THE STRANGE NEW STAR
A Christmas Play by Jewell Ellen Smith
--Copyright © 1982
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@aol.com, as her children want
to keep track of the number of performances of each play. All Scripture
quotations are from the King James Version.
Return
to the Jewell Ellen Smith Home Page
Introduction to the Play:
"Now when Jesus was
born in Bethlehem,... there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying...we
have seen his star ... and are come to worship him.... and, lo, the star which
they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the
young child was."
--From Matthew 2
Purpose: To tell the old Christmas
story in a new way.
Theme: The star shining down on
The Child born in
Background Scripture: Matthew 2; Luke 1 and 2;
Isaiah 7:14 and 9:2-7; quotations from Job, Psalms, and Revelation.
Players required: About 40, including a few
teenagers and three infants.
Length of play: About 1½ hours.
TIME: When Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea, in the Roman year 747, or about 6 BC.
PLACE:
THE CHARACTERS, in order of their appearance:
ACT
I
Simeon, a just and devout
old citizen of
Anna, an aged prophetess,
104 years old, who spends her time at the temple, "with fastings and prayers night and day."
First, Second, and Third
Angels
Felix and Lucius, Roman soldiers assigned as guards at Herod’s
palace
First and Second Priests,
religious leaders at the temple
First and Second Guards, and
Guard Lucanus, King Herod’s bodyguards
Herod, The ruthless,
despotic king of the Jews
The Magi,
wise men from the east -- Kaspar, Melchior,
and Balthasar.
ACT
II
Abdeel, the
foster son of shepherd Lamech and his wife Zillah.
Seroba, Abdeel’s
younger sister.
Zillah, the wife of shepherd
Lamech of Bethlehem.
Obed, a
shepherd boy working for Lamech.
Lamech, a
Carpenter Boy, a boy working
for a carpenter.
Joseph, a carpenter from
Jerusha, the wife
of shepherd Ira.
Children of the shepherds:
He-li, young son of Ira
and Jerusha
Eunice, small daughter of Noga
and Zerina
Nag-ge, young son of Noga and Zerina
No-e, teenage daughter of Noga
and Zerina
Zerina, the wife of shepherd Ira
Noga and Ira,
Holiel the Hermit, a learned old
shepherd who lives in a cave
ACT
III
Angel of the Lord
A band of angels (at least
six)
Mary, mother of the Christ
Child
Christ Child
A young couple and infant
from
A young couple and infant
from
Death Angel
SCRIPT
ACT
I, Scene 1
Scene 1: One morning in
early spring. At the steps of the temple in
SIMEON: Ah, Prophetess Anna!
Here you are, as always.
ANNA: The LORD’s
peace to you, Simeon.
SIMEON: The LORD’s
peace to you. Lets tone become dejected May he have
mercy on us both.
ANNA: With true concern
Old friend, you look long of face this morning. What’s the matter? Why
are you so downcast?
SIMEON: Shaking his head
and rubbing a hand across his beard. I don’t know. Hesitates.
Yes, I do know. And I am truly dejected. As I made my way through
the streets this morning, I could hardly walk for the Roman soldiers. Twice
they almost forced me into the ditch. But I trudged on, thinking,
"
ANNA: Trying to encourage
Simeon. It will not always be so.
SIMEON: As if he did not
hear Anna. About that time I passed by Herod’s palace, and I thought:
"Ah, King Herod, you
ruthless tyrant, they call you ‘Herod the Great!’ But you are not
great. You do nothing to free
ANNA: Interrupting.
Simeon! Remember. Remember. It is God--not some king--who will deliver
our nation
SIMEON: Yes, Anna, I know
the promise, but--
ANNA: God will comfort his
people. The old prophets foretold it. God will redeem
SIMEON: Anna, you are a
prophetess. You never leave this temple. Gives a wave of
the hand. You fast and you pray, night and day; so it’s easy
for you to--
ANNA: True, God made me a
prophetess. And I do pray to him night and day. And He speaks to me. But
this I tell you now is not what I
foretell. It is a prophecy from of old! It is God’s plan as He
revealed it to Isaiah, seven centuries ago. Here are Isaiah’s words:
"The Lord himself shall give you a
sign: ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his
name Immanuel.’"--or God with us. Isaiah
7:14
SIMEON: It does my heart
good to hear these things.
ANNA: We must not lose courage,
faith or hope, Simeon. "All the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God." Isaiah 52:10b Someday the Redeemer will
come.
SIMEON: Yes. Someday. But I shall not live to see Him. The end of my days
is almost at hand.
ANNA: Gently.
Don’t feel that way.
SIMEON: Sighs, starts
moving on. I mustn’t burden you with my worries. Death must come to
every man. But, when I say my prayers this morning, I’m going to beg the LORD in His mercy to prolong my
days. Simeon turns abruptly and comes back to Anna and speaks in a brighter
tone. I almost forgot! Have you heard the latest decree sent out from
ANNA: Decree? What decree?
SIMEON: There’s a new
proclamation out. I heard it less than an hour ago, down at the marketplace.
Caesar Augustus has ordered a census.
ANNA: A census?
SIMEON: Each man and his
family must go to the city of his forefathers and be counted.
ANNA: But why?
SIMEON: Contemptuously.
Taxes! Taxes! Our great emperor wants to find out how much more taxes he can
squeeze from us! Clenches fist in squeezing motion.
ANNA: Much upset.
Taxes or no taxes, I can’t go to any city of my forefathers!
I’m descended from the ancient tribe of Asher. And our portion of the
Promised Land was way over on the coast--north of
SIMEON: Soothingly. Of course not.
ANNA: Defiantly. If
Caesar Augustus wants me counted, he can just come count me here in
SIMEON: I’m sure the
authorities can make an exception in your case. So, don’t worry. Me,
I’ll have to go to
ANNA: Now calm. Yes,
you’ve told me that. You have kinsmen in
SIMEON: Lightly. Oh,
yes, I have cousins and more cousins over there. Lamech, and Ira, and Noga, and several more. Even old Holiel
the Hermit is related to me. But they’re all shepherds.
ANNA: What’s wrong
with that? Shepherds are hospitable people.
SIMEON: Well, you see, this
time of year shepherds have to stay out in the fields to keep watch over their
flocks by night.
ANNA: Oh yes. It’s
that time again.
SIMEON: It’s lambing
time. But there’s no problem.
ANNA: When will you go? Right away?
SIMEON: Yes. Might as well get it over with.
Anna and Simeon go their
separate ways.
CURTAIN: End of Scene 1
Scene 2.
Scene 2: A few minutes
later. In an inner room of the temple. Simeon stands,
praying--near an altar table and a seven-branched
golden "candlestick."
SIMEON: Looking up, hands
folded.
O, Lord, "Thou art my God,
and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee." Psalm
118:28
You have delivered my soul
from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. Cf. Psalm 116
I will walk before thee, O
Lord, all the days of my life. But now my days grow short, and I hear a
stirring of the death wind.
Let it not be so, Lord. In
Thy mercy, lengthen my days. Grant that I may live to see the Redeemer--before
I return to dust and am gathered to my people.
I long to see
Simeon drops hands, turns and starts toward left stage. Three angels
glide in, from right stage, and call to him.
