a very large framed certificate. Margaretha's evening gown is lavish; so is her fur cape. She wears gloves, much jewelry, and a feather-adorned headpiece. Both are highly elated over the festivities they have just enjoyed.

Katie, in her maid's uniform, follows the two into Jan's studio. She is carrying an Aladdin kerosene lamp with one hand and suppressing a yawn with the other

The studio has a table, two chairs, a couch, easels and other painting supplies, several landscape paintings, an unfinished sketch of a tree, a washstand with a bowl and water pitcher. Jan's well-worn, paint-smeared smock and cap hang on the back of the stand.

Margaretha is talking excitedly as the three enter.

MARGARETHA: Jan, I tell you everything was marvelous! Just absolutely marvelous! The banquet! The speeches! What they said about you! And your high honor!

And the people there! The governor! His honor the mayor! Everybody who is anybody in Philadelphia! 

And all those artists--from Boston and New York and everywhere! Oh, Jan, it was all just perfect! Didn't you think so?

JAN: in joking tone Well, Sis, I wouldn't go so far as the say perfect! But, I must admit the festivities were highly gratifying to an old worn-out Dutchman like me. But I don't deserve half they said.

Looks at certificate, lays it on table

I can't call myself a "master landscape artist."

MARGARETHA: You are too, a master landscape artist! Let me take a good look at your plaque.

Turns to Katie as she picks up framed certificate

Katie, hold the lamp here so I can read what Mister Jan's fancy certificate says.

Katie holds lamp near M.

To Jan Do you think the university would establish an endowed chair in your honor if you weren't the best artist in the whole country? You just don't know how good you are, Jan.

Begins reading from certificate

"The Society of Master Painters of America is proud to confer on Jan van Bol the title 'Master Landscape Artist' and to award to him this SCROLL OF HONOR in recognition of his unequaled achievements and the great and lasting contributions he has made to art in America. With his magic brush, and in a style akin to that of the great seventeenth century European artists, he has captured on canvas scenes that will be acclaimed for centuries to come."

KATIE: as she sets lamp on table Mister Jan, that sounds mighty important!

JAN: Thank you, Katie.

MARGARETHA: Ah, Jan, I tell you I'm proud to be your sister!

Still holds certificate

JAN: Why, thank you, Margaretha. Hearing you say that means much to me.

Takes off hat, hands it to Katie

Ah, me. Sighs deeply I'm about dead on my feet. Sinks down on couch All that excitement and being up so late is almost too much for me.

KATIE: to M. Ma'am, will there be anything else you or Mister Jan will be wantin' tonight? Tea and cakes, or anything?

MARGARETHA: Not for me, Katie. Puts certificate on table As you know, we've just been to a big banquet; and I don't think I'll be hungry for a week!

JAN: Well, I'm hungry now. I was so excited at the banquet I guess I forgot to eat. Katie, you can bring me a glass of milk and a thick slice of bread. And butter. And plum preserves. Lots of preserves. And, a little stack of teacakes.

KATIE: Yes, Sir. Exits, carrying top hat

JAN: calling after K. An apple, too!

MARGARETHA: I noticed you hardly touched your plate. Takes off gloves, headpiece as she starts out I'm going to turn in. I plan to get up and go to early services in the morning.

Pauses at door, comes back toward her brother, who is looking at the certificate again.

Jan, I wish you'd get up in the morning and go to church with me--just once. It's nearly Christmas, and you haven't set foot in church since last Christmas!

JAN: Aw, Sis!

MARGARETHA: Folks think you are some sort of a "heathen"! Especially Bishop Cole.

JAN: softly and with amusement Just let old Bishop Cole--and anybody else who wants to--think I'm a heathen. The way I look at it, being the next-door neighbor to the bishop is bad enough without having to listen to his sermons!

MARGARETHA: Going to church does you good. Or, it does me.

JAN: Well, you just go to church to your heart's content. I'm surprised though, that any services are being held tomorrow, the typhoid epidemic being what it is. Old Doctor Crawford was telling me tonight that so far, this year, there have been close to 12,000 cases of typhoid right here in Philadelphia.