1ST ANGEL: Calling
Simeon! Honorable Simeon!
Simeon turns around, gasps
in amazement, throws up his hands, and rushes towards the angels. He falls on
his knees before them.
2ND ANGEL: The
Lord God of Hosts has heard your prayer, Simeon.
3RD ANGEL:
God’s Spirit has sent us to speak to you--because you are just and
devout.
SIMEON: Stuttering,
because of joy. I-- I-- The-- The-- The Lord heard
my prayer? He-- Uh-- Uh-- You mean the death wind is
not--
1ST ANGEL: Interrupting.
The prayers of a righteous man avail much, Simeon. The Lord will lengthen your
days!
SIMEON: Still wide-eyed
in amazement and disbelief. He will? God will let me live to-- to-- see the
Salvation of Israel?
2ND ANGEL: You
will live to see the Messiah!
3RD ANGEL: You
will not see death before you have seen the Lord’s Christ! Cf. Luke
2:26.
Angels exit slowly, off
right stage. When Simeon realizes that they are fading away, he scrambles to
his feet, follows them a few feet as he cries out his questions.
SIMEON: How will I know
him? Where will he come? Who will he be? Still
speaking very fast. Will he come here to the temple?
When will--
Simeon stops, draws a long
breath, gives a sigh; then he turns and clasps his hands together tightly and
begins talking to himself--with great joy.
I’ve seen a vision! Angels were here! Right
here! They said I will see the Messiah! Before I see death! I will SEE him! The
Redeemer is coming! Oh, Anna must hear about this! Hurries
out toward temple entrance, calling as he goes. Anna! Anna!
Prophetess Anna! Come here!
Scene
3
Scene 3: Note: there is no break
between scenes 2 and 3. Simeon finds Anna at the temple steps, her cane in one
hand, a small bundle in the other.
ANNA: You called me, Simeon?
SIMEON: Still exuberant.
The most wonderful thing: A few minutes ago, while I was praying, God sent
angels to tell me that I will not see death until I have SEEN THE MESSIAH!
ANNA: You had a vision of
angels?
SIMEON: Three angels
came! And the talked to me--just like I’m
talking to you. Oh, Anna, think of it! I will live until the Messiah
COMES!
ANNA: Slowly. Simeon,
Simeon, how marvelous! Quickens speech.
That means our Redeemer is coming soon! Maybe I’ll get to see him,
too!
SIMEON: Yes! And--
Two Roman soldiers, Felix
and Lucius, come striding in, talking as they enter.
Their remarks to each other are made while Simeon and Anna are still talking.
ANNA: As soldiers enter
and are talking. Oh, goodness! Soldiers! I’d better leave! Moves
so that Simeon is between her and soldiers.
SIMEON: Reassuring tone.
No, Anna, stay where you are.
FELIX: I still say this palace
guard duty is the craziest assignment in
LUCIUS: Me, too. I’d
give my right arm to be back in
FELIX: Now near Simeon
and Anna. Old Man, where’ll we find the priests and the temple
scribes?
SIMEON: The priests and
scribes?
FELIX: That’s what I
said.
LUCIUS: King Herod wants
‘em over at the palace--right away. Them and their scrolls.
SIMEON: What does he
want with priests and scribes and scrolls? He’s not a religious man. He
doesn’t know one word that’s in the sacred books of
ANNA: Firmly.
That’s for sure!
SIMEON: What’s going
on?
LUCIUS: We’re just
palace guards. We don’t know what’s going on.
FELIX: Well-l-l-l-- In long drawn-out tone. I know some of
the intrigue going on at the palace. Me and one of the bodyguards are pretty
good friends, and he tells me lots of stuff--stuff you wouldn’t believe!
Looks around to make sure he’s not being overheard. Right now,
King Herod is scared half out of his wits. He thinks there’s a plot
to steal his throne!
ANNA: No plot against that
Herod has ever succeeded! But go on. What’s happened?
FELIX: Early this
morning--it was barely daylight--a strange looking caravan came into
LUCIUS: Are their camels
ever big and fat! I saw ‘em,
myself. They’re a foot taller than these regular camels you see every day.
And rich trappings! Even their saddle blankets have gold tassels!
FELIX: These travelers told
King Herod that they’re Magi.--Now what a Magus is, I have no
earthly idea.-- And--
SIMEON: Magi are holy men
who study the stars. They are wise men. Highly respected
in the East.
FELIX: Well, guess what
these wise stargazers asked King Herod?
ANNA: We have no idea.
FELIX: They said--and these
are their exact words, ‘cause my friend
was standing right there by the throne--they said:
"Where is he who is
born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have
come to worship him!"
SIMEON: They asked Herod
about a new king of the Jews? No wonder he’s upset! He’s
been king nearly thirty years.
ANNA: Aside, to herself,
in a musing tone. These Magi followed a star? Hmm--now let me think.
Somewhere--in the oldest writings--there is a Star prophecy. I’ll
think of it by and by. A star?
FELIX: My friend said King
Herod nearly fell off his throne! That would’ve been a sight!
LUCIUS: With some
impatience Felix, we’d better find those priests and scribes, and get
back to our unit.
FELIX: Guess you’re
right. Turns to Simeon. Old man, where--
SIMEON: The priests and
scribes are right back there in the next room. Waves hand towards right
stage I’ll go call them, if you’d like.
FELIX: Do that. Tell ‘em to get out here--on the double.
SIMEON: As he moves
slowly towards right stage exit I’m still wondering why Herod
sent for priests and scribes.
FELIX: Calling after
Simeon. Tell ‘em to bring all the
writings. Simeon plays no attention. I don’t think he heard me.
ANNA: You soldiers
don’t know what you’re asking for! There are dozens of
sacred scrolls: the books of Moses, the books of the Kings, the Chronicles, the
books of Prophecy, the Psalms, the Proverbs and songs of King Solomon. I
can’t even remember them all!
LUCIUS: Ma’am,
we’re just carrying out orders.
Simeon returns with two
priests, five scribes--all empty-handed.
FELIX: Where are the sacred
scrolls?
1ST PRIEST: The
holy books of the Israelites?
FELIX: That’s what
I’m talking about. When you get over to the palace, King Herod is going
to order you to search your holy writings until you find a certain prophecy.
So, you--
2ND PRIEST: What
certain prophecy?
FELIX: It’s got
something to do with where a new king is to appear.
1ST PRIEST: Rather
upset. Honorable Simeon, what do you make of all this? What would you do?
2ND PRIEST: Coming
closer to Simeon. We never take the holy writings out of the
temple!
SIMEON: In this case, I
believe I’d take them. You can always bring them back. It’s best
not to displease King Herod.
ANNA: Yes. Comes closer to priests. Both of you are too young to
remember what happened to the last priest who crossed the king. He drowned--very
mysteriously.
1ST PRIEST: Turns
to scribes. Hiram, you and Jacob go bring the sacred books. Hiram and
Jacob turn to leave.
2ND PRIEST: Be
extremely careful with them.
FELIX: Calling out after
Hiram and Jacob. Don’t be all day now! Turns to
others. The rest of you come on.
LUCIUS: Our orders are to
escort you straight to King Herod’s quarters.
As group begins to exit, out
left entrance, Hiram and Jacob come trotting back, loaded down with bundles of
scrolls. Other scribes take part of scrolls. Hiram and Jacob lag behind to
speak to Simeon.
HIRAM: With much concern
Honorable Simeon, what’ll we do if we can’t find the
prophecy about a new king for
JACOB: I’ve
never seen such a prophecy!
HIRAM: I know all the
prophecies about the Messiah, but not about any certain king.
SIMEON: Turning to Anna
Anna, you know all the ancient prophecies. Is
there one that will tell the Magi where they could search for this king
they’re looking for?
ANNA: To scribes.
Read to King Herod the words of the prophet Micah. Micah foretold that one day
a king will come out of
SIMEON: Softly, to
himself
HIRAM: Greatly relieved
Oh, thank you, thank you, Prophetess Anna!
JACOB: With much
enthusiasm You’ve probably saved our necks!
Scribes hurry out to catch
up with group. Simeon has begun to walk back and forth and he becomes quite
excited, for the idea that the new king could be the long-promised
Messiah has occurred to him.
SIMEON: Breathlessly.
Anna! This new king must be the Messiah! The
one who will save the nation
ANNA: Simeon, you--
SIMEON: Ignoring Anna
Or if he’s not in
ANNA: Calling, as if to a
child Simeon! Simeon! Our Messiah will not be a king when he comes!
SIMEON: Coming back What are you saying?
ANNA: The Messiah will come
as a Babe, a little child.
SIMEON: With
disappointment He won’t be a king?
ANNA: Remember the words of
Isaiah? "A virgin shall conceive and bear a son..."
SIMEON: That’s right!
Then-- Then-- Then if he comes as a newborn Babe,
I’ll see him right here in the temple. His people will have to
bring him here for the sacrifice--to fulfill the Law of Moses!
ANNA: I would say so.
SIMEON: Ah, this is all
going to work out fine. I’ll hurry on down to
ANNA: Yes. He will--
SIMEON: Goodbye, Anna! Hurries off.
ANNA: God bless you,
Simeon. Anna pauses, turns, and talks to herself. I’m still
wondering about that star. Those Wise Men saw it in the East. And they followed
it here to our land. What could it mean? Tonight, I will look at the
star. And I’ll say a prayer. Anna walks away.
End of Scene 3
Scene
4
Scene 4: Mid-afternoon, that
same day, in the throne room of King Herod’s palace. Herod sits on his
throne chair, dozing--an empty wine glass in his hand. He is flanked by two
bodyguards. Two Roman soldiers, who are palace guards, are on duty at the door.
The scribes are gathered around the table on which they have stacked the sacred
scrolls and are going through them, one by one. Both priests are pacing the
floor--the Second Priest right behind the First Priest.
1ST PRIEST:
Gentlemen, try to read faster. We’ve been here five hours!
2ND PRIEST: With no
lunch!
1ST PRIEST:
Hiram, go back over the book of Micah. Prophetess Anna is as old as the hills
of
Hiram puts down one scroll, picks up another.
HIRAM: Very well, I’ll
read Micah again. Pauses, then jumps up from
table. Here it is! Here it is! Old Anna was right! It says "Bethlehem
of Judah!"
All scribes put down their
scrolls and breathe an audible sigh of relief. Both priests hurry over to
Hiram.
1ST PRIEST: Read
it to us!
2ND PRIEST:
Slowly!
HIRAM: Reading, slowly
and deliberately. "And thou,
Hiram hands scroll to First
Priest, who takes it and approaches throne.
1ST PRIEST: Clearing
his throat in an effort to wake Herod. Ah-h-hh-mm!
Ah-h-hh-mm! Your Highness? Herod
doesn’t budge. Priest turns to First Guard. Guard, we’ve
finally found the prophecy. How do you wake up the king?
1ST GUARD:
I’ll show you. Reaches around and picks up wine pitcher and glass in
Herod’s hand. Now when I say "King Herod, here’s you
another little sip," and I pour the wine and poke the glass into his hand,
you start talking, rather loud.
1ST PRIEST: All
right. I’m ready when you are. Moves closer to
throne.
GUARD LUCANUS: Grinning.
I wish you luck!
1ST GUARD: Pouring
wine and trying to get the glass into Herod’s hand. King Herod,
here’s you another little sip!
1ST PRIEST: Moderately
loud. King Herod, your highness, we’ve found the prophecy! It says--
Nothing happens, except that
Herod begins to snore.
1ST GUARD:
We’ll try it again. Turns to other guard.
Lucanus, this time, you shake him a little and then jump
back. You know how mad he gets when we have to shake him.
LUCANUS: Yeah, he gets
furious. Steps closer to throne chair.
1ST GUARD:
Raising voice. King Herod, here’s you a sip of this good wine!
Lucanus shakes Herod’s
shoulders, jumps back in place. Herod stirs.
First guard succeeds in
getting Herod to lift the glass to his lips.
1ST PRIEST: Much
louder than at first. King Herod! If it please
your majesty, we’ve found the prophecy! Shall we read it to
you?
HEROD: Very groggy. Prophecy? What prophecy? Oh yes, the prophecy. Straightens himself up. It took you long enough to
find it! Takes a gulp of wine. What does it
say?
1ST PRIEST: It
says
HEROD: Read me the whole
thing.
First Priest beckons
frantically to Hiram, who hurries over. Priest holds scroll for him.
HIRAM:
HEROD: Growling. Aaa-a-h-hh! That doesn’t tell me much. But never
mind. You can go now. All of you! All of you! Waves hand at group in
sweeping out motion. Get yourselves on out! Back to the temple! Or
somewhere!
First Priest and Hiram bow,
back away. Second Priest makes a big, ostentatious bow. Scribes gather up their
scrolls, bow slightly--in unison--and ease themselves out as quickly as
possible. They whisper among themselves as they exit. Herod turns to Guard Lucanus.
HEROD: Lucanus,
go arrange a meeting with these three Magi. I want to speak with them
privately.
LUCANUS: Sir, they’re
still waiting out in the courtyard.
HEROD: Then get ‘em in here. I’ve got something to tell those
stargazing travelers, and, something to ask them.
LUCANUS: Yes, Sir, King
Herod. Bows, hurries out.
Herod steps down from throne
chair, begins to pace back and forth. Swallows last
gulp of wine and hands glass to First Guard.
FIRST GUARD: Picking up
wine pitcher. Your highness, can I pour you a sip?
HEROD: Still pacing.
No, no, not right now. You can go, and take those soldiers with you.
First Guard and two Roman
soldiers leave. Herod begins talking to himself.
It’s that star they talked about that
worries me. I can handle a simple plot against my throne, but that star is a
different matter. What could it possibly mean? Every time they mention
this so-called Child "born king of the Jews" they keep saying WE HAVE
SEEN HIS STAR! WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR!
So, that star is the key to
their whole search. Now, if I can find out when the star
appeared, I’ll know how to carry out my search.
Rubs hands together and then
clenches right fist.
And believe me, I will search!
Lucanus enters, followed by Kaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. As Herod addresses them and calls their names, each
bows.