MARGARETHA: The fever epidemic is that bad?

JAN: Twelve thousand cases is the figure he quoted. More than 900 deaths.

MARGARETHA: Nine hundred deaths! Heavens! That's terrible!

Enter Katie, carrying a tray that holds pitcher of milk, long loaf of bread, bowl of preserves, butter, teacakes, a huge apple, a knife, and a large cloth napkin.

KATIE: Here you are, Sir. Sets tray on table, pulls up chair for J.

JAN: Thank you, Katie. That'll be fine. Goes to table

MARGARETHA: Looks delicious, but if you eat all that, Jan, you'll have nightmares tonight!

JAN: Ah, I don't think so! Cuts slice of bread and begins smearing on butter and jam I haven't had a real nightmare--or walked in my sleep--in forty years.

MARGARETHA: with merriment Remember when we were children and you'd walk in your sleep nearly every night, and how worried mother and father were!

JAN: laughs Yeah; I'll never forget walking in my sleep when we were youngsters. But don't fret. Tonight I'm too tired to do any kind of walking--asleep or awake! Sits down and starts eating in earnest, gulps some milk

Exit Margaretha and Katie, talking as they go

KATIE: Ma'am, do you want me to put up your fur for you?

MARGARETHA: slipping off cape Yes, I wish you would, Katie. Tomorrow morning I guess I'd better wear my full-length coat to church. And a real hat. It'll be real cold. Hands cape and headpiece to K

Scene 1 flows into Scene 2 without a break.

Scene 2

Scene 2. Same as Scene 1, a few minutes later. Jan, seated at the table in his studio, eats his snack with much relish. Soon he wipes his lips, gets up, yawns, and stretches.

JAN: to himself Well, I feel a whole lot better. Picks up apple and the certificate, goes back to sit on couch; munches on apple, studies certificate. So, now I am considered by my eminent peers to be a "Master Landscape Artist"! That sounds great. But, somehow, something is missing. My work has never been what I would like it to be. Lays apple aside. Unfortunately, I'm too old now to make any improvements. Picks up unfinished sketch of tree, looks at it briefly. Look at that! It's no good.

Leans back on couch, still holding certificate.

Oh, but I'm weary. I ought to go to bed, but I think I'll rest a bit first. Pauses All my landscapes lack something. Something I can't quite put my finger on. I can feel it, but I can't see it. Oh, well--voice trails off, Jan drifts into sleep, but still holds certificate.

As Jan begins to snore, stagehands remove screen from in front of "pearly gates" set up in an alcove off the studio. Jan starts sleepwalking toward the gates. He clutches his certificate in his left hand, uses his right to feel his way along. His head is slightly thrown back, and he begins talking to himself.

JAN: Ah, yes, I am a Master Landscape Artist! I think I'll paint a scene of the whole world! And then I'll go up to heaven and paint the pearly gates! Yes, I'll do a picture of the gates of paradise.

Maybe I ought to go up to heaven first. No, I'll have to be dead to go to heaven. Maybe I am dead. Yes! I'm dead! This is very convenient. The typhoid fever must have gotten me.

As Jan approaches gates, Saint Peter steps out. He has the great gleaming golden keys to the gates attached to an elaborate golden girdle around his waist. His garments, his long beard, his halo are glistening white.

ST. PETER: Blocking Jan's path Just who do you think you are? And where are you going?

JAN: Oh, sir, I'm Jan van Bol, an artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And I'm going to heaven to paint the Pearly Gates! To do a lovely painting--from the inside. This is the Pearly Gates right here, isn't it?

ST. PETER: Yes. This is the gateway to paradise.  I am Saint Peter, keeper of the keys. But I am not sure I should let you paint a picture of the gates. I've never heard much about you--only that you're probably a "heathen."

JAN: with dismay Oh no! I'm not a "heathen!" I go to church every Christmas. Sometimes at Easter. I am a famous artist! A Master Landscape Artist! It says so, right here on my certificate. Holds up certificate

ST. PETER: A Landscape Artist? What have you painted?