LUCANUS: In announcing
tone Your Highness King Herod, the Honorable Magi from the East! Lucanus leaves.
HEROD: With warmth and
charm. Ah, Honorable Kaspar! Honorable Melchior! Honorable Balthasar!
How kind of you to grant me a few minutes of your time.
Time is such a precious
thing. It cannot be bought--not with silver, or with gold!
KASPAR: We are honored to
confer with you again, King Herod.
HEROD: Won’t you sit
down? Ushers Magi to places at table, sits down with them.
MELCHIOR: Eagerly May
I ask if
BALTHASAR: You had mentioned
an ancient prophecy.
HEROD: With seeming
pleasure Yes! Indeed yes! You are to go and search
in the city of
Magi murmur their pleasure
and each repeats the word "
BALTHASAR: Is this
HEROD: Fortunately, not. Just about half a day’s journey. It is an old
place--sometimes called "The City of David," for one of the early
kings of
KASPAR: This is good news! Turns to companions. Just think, my friends, our
long, long journey is almost ended.
HEROD: Will you leave
KASPAR: Thank you, no. The star
is our guide. As for when we leave
BALTHASAR: When there are no
clouds to hide its splendor!
HEROD: When did you
first see this strange new star?
The Magi are delighted to
discuss their favorite subject.
KASPAR: It was-- Hmm-- Let
me think-- Turns to companions. Do either of you remember exactly when
the star appeared? It’s been almost two years, I think.
BALTHASAR: At least two
years. I can’t remember the exact month. Turns to Melchior. Melchior, do
you remember the month?
MELCHIOR: No, I don’t
recall the date. It is the brightness and beauty that
stands out in my memory. Never had I seen such a star! King Herod, at
first we thought it might be two or three stars clustered together! Waves
hands to show clustering
KASPAR: With much
enthusiasm Its brilliance was, and is,
almost unbelievable!
HEROD: Anxious to
establish a date and then to get rid of the Magi. Yes, yes, I’m sure
of that.--Then, we’re safe in saying the star first appeared two years
ago?
KASPAR: Yes, King Herod. In the spring. Probably in your month of
Nisan.
HEROD: Getting up. Ah
now, my honorable Magi, when you reach
Magi rise.
KASPAR: thank you, King
Herod. Thank you for receiving us. For your graceful
hospitality. For your helpful information.
Magi bow, in unison.
HEROD: Bending slightly
at the same time Magi bow. The pleasure was mine.
Magi leave slowly, walking
with much dignity.
HEROD: Rubbing hands together, highly pleased with himself. Well!
That’s that! For the time being, that is. Strides
out.
CURTAIN -- End of Act I
ACT
II, Scene 1
Scene 1: The afternoon of
the same day. At the home of shepherd Lamech,
on the outskirts of
ABDEEL: Seroba!
Gimmie back my lamp! Grabs for lamp, but misses
SEROBA: You
don’t need it! I need it!
ABDEEL: Jumping up to
chase Seroba Come back here with my lamp!
SEROBA: I like the way
you’ve got it shined for me! Darts out the door
ABDEEL: Seroba, you’re mean as a snake!
ZILLAH: Without looking
up from her work, and with the patience of a mother long accustomed to spats
between her children Children! Children!
ABDEEL: Mother, make Seroba bring me back the lamp!
ZILLAH: The lamp?
ABDEEL: I’ve got to
have it ready to take with us. Father will be back from
ZILLAH: Yes, son, I know. Calls
loudly Seroba!
Seroba pokes her head inside the
door. She is holding the lamp behind her back.
SEROBA: All sweetness and
innocence Did you call me, Mother?
ZILLAH: Yes. Give Abdeel’s lamp back to him. It’ll be dark
tonight out at the sheepfold. Starts folding blanket to make a bedroll
SEROBA: Handing lamp to Abdeel Here’s your precious brass lamp!
Abdeel snatches the lamp and
starts polishing again.
Seroba turns so that Zillah
can’t see the face she makes at her brother.
ZILLAH: Seroba,
it’s past time for you to go milk the goats. Get your crock and go
on. And be careful with the nannie that has the young
kid.
SEROBA: Aw, Mother! I hate
milking those goats! Why don’t you ever have Abdeel
milk ‘em?
ZILLAH: In matter-of-fact
tone Men’s and boys hands are too big and clumsy to milk goats. You
know that.
Abdeel grins,
pokes both spread-out hands over for Seroba to see.
ABDEEL: Yeah! See how big
and clumsy my hands are! As an aside Thank goodness!
Zillah’s back is still
turned to the teenagers. Seroba slaps at Abdeel’s hands, but misses She
flips his cap off and runs out.
ABDEEL: Seroba,
one of these days! So help me, I’ll--
Lamech’s hired shepherd boy Obed calls, from off stage.
OBED: Loudly. Abdeel!
ABDEEL: That’s Obed! Sticks cap on head and rushes out, leaving lamp on
table.
ZILLAH: To herself.
Oh, mercy! I hope nothing’s happened to the sheep! Starts
toward door.
Seroba, Abdeel,
and Obed come hurrying in. Obed
is carrying a newborn lamb, wrapped in a piece of tattered blanket.
SEROBA: Look, mother! Look!
It’s a little lamb!
ZILLAH: Folding back edge
of blanket. Such a tiny one!
ABDEEL: It’s just been
born! It’s not more’n three hours old!
SEROBA: Patting lamb on
head. He’s gonna be mine! All mine!
ABDEEL: Obed,
tell Mother what happened.
OBED: Well, Ma’am,
it’s lambing time.
ZILLAH: Yes, I know.
OBED: Well, Ma’am, the
first ewe to bring forth didn’t have one lamb. And she
didn’t have two lambs. She had three lambs!
ZILLAH: My goodness! I never
heard of such a thing!
OBED: One of the shepherds
said it wouldn’t happen again in forty years. Another one said it was a
good omen. Then about that time Holiel the Hermit
passed by, and he said bring this littlest one to you, Ma’am,
‘cause the mother ewe can’t take care of but two lambs.
ZILLA: Of course not.
SEROBA: Can we keep him,
Mother? Can we? Can we?
OBED: Holiel
the Hermit said feed him on goat’s milk.
ZILLAH: Sure, we’ll
keep him, and try him on goat’s milk. Pauses Maybe the nannie with the young kid will adopt him! Little goats and
little lambs look just about alike.
SEROBA: Reaching for lamb
Obed,
let me hold him!
As Seroba
is taking the lamb, Lamech arrives from the village
and ushers in Simeon, who is somewhat exhausted from his trip down from
ABDEEL: At the instant Lamech reaches the doorway Father’s back!
LAMECH: In high good
humor Hey, everybody, we have company! Look who I
found in
ZILLAH: Hurrying to greet
Simeon Why, Cousin Simeon! What a surprise! A pleasant surprise! God’s peace to you.
As Zillah and Simeon are
greeting each other, Seroba runs to her father to
show him the lamb.
SEROBA: Whispers. Look!
We’ve got a little lamb!
SIMEON: Ah, Zillah! God’s peace to you. It’s good to see you.
ZILLAH: It’s been such
a long time since you came to
LAMECH: Cousin Simeon, you
remember our children--Abdeel and Seroba.
ABDEEL and SEROBA: Not in
unison God’s peace, Cousin Simeon.
SIMEON: Ah, yes! I remember.
You found them in the desert that same year that I moved to
ABDEEL: Sir, she still calls
us that--sometimes.
LAMECH: Waving a hand
toward Obed This is Obed, one of my shepherd boys. My flock is so big now I
have to hire help, and Obed is just about the best
young sheepherder in
OBED: Bashfully
God’s peace, Sir.
SIMEON: Obed,
son, when I was a young sprout like you, I was a shepherd boy. I wish I
were one now, but my old legs tell me I’d never make it anymore. Notices
lamb and goes over to Seroba What’s this
we’ve got here?
SEROBA: A newborn lamb!
SIMEON: What’re you
going to do with such a little fellow?
SEROBA: Keep him!
Zillah comes to lead Simeon
over to the table. At the same time Zillah is getting Simeon seated, Lamech looks at the lamb, talks in
low tones to Obed, Abdeel,
and Seroba. This is not for the audience to hear
until there is a break in the Zillah-Simeon conversation.
ZILLAH: Cousin Simeon, come
sit down. I know you’re worn out from your journey.
SIMEON: Easing himself down on the stool and leaning on the table.
Thank you, Zillah. Hands his staff to Zillah. I
must apologize for coming to your home like this. But when your husband found
me stranded at the inn, he insisted.
ZILLAH: It’s good to
have you here. Leans staff against wall, pours Simeon a cup of wine You
came because of the census?
SIMEON: Taking cup
Yes, Caesar’s census! Such a nuisance. I had no
idea
ZILLAH: More and more people
come every day.
SIMEON: The innkeeper just
sort of laughed--and then apologized--when I asked for lodging. "No
room!" he said. Sips wine I felt right sorry for one young couple.
They had just come in all the way from
ZILLAH: They had come all
the way from
SIMEON: The little wife
looked so young and so weary. And it was quite evident she is soon to be
a mother. The innkeeper told them they were welcome to sleep in one of the
stables. So I think that’s what they were going to do.
Simeon picks up Abdeel’s lamp, looks at it
with keen interest.
This is an unusual oil lamp. Why, it’s made so
you can adjust the amount of oil that reaches the wick. Never saw one like
that.
ZILLAH: It’s Abdeel’s. He wouldn’t part with it for a
million shekels.
The talk between Lamech and teenagers becomes louder. Spotlight picks them
up.
LAMECH: To Seroba. Take the lamb outside now.
SEROBA: Can he be my
lamb, Father? All mine? Please!
LAMECH: With a laugh.
Ah, child, if he lives, he will belong to the whole family. But you can
take care of him.
SEROBA: Oh, goodie! Hugs
lamb closer as she takes him out. You pretty little lambkin! Of course
you’re gonna live!
LAMECH: To boys. Abdeel, you and Obed go on out to
the flock. Keep good watch tonight, and I’ll
come early in the morning.
OBED: Yes, sir. Walks on out. Abdeel
picks up basket of food and turns to leave.
LAMECH: Abdeel?
ABDEEL: Yes, sir?
LAMECH: Dip out a cup of our
best oil and take it up to Old Shepherd Holiel. I
promised it to him yesterday--for one of his sheep that has a bad place on its
head.
ABDEEL: Yes, sir. I’ll
take it. I love to hear the old hermit talk.
LAMECH: Now, son, I know we
all call him "the old hermit," but you be very respectful to him. He
is a wise old shepherd.
ABDEEL: Yes, sir. Scoots out.
Lamech joins Simeon at the table.
Zillah pours him a cup of wine.
SIMEON: As Lamech is coming to the table Did
I hear you mention Old Holiel the Hermit?
LAMECH: Yes, sir. He’s
still up there in his cave. He keeps a handful of sheep, and once in a while he
comes down and talks to us other shepherds.
SIMEON: Does he still have
that huge old water jar full of scrolls?
LAMECH: I don’t know
about that. I do know that he studies the stars and that he knows by heart every
Psalm King David ever wrote.
ZILLAH: I just love to hear
him say that one that starts off, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not
want..."
SIMEON: It’s a strange
thing about Holiel. We were boys together here in
LAMECH: He is no ordinary
shepherd. People around here consider him something of a seer.
ZILLAH: Tell Cousin Simeon
what the saying about Holiel the Hermit is.
SIMEON: Saying?
LAMECH: Yes, we have a sort
of saying. It goes like this: "When you don’t know what to do, go
ask Holiel the Hermit!"
SIMEON: Laughing That’s pretty good! I’d like to see Old Holiel. Picks up Abdeel’s
lamp again.
ZILLAH: You can! Lamech can take you up to see him--first thing in the
morning. It’s not far to his cave.
SIMEON: First thing in the
morning--as soon as it’s daybreak--I’ve got to go back to
ZILLAH: Couldn’t you
stay and visit us a few days?
SIMEON: Thank you, no. As
I’ve already told Lamech, I have to be at the
temple every day now. This morning I had a vision of angels and they
told me that I WILL NOT SEE DEATH UNTIL I HAVE SEEN THE MESSIAH!
ZILLAH: With amazement.
The Messiah! Why, Cousin Simeon!
SIMEON: I’m almost sure
he will be one of the newborn babes brought to the temple for the Law of Moses
ceremony. So, I have to be there.
ZILLAH: Marveling The
Messiah is coming as a newborn babe?
Abdeel comes dashing in, looking
for his lamp. When he sees Simeon holding it, he hesitates, and then comes over
to the table.
ABDEEL: Cousin Simeon, sir,
could I please have the lamp?
SIMEON: Why sure, son. Hands lamp to Abdeel.
ABDEEL: Thank you, sir. Hurries out.
SIMEON: That’s
a fine boy you have there. God smiled on you two the day you found those orphan
children in the desert.
LAMECH: Yes. It was a
tragedy for the poor parents--murdered by roving thieves and cutthroats--but it
was a blessing to us. Lowers voice and changes to confidential tone I
worry, though, Cousin Simeon, about the boy.
SIMEON: Why so?
LAMECH: He’s nearly a
grown man, and he’s still afraid of the dark!
ZILLAH: When he was
little--when we first got him--he would cry out in the night! As if he were having dreadful dreams! He’d scream, "It’s dark! It’s dark! Where’s the
light?"
SIMEON: Poor child. He was
dreaming of the horrible night his parents were murdered, and he and little Seroba were left in the desert.
LAMECH: Did you notice his
lamp is made of brass?
SIMEON: That’s the
first thing that caught my eye.
LAMECH: I had it made for
Abdul when he was about five years old. Even now, many a night he burns it all
night long.
SIMEON: Pats Lamech on shoulder. Don’t fret yourselves.
Children have a way of outgrowing their childhood fears. One day he will give
up his lamp.
LAMECH: Getting up. I
hope so. Let’s go see what luck Seroba is
having with her lamb and that nannie goat.
All start out, with Simeon
going in front.
ZILLAH: As stage whisper,
behind Simeon’s back Lamech, do you suppose
Cousin Simeon really saw angels in the temple?
LAMECH: Shaking his head,
speaking in stage whisper. Na-a-ah! Couldn’t be! Points
finger at Simeon’s back. He’s just getting old.