JAN: enthusiastically Oh, beautiful fields, and rivers, and trees, and gardens! Everything you can imagine.

ST. PETER: Have you painted the Shepherds' Field in Bethlehem, where angels came to announce the birth of your Saviour, Christ the Lord?

JAN: Well, no, I haven't painted that field.

ST. PETER: Have you painted the River Jordan, where the Christ was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended on Him as a dove?

JAN: Well, no, I'm afraid I haven't painted that river.

ST. PETER: Have you painted the gnarled olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Lord prayed and suffered agony and was betrayed? And what about the tree on which the Christ was crucified?

JAN: No, no, Sir, I-- I-- I haven't painted those things, either. I-- I-- I hadn't thought of it. I-- I--

ST. PETER: Go back to earth, Jan van Bol. And before you come again to the gates of heaven, paint some things to glorify your God, your creator. The one who measured out and gave to you the very talent in your fingertips.

Saint Peter walks away. Jan turns slowly, sleep walks back to his couch, lies down and begins snoring again. Lamp on table continues to burn.

End of Act I

ACT II, Scene 1

Scene 1. Same as Scene 2 of ACT I. Early on Sunday morning. Jan van Bol is still sound asleep on the couch of his studio. The lamp is still burning. Margaretha, richly dressed for church, sticks her head in the door.

MARGARETHA: calling from the doorway Jan, I'm leaving now for church. Katie has your breakfast-- sees Jan, becomes alarmed Jan! Jan, are you all right? Runs to him, bends over him, feels his forehead Jan! Shakes his shoulder

Jan wakes abruptly, sits up.

JAN: Hey! What's going on? What-- Oh, it's you, Sis.

MARGARETHA: Are you all right?

JAN: Sure, I'm all right. I must have fallen asleep here on the couch.

MARGARETHA: Well, sleeping in your clothes didn't do your new tuxedo any good.

JAN: No, I guess not. Gets up, tries to brush out wrinkles in clothes. No harm, really. Starts pacing back and forth Sis, I had the strangest dream. I dreamed I died of typhoid fever and went to heaven. But--

MARGARETHA: Good gracious!

JAN: Saint Peter was standing at the gates, and he said--in so many words--that I have never painted anything worth a hoot. He said before I came back up there, I should paint something to "glorify God."

MARGARETHA: That was an odd dream.

Jan stops pacing, blows out light of lamp.

JAN: So, I'm going to do it!

MARGARETHA: much interested You're going to do what?

JAN: I am going to do a whole series of paintings on the life of Jesus of Nazareth!

MARGARETHA: with something akin to disbelief You are? A series on the life of Christ? Oh, Jan, that would be marvelous!

JAN: It will be--

MARGARETHA: But you've never done anything but landscapes.

JAN: Yes, I know. Begins pacing again, talking to himself.

I'll start with His birth. Today! This very day! Jerks off coat, tosses it aside, slips on smock and cap.

Enter Katie, waving a half sheet of paper.

KATIE: somewhat out of breath Miss Margaretha, this note is for you. There won't be no church today!

MARGARETHA: No church?

KATIE: handing note to M. Bishop Cole's yard boy brought this and said give it to you personally. Bishop Cole's got the yard boy going up and down the streets, telling everybody that all the churches are closed, on account of all that terrible fever!

MARGARETHA: Reading, "Due to the unprecedented epidemic of Typhoid fever, now widespread throughout the City of Philadelphia, services at Trinity Church will be cancelled for today. Signed, Bishop Archibald Cole."

JAN: No church today? Good! I'm glad!

Women look at Jan in amazement

MARGARETHA: Why, Jan! You ought not to say such a thing! Think of all the poor, sick, dying people, and--

JAN: Oh, I don't mean I'm glad about the Typhoid epidemic. It's just that if you don't have to go to church this morning, you can help me.

Katie starts out with tray, pauses at doorway

MARGARETHA: Me? You know I don't even know which end of a paint brush to hold!

JAN: I want you to read to me. Get down our family Bible and read me the part that tells about the Christ Child being born in Bethlehem.