All exit--END OF SCENE 1.
ACT
II, Scene 2
Scene 2: in the afternoon,
three days later. At the home of Lamech
and Zillah. Zillah and Seroba are waiting for
two other shepherd wives and their children to stop by so that they can all go
together out to Shepherds’ Field, where the shepherds are camped out with
their flocks. The women will carry food and all will have supper together.
Zillah is rather impatient as she sits waiting. Seroba
whiles away the time, petting the three-day-old lamb in her lap.
ZILLAH: I do wish those
women and children would come on! We’ve got to get out to
Shepherds’ Field and back before dark.
SEROBA: Who all is going
with us?
ZILLAH: Nobody except cousin
Jerusha and cousin Zerina
and their children. It will be nice to eat supper together--if they’ll
just hurry and get here. Go put the lamb in the pen so we can leave the minute
they come.
SEROBA: Mother, let me take
the little lamb with me.
ZILLAH: Take him with you?
What on earth for?
SEROBA: So Father and Abdeel can see how much he’s grown--in just three
days.
ZILLAH: Reluctantly. All right. there’s
a knock at the door There they are, finally. Run tell them we’ll be
right out.
Zillah ties on a scarf,
picks up basket of food, and then hurries to get more oranges to stuff into
basket. Seroba goes to the door, and there stands the
Carpenter Boy, with a newly finished shepherd’s staff for Old Holiel.
CARPENTER BOY: Ma’am,
the carpenter I work for says could you please take this staff to Mister Lamech and get him to carry it on up to the Old
Hermit’s cave--and, and give it to Old Holiel?
SEROBA: Sure, we’ll
take it. Carpenter Boy hands her the staff.
CARPENTER BOY: You
sure it won’t be too much trouble?
SEROBA: It won’t be
any trouble. We’re going out to Shepherds’ Field in a few minutes,
anyway.
Seroba returns to her mother,
Carpenter Boy leaves.
Mother, it wasn’t
them. It was a carpenter boy--with this staff.
ZILLAH: With surprise.
Your father didn’t mention having a new staff made. Sets food basket
back on table, unwraps scarf.
SEROBA: It’s
not Father’s. It’s for Hermit Holiel. The
carpenter boy said to please take it to Father so Father can take it on up to
his cave.
ZILLAH: Oh, I see. Old Holiel must have broken his staff.
There is a second knock.
Zillah grabs up her scarf and basket. Both start towards the door.
ZILLAH: Calling loudly.
We’re coming, Jerusha!
There is another knock just
as Zillah reaches the door. When she opens the door, there stands Joseph.
Oh! You’re not Jerusha!
I thought--
JOSEPH: Standing at
threshold, in view of audience No, Ma’am. My name is Joseph, and
I’m looking for the wife of a shepherd called Lamech.
ZILLAH: Well, that’s
me.
JOSEPH: Ma’am, they
told me at the Bethlehem Inn that you sometimes serve as a midwife.
ZILLAH: Sometimes, yes. Come
on in, sir. Joseph moves away from door.
JOSEPH: Then please
come help my poor Mary! It’s her firstborn!
ZILLAH: How far is it to
your house?
JOSEPH: Right now,
Ma’am, we’re not in a house. We’re in the stable next
to the Bethlehem Inn. You see, we came for the census, and there just
aren’t any rooms at the inn.
ZILLAH: With surprise
Oh! You’re the people from
JOSEPH: We are from
ZILLAH: Of course I will. My
daughter and I were fixing to go with our cousins out to Shepherds’
Field--to take supper. But they can go on without me. Seroba,
can you take--?
SEROBA: Interrupting
I can take everything, Mother!
There is considerable noise
and talking outside as Jerusha, Zerina
and their children arrive. Jerusha pokes her head in
the door. He-li and Nag-ge
dart inside and go immediately to Seroba and the
lamb.
JERUSHA: Calling out. Come
on, Zillah! Let’s go! Those hungry shepherds are probably wondering
what’s keeping us!
ZILLAH: At door. Step
inside just a minute, Jerusha.
JERUSHA: Coming in Is something wrong?
ZILLAH: No, nothing wrong.
It’s just that I have to go into
JERUSHA: Why sure! Turns
to where Seroba and children are absorbed in petting
the lamb Come on, Seroba. I’ll give you a
hand. Grabs up food basket What else is there to take?
SEROBA: Just this staff. Holds out staff And the Mangala
box. Points to game box on floor near table.
HE-LI: With much delight
The Mangala box! I’ll take that! Runs
and grabs up box and bag of rocks, turns to Nag-ge
Come on, Nag-ge! Here, you take the rocks! Hands
bag to grinning Nag-ge.
NAG-GE: Wow! These are
heavy!
Both boys romp out. Seroba follows, carrying staff and lamb.
ZILLAH: To Jerusha, as she is at the door Tell Lamech
I’ll be back as soon as I can get back.
JERUSHA: I sure will. Exits.
ZILLAH: To Joseph
I’ll be ready in a second. Goes over to chest in
corner of room, lifts lid.
JOSEPH: Now I hate to ask
you, but my Mary didn’t bring a thing with her from
ZILLAH: In a tone to
reassure Joseph Why, I think so. Rummages through
chest, takes out a length of white cloth, holds it up Yes, I
can tear this into strips, and it’ll do fine. Looks back into chest as
she talks I’ll take oil, of course, and the salt. Takes
up containers.
JOSEPH: Oil and salt?
ZILLAH: Every newborn child
has to be rubbed good with oil and a little salt before he’s wrapped in
the swaddling bands. Didn’t you know that? Starts
out the door.
JOSEPH: Following Zillah
Ma’am, I don’t know much about such things. I just know that
Mary’s Child is a promise from God.
End of Scene 2
ACT
II, Scene 3
Scene 3: That same evening,
at dusk. Out in the field where the
A small campfire separates
the youngsters from their parents, who sit on the ground in an irregular circle--on
right stage.
As the curtain opens, the
youngsters are shrieking and laughing, the older people are talking; and there
is the sound of sheep bleating. Spotlight picks up Mangala
game.
ABDEEL: Out of patience
with his sister Seroba, it’s not your
turn. You know about as much about playing Mangala as
that lamb in your lap!
SEROBA: I know as much as
you do, smarty! Turns to Obed
Obed, whose turn is it to play?
He-li
gets up, moves closer to Abdeel, watches play
closely.
OBED: I think No-e is next.
NO-E: I’m putting
three rocks into hole number seven! Drops
three pebbles into 7th hole of Mangala
box.
OBED: Putting one rock
into box I want this pebble in good old number fourteen!
Sheep bleat 3 times.
HE-LI: I wish you’d
let me play Mangala!
NAG-GE: Loudly Me,
too!
EUNICE: Loudly Me,
too!
HE-LI: When can the
rest of us play?
ABDEEL: Soon as I win
this game. Drops seven rocks--one by one--into Mangala
box That does it! Jumps up I’ve won!
I’ve won!
He-li,
Nag-ge, and Eunice clap their hands and squeal their
delight. Losing players mutter their disappointment. All talk at the same
time—to create much noise--as follows:
He-li:
Yippee! Now we can play! Shakes rocks out of Mangala box.