Then, as you read, I'll try to visualize all the people there—the shepherds, the angels, the wise men--and what all happened. From that, maybe I can get some idea of exactly what to paint. I hope I can start some preliminary sketches today.

MARGARETHA: with enthusiasm Sure! I'll be glad to. But I thought probably you would do the traditional Madonna and Child.

JAN: No. This must be more than just the Virgin Mary and the Holy Babe.

KATIE: from doorway Mister Van Bol, will you be wantin' to come eat your breakfast now?

JAN: as if he's only half listening Later, Katie. Later. Jan goes to pick up palette, examine brushes, open and close jars and tubes of paint.

MARGARETHA: Katie?

KATIE: Yes, Ma'am?

MARGARETHA: Please go up in the attic, and look in that big chest in the corner--the one in the area above my bedroom--you know, over toward the street? Points to ceiling And get out our family Bible. I think it's in a wooden box our grandfather made, but I'm not sure.

Katie nods her head, murmurs agreement.

If you can't find it, though, I'll come help you look. But, to tell you the truth, with my bad knee, I hate to climb those stairs.

KATIE: I'll find it, Ma'am. Don't worry. Exits

MARGARETHA: taking off coat, hat, gloves How big will you make the painting?

JAN: I can't tell you just yet. I'll have to think about it a while. Make sketches. Plan the composition. All that.

Margaretha picks up unfinished painting of tree.

MARGARETHA: This tree you've got started here makes me think of a legend I read.

JAN: only mildly interested What kind of a legend?

Margaretha begins rummaging through her purse.

MARGARETHA: I thought it was so unusual I clipped it out. Here 'tis. I'll read it to you.

JAN: turning around, still holding brush in hand. Sis, what do you do with all the clippings you save?

MARGARETHA: I put them away. Someday I'm going to make a scrapbook, especially of little Christmas pieces.

Now listen, Jan, even you will like this one. Reads

"Legend of the Flowering Christmas Trees.

"The legend is told that on that bleak, cold night many years ago when the Christ Child was born in Bethlehem, all the trees in the forests stood silent and bowed down their boughs and branches heavy with sleet and ice and snow.

"But at the holy moment of midnight when the divine Infant appeared, the trees awoke and straightened up. They shook off their icy blankets, and put forth leaves and blossoms, and bore fruit.

"Because of this, every tree is a Christmas Tree. And at midnight on Christmas Eve, they all bloom--for a minute.

"However, only the eyes of the pure in heart can see their blossoms."

Isn't that lovely?

JAN: as he opens container of red paint and dabs a bit on sketch paper Yes, Sis, that's a fine little legend. But you must understand this painting I have in mind must be based on Biblical fact, not legend. That's why I want you--

Katie interrupts as she bustles in, triumphantly lugging a large handmade box. She is talking as she enters.

KATIE: I found the box! And the old Bible's in it! Plumps box down on table, wipes off dust with her apron, opens lid See! Backs away

Margaretha takes Bible out and slips it out of its cloth case. The book's binding is in need of repair. Jan comes over to see the family treasure and its box.

MARGARETHA: I remember when mother made this little pillowcase. It took her hours to crochet this trimming.

JAN: taking frayed Bible and looking at it carefully Sis, we really ought to have this old Bible re-bound. Hands book back to Margaretha

MARGARETHA: Yes, it is about to come apart.

JAN: I hope you know where to find the story of the Christ Child.

MARGARETHA: indignantly Of course I know where to find it! Turning to Katie Katie, please take this tray back to the kitchen, and I'll spread open the Bible here.

KATIE: taking tray Yes, Ma'am. Ma'am, should I be fixing lunch for you and Mister Jan now?

MARGARETHA: Yes, but don't prepare too much. Soup. Bread and cheese, or something like that.

Katie exits, Margaretha sits at table and starts leafing through New Testament part of Bible. She chides her brother.

Jan, everybody knows that the Christmas story in the Bible is in the second chapter of St. Luke and the second chapter of St. Matthew. Everybody!

JAN. Not quite everybody. I didn't know.

MARGARETHA: Here it is!

JAN: sitting down to listen If you don't mind, read a few verses, and stop, and let me think about it. Then, read a few more, and let me think some more.

MARGARETHA: All right. Any way you want me to read is fine with me. Clears throat and begins reading

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And--"

JAN: in contemplative tone, half to himself, half to his sister

Hmm-mm-m. Caesar Augustus. The first Roman emperor. Nephew to Julius Caesar ...

Voice trails off as Scene 2 unfolds, bringing Caesar Augustus and a Roman Senator on to another part of stage. There is no break.

 

Scene 2

Scene 2. Caesar Augustus, in a splendid white Roman toga, strides on stage, followed by a senator, garbed in a simple toga. The senator calls to him, and Caesar stops momentarily.

SENATOR: Honorable Caesar, Sir?

CAESAR: Yes, Senator? Turns to senator

SENATOR: Sir, the Senate sent me to speak to you about levying new taxes. As you well know, the empire is in dire need of additional revenues.

CAESAR: Yes. I am aware of that. The Roman Empire is always in dire need of additional revenues. Tell the Senate that levying taxes is easy. Collecting taxes is another matter.

SENATOR: Your Honor, one of our most highly respected senators says that you should issue a decree--right away--requiring that every man, woman and child in the whole empire be registered.

Make the decree say that all families will go to their original ancestral cities to be registered and taxed.

CAESAR: as he strides off stage That sounds sensible. Have the decree drawn up, and I'll sign it.

SENATOR: as he follows Caesar out Thank you, Honorable Caesar. The Senate will be highly pleased.

End of Scene 2
Margaretha reads on.

MARGARETHA: reading "And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David.

"To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was..." voice trails off

Scene 3 unfolds on another part of the stage.

 

Scene 3

Scene 3. It is early afternoon in Nazareth, at the home of Mary and Joseph. Mary, some eight months pregnant, is seated on a stool, kneading dough in a wooden bowl. She is rather surprised when Joseph walks in, much excited and out of breath.

MARY: getting up Why, Joseph! You're home early! I've just started our supper bread.

JOSEPH: Don't worry about the bread. It can wait.

MARY: Is something wrong? You look worried. Sits back down

JOSEPH: Well, Mary, I-- I-- I came home early to bring the donkey!

MARY: The donkey? What donkey?

JOSEPH: enthusiastically He's yours, Mary! I bought you a donkey!

MARY: dismayed, bewildered Joseph! That's very kind of you. But I don't need a donkey! I don't ever go anywhere, except to the village well, and I can surely walk to the well.

JOSEPH: We have to go on a long journey, Mary; and in your condition, you'll have to ride.

MARY: A long journey? You and me? Why, I--

JOSEPH: It's like this: this morning our village elders called all the men together to hear a proclamation from Rome. It was a proclamation--or decree--from Caesar Augustus saying that all persons must go to the city of their ancestors to be registered and taxed.

MARY: My goodness!

JOSEPH: Since we're of the house and lineage of David, we have to go all the way down to Bethlehem--where King David was born.

MARY: slowly, pleasantly Ah, Bethlehem! The City of David! I've always wanted to go to Bethlehem, but it is far away.

JOSEPH: with much concern The thing that worries me, Mary is that it's almost time for the Holy Child to be born. We may not have time to get down there and back even if we leave tomorrow.

Mary gets up, puts bread dough aside, and turns to reassure Joseph.

MARY: lightly Don't worry, Joseph. I'll be all right. Come on, show me the little donkey you bought for me!

Two start toward exit. Mary stops, places her hand on Joseph's arm, speaks very seriously.

Joseph, I've just thought of something! You remember I told you all the things the angel said that day he appeared to me and announced that I would bring forth the Holy Child?

JOSEPH: Yes, Mary, I remember.

MARY: One of the things the angel said was this: "The Lord God shall give unto this Child the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; ... of his kingdom there shall be no end."

JOSEPH: I remember, especially the part about the "throne of David."

MARY: So, maybe Bethlehem is the place for the birth of the Holy Child, the place chosen by God.