Eunice: Our turn now!
Seroba: Aw, I wanted to win!
No-e: Abdeel,
you always win! Are you sure you don’t cheat?
Obed: We’ll get you next
time, Ab!
Much
sheep bleating. Spotlight shifts to grownups.
LAMECH: Calling out.
Children! Children! Not so much noise over there! The sheep will never settle
down! Turns to companions Our flocks seem more restless this evening
than ever. Finishes eating his piece of bread.
One lone sheep bleats.
IRA: Reaching for more
grapes Yeah, they do. And I don’t understand it.
NO-GA: Lamech,
are you going to take the old hermit his new staff tonight? Stuffs
a couple of grapes in his mouth.
LAMECH: Getting up
Yeah. And I guess I’d better get on up there with it--before Old Holiel goes off to bed.
Lamech takes new staff from the
bush where he had placed it earlier. Women quietly start putting away leftover
food.
NO-GA: While you’re up
there, ask the old hermit what he thinks is making the sheep so fidgety, these
past few nights.
IRA: I can tell you what he
will say. He’ll say it’s on account of that strange new star!
It does brighten up the sky.
LAMECH: It might be
the star. I never saw one like it before in my life.
NO-GA: None of us have.
IRA: Old Holiel
studies the stars, and he knows sheep. So he ought to tell us something.
LAMECH: Calling to Abdeel as he strides off Abdeel!
Come go with me!
ABDEEL: Scrambling to his
feet Yes, sir! Starts toward Lamech, then
darts back to grab up his brass lamp from the play area. He catches up with Lamech as they both exit.
Sheep bleat again. He-li leaves Mangala game and comes
to lean on the shoulder of his father, Ira. Light focuses on shepherds and
wives.
ZERINA: Noga,
what strange star are you men talking about?
NOGA: Still eating
grapes. You haven’t noticed that big new star?
ZERINA: No.
JERUSHA: Picking up the
basket of grapes Me, neither. But then I
don’t sit up nights watching sheep and looking at the stars, like you
shepherds do. Passes basket of grapes to Noga, who takes a few and hands basket on to Ira.
Ira and He-li take a small bunch and Ira hands the
basket back to Jerusha.
IRA: You women miss a
lot--staying in the house all the time.
NOGA: We spotted the new
star earlier this week. It comes up in the east--right soon after the Evening
Star. But it’s three times as big as the Evening Star.
ZERINA: To Jerusha Tonight we’ll take special notice,
won’t we, Jerusha?
JERUSHA: We sure will. Right
now, though, we’d better gather up things and get the children back
home--before dark sets in.
Women busy themselves with
food. Men ease themselves over closer to fire and out of the way. Youngsters
continue dropping rocks into the Mangala box.
HE-LI: At his
father’s shoulder, and speaking in his most persuasive tone. Father,
let me stay out here with you tonight!
IRA: With surprise.
Why, son, what for?
HE-LI: So you can show me that
strange new star!
IRA: Warmly. All
right! You can stay, and I’ll show you the star. You’re getting big
enough to be a shepherd, anyway. Puts arm around He-li.
He grins, sits down by No-ga.
JERUSHA: Calling loudly
Come on, children! Time to go home!
Youngsters talk to each
other as they follow Jerusha and Zerina
offstage. Obed comes over to shepherds, bringing the Mandala box. He hands it to He-li.
HE-LI: Father, can we play a
game of Mandala?
IRA: No, no, son.
We’ve got to get off to sleep. Shepherds have to sleep when they can. Turns
to Obed Obed, maybe
you’d better go check on the sheep. Walk all the way around the fold.
OBED: Yes, sir. Leaves.
Ira goes for his bedroll,
hands a blanket to He-li.
NO-GA: Lamech
and Abdeel won’t be back for a while, but I
think I’ll turn in, too.
Lights go down low as Ira,
No-ga, and He-li wrap
blankets around themselves and lie down to sleep. The sheep bleat faintly,
gradually quieting down.
End of Scene 3
Scene
4
Scene 4: That same evening. At the entrance of Holiel the
Hermit’s cave. Holiel is taking a close
look at his new shepherd’s staff. His broken one leans against the wall,
not far from a broom made of brush and a long-used water jar. Lamech sits on a stool. Abdeel
stands, watching the old shepherd.
HOLIEL: Running his hand
up and down the staff and tapping it on the ground to test its strength.
This is a fine new staff. It should last me the rest of my life.
LAMECH: Wild olive wood is
durable.
Holiel leans the new staff against
wall, near old one.
ABDEEL: Sir, how did you
happen to break your old staff?
HOLIEL: Son, it happened
after the last rain we had. One of my sheep, an old ram I call Zeke--his real
name is Ezekiel--Zeke strayed off into a bad rocky place and slid down into a
crevice. And I was trying to help him climb out when the crook of my staff just
popped half in two!
ABDEEL: What happened to
Zeke?
HOLIEL: Zeke finally scrambled
out--somehow. Of course he got all skinned up and bruised. But he’s all
right now.
LAMECH: Sir, here lately,
our sheep have been very restless--especially at night after the stars come
out. And when we noticed a strange new star in the sky, we--
HOLIEL: With excitement
Ah, you’ve seen it, too. What a star! So bright! So big! I can’t
wait for it to come out again tonight!
LAMECH: My cousins were
wondering if it’s the star that’s making the sheep so fidgety.
HOLIEL: I couldn’t say
about that. Sometimes, sheep can be very stupid. Other times, they sense things
long before people do.
It’s the meaning
of that star that fascinates me. I wish I know why it’s there.
ABDEEL: Sir, folks say you
know everything about the stars!
HOLIEL: No, son, not everything.
I look at the stars--almost every night. And I think:
"How great is our God!
The sun, the moon, and the stars are the ’work of his
fingers.’" Lines from the songs of David the King come to me:
"The heavens declare
the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his
handiwork ... He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them by their names."
Some nights, I go in my cave
and bring out one of the old sacred scrolls and read it here by the light of
the stars.
ABDEEL: Much fascinated
What does it say?
HOLIEL: Much, my son. Very much. It says our God will send the Messiah. It says
our God "does great things past finding out. Yes, and wonders without
number." From Job 9
LAMECH: Honorable Holiel, would you read some of these writings to my son?
ABDEEL: Eagerly Would you, sir?
HOLIEL: Somewhat
surprised Why, yes! With pleasure! Turns to Abdeel. Abdeel, step
inside the door and look to your left. You’ll see a water jar, full of
scrolls. Just bring me the whole jar, and I’ll pick out something to read
to you.
ABDEEL: Much pleased.
Yes, sir! Jumps up and goes for jar, comes right back.
HOLIEL: I’ve
had the scrolls many years--ever since I studied in
LAMECH: That makes me think.
My cousin Simeon from
HOLIEL: I’d like to
see old Simeon. Does he look well?
LAMECH: Real well. He was
telling--
HOLIEL: Getting up to
help Abdeel with jar. Here, Son, let’s set
it right over here. Takes out a scroll, begins to unroll it as he sits down.
This is a good one for you to hear. Sit back down.
Abdeel sits back down on the
ground.
What I’m going to read to you is about the Messiah
God has promised.