Both exit slowly

End of Scene 3

Margaretha resumes reading

MARGARETHA: reading "And so it was, that while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Curtain opens on area of stage set up as Scene 4, the Bethlehem Inn.

 

Scene 4

Scene 4. It is late evening in Bethlehem. At the inn Ahab, the innkeeper--a grumpy, self-centered man--is seated at a table, counting the coins in a moneybag. At the moment he is in a good mood, elated that his inn is filled to capacity and that his money bay is heavier than it has been in years.

INNKEEPER: holding out moneybag, and talking to it as if it were a person Ah, old Money Bag, you haven't been this full in years! Neither has my inn. It's filled to capacity. All rooms taken. I wouldn't even have a place to put Caesar Augustus himself, if he were to come--which he won't.

Empties half of coins out on table

I'm all for this census Caesar ordered! It's bringing plenty of business to Bethlehem.

Innkeeper counts aloud as he places coins in several stacks.

INNKEEPER: One, two, three, four... completes first stack, adds more to second, etc., still counting aloud

Enter Athalia, the Innkeeper's wife, a mousy little woman. She carries a lantern.

ATHALIA: timidly, as she approaches her husband Ahab?

INNKEEPER: Without looking up, and with considerable irritation See, Athalia, you made me lose count! Now I'll have to start all over again! What do you want?

ATHALIA: There's a weary young couple at the gate. They've come all the way from Nazareth, and--

INNKEEPER: sarcastically And they want a place to stay. Right?

ATHALIA: Yes, they do. They have to have a place, and--

INNKEEPER: still stacking coins and without sympathy Well, that is just too-oo-oo bad!

ATHALIA: But what will I tell them?

INNKEEPER: Woman, tell 'em we're filled up! No more room! Tell 'em to go someplace else.

ATHALIA: How would it be if I tell them they can take shelter in the stable? It's nice and clean.

INNKEEPER: Tell 'em anything you want to. And then, my dear wife, if it's not just too much trouble to you, I'd appreciate you getting me my supper! I'm half starved.

ATHALIA: Oh, Ahab, I'm afraid it may be quite a while before I can fix your supper. I've got to help that poor young woman from Nazareth.

INNKEEPER: with scorn Help that poor young woman from Nazareth?

ATHALIA: Her time has come. She's going to give birth within the hour, I'd say. And it's her firstborn. Exits quickly

Innkeeper bangs his fist on the table in disgust, gets up.

INNKEEPER: Just my luck! Of all the women in Bethlehem, it has to be my wife beats himself on the chest who is the only midwife in the whole village! Crams money into sack, starts stalking out I'll go get my own supper! Exits

Spotlight again picks up Margaretha and Jan. He leans over to look at the pages of the Bible from which his sister reads.

JAN: eagerly Ah, Sis, I'm rather enjoying this. What does the Bible tell next? About the angels and the shepherds, or about the coming of the three kings of the East?

MARGARETHA: with pleasure The angels and the shepherds are next! This is about the most beautiful passage in the whole Bible, I think. I can just see the shepherds. Listen to how it starts. Begins reading "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night ..."

Voice trails off as Scene 5 takes shape on another part of stage.

 

Scene 5

Scene 5. In the field near Bethlehem, at twilight. Two shepherds who are brothers, Ezra and Jethro, enter, carrying sticks of wood and other materials for making a fire. Jethro also has a flat wicker basket of fruit and small loaves of bread. The shepherds have sent their sons, Jonathan and Joel, to search for a lost lamb. The brothers talk as they enter.

JETHRO: Our boys should be back any minute now, don't you think? Puts down dried sticks and kindling weeds

EZRA: Yes. I told Jonathan for them to come on back to the fold when it started to get dark even if they haven't found the lost lamb. Eases down container of food, helps with making fire

JETHRO: I sure hope they find that lamb. It was a pretty little thing. Not a blemish on him.

EZRA: Yeah. A perfect lamb. You know, Jethro, so far this year we've been real lucky at lambing time. Out of your flock and mine, that's the first little fellow that has strayed off.

Jonathan and Joel can be heard from a distance--off stage--both yelling out almost at the same time