Abdeel edges closer to listen.
First, now, old Isaiah the prophet is talking. Begins reading.
"... The people that walked in darkness have
seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them hath the light shined...."
Holiel interrupts his reading and
becomes highly excited as a new thought about the star and the Messiah occurs
to him.
"The people ... have seen a great light!"
Jumps to his feet.
That’s it! That’s it!
The new star is the great light!
It’s for the Messiah!
The Messiah will be like that bright star, shining
in the darkness!
It’s His star! It is! It’s
the Messiah’s star!
He’s coming!
LAMECH: Marveling The
Messiah’s star! Yes! That’s what it is!
ABDEEL: With awe God
must have made it for Him!
HOLIEL: Yes! God made it!
ABDEEL: Eagerly Read
on some more!
HOLIEL:
"... Of the increase of
his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and
upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with
justice from henceforth even for ever."
ABDEEL: Much impressed
with what he has just heard Our Messiah will be a great king!
LAMECH: Getting to his
feet What should we do? Maybe we should
start searching for this Holy Child King!
HOLIEL: No, Lamech. Not yet. We must wait.
God will choose his own time
and his own way to reveal the Messiah to us.
Pauses
We will watch the star. And
wait.
Lights go down, out.
END OF Scene 4 and ACT II
ACT
III, Scene 1
Scene
1.
That same evening, just before midnight, at the sheepfold of the
ABDEEL: Father! Quick,
father! Wake up! Father, you’ll have to wake up!
LAMECH: Still half
asleep. Abdeel? Son, don’t tell me you’re afraid of the
dark TONIGHT! Sits up, rubbing eyes, back turned to
angels.
ABDEEL: With desperation
It’s not the dark, Father! It’s
ANGELS!
Angels approach slowly.
LAMECH: Yawns Angels?
You sound like old Cousin Simeon! Son, people don’t see angels!
ABDEEL: Pointing toward
angels Look father! Look! There they are!
Lamech turns around,
sees band of angels.
LAMECH: Much astonished
It is! Scrambles to his feet, whirls around,
and shakes Ira and Noga awake.
Abeel runs to Obed.
He-li wakes, clings to Ira.
IRA: Sits up, shields his
eyes against the bright light What’s
happened? Gasps when he sees angels, grabs He-li and backs away.
NOGA: Much startled The sheep? Are the sheep all right?
LAMECH: It’s not
sheep! It’s angels! Look! Points to Angel of the Lord, who is now within talking distance.
Noga scrambles back, dragging
his blanket. Obed jumps up, tries to hide behind Abdeel. Both boys back away from Angel of the Lord.
ANGEL OF THE LORD: Coming
closer to the shepherds. Shepherds, don’t be
afraid. We bring you good tidings!
LAMECH: Ti-- Ti-- Tidings?
ANGEL OF THE LORD: Good
tidings of great joy!
BAND OF ANGELS: In unison
Great joy!
ANGEL OF THE LORD: Great
joy, which shall be to all people!
BAND: In unison To all people! All people of the world.
ANGEL OF THE LORD:
"Unto you is born this day in the City of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
BAND: In unison This day! This day! Born in the City of
SHEPHERD GROUP: Not in
unison, but each with a tone of awe The Messiah?
BAND: In unison The
Messiah! Jesus! The Christ! The Lord!
ANGEL OF THE LORD: This
shall be a sign to you: "You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger!"
LAMECH: Echoing
angel’s words A Babe ... lying in a manger!
ANGEL OF THE LORD: Let all
mankind give glory to God in the Highest!
BAND: Joyously, in
unison, rather loudly All "glory to God in
the Highest!"
ANGEL OF THE LORD: The
coming of the Christ means "peace on earth, good will to men!"
BAND: Softly, in unison
Peace! Peace! God’s Peace and Good Will! More loudly ALL GLORY IN
THE HIGHEST!
Angels fade away. The
bewildered shepherds look at each other a few seconds and the all begin talking
at the same time. Those on the ground scramble to their feet.
Ira: Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go
to
Noga: The Messiah has come!
Let’s go find him!
Abdeel: They said he’d be in
a stable--sleeping in a manger!
Obed: The angels said we could
find him!
Lamech: Let’s go to
HE-LI: To Ira.
Father, can I go? I want to see the Christ Child!
IRA: Sure, son!
OBED: To Lamech. Can I go, sir? Or do I have to stay with the
sheep?
LAMECH: We’ll all
go!
NOGA: Let’s go get our
wives and children!
IRA: What about the old
hermit?
LAMECH: Abdeel,
you and Obed go get Holiel
the Hermit! And we’ll all meet at the big curve in the
ABDEEL: There where the road
from
LAMECH: That’s the
place. Let’s hurry!
All exit,
going in different directions.
END of Scene 1
Scene
2
Scene
2.
Just after midnight, at the stable in
JOSEPH: Mary?
MARY: Yes, Joseph?
JOSEPH: What are you
thinking?
MARY: Gently touching the
Child’s face. I’m thinking how beautiful He is.
JOSEPH: He is a
beautiful Child.
MARY: And I’m thinking
of what the angel Gabriel told me that day--about his name.
"Thou ... shalt call
his name JESUS," he said.
"He shall be great,
"And shall be called
the Son of the Highest! ... The Son of God ...
"And the Lord God shall give unto him the
throne of his father David.
"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob
forever;
"And of his kingdom there shall be no
end." Luke 1:31-35
JOSEPH: And so it shall
be, Mary. On the eighth day will come the circumcision, and we will
call his name JESUS--just as the angel said.
MARY: And on the fortieth
day, will we--
JOSEPH: On the fortieth day
we will go to
MARY: We’ll make the
sacrifice? And have my purification ceremony?
JOSEPH: Everything! All that the Law of Moses requires. I’ll buy a pair of
turtledoves, or two young pigeons, for the sacrifice. And we’ll present
him to the Lord! Luke 2:21-24.
MARY: As if she can
visualize going to the temple That will be a
wonderful day! I can see the ceremony now. I wonder what those at the temple
will say about little Jesus. Smooths down straw around Christ Child.
JOSEPH: They’ll
probably say: "So, his name is Jesus? That means ‘Jehovah is
salvation!’" Then, they’ll say--
The Magi arrive at the
stable entrance.
Mary! Some people are
coming! Gets up. Unusual people! Goes to greet visitors.
The Magi bow to Joseph.
KASPAR: Sir, we are
Magi--come from the east, from "the Land-between-two-rivers."
MELCHIOR: We are searching
for a certain newborn king.
JOSEPH: A newborn king?
KASPAR: Yes.
JOSEPH: Well, sir, the Babe
here in the manger is newborn--born this very night--and God has said he will
be a king forever! But he may not be the one you seek.
KASPAR: We believe he is.
In
BALTHASAR: It is the star,
though, and an ancient prophecy that prove to us that this Child in the
manger is the one.
JOSEPH: With some
surprise Are you talking about the great new star
shining down on
KASPAR: It is the star of a
king. We first saw it in the east, and we’ve followed it for what seemed
endless miles--until we reached the
JOSEPH: How did you know where
the star would lead you?
KASPAR: We didn’t
know. We only knew your ancient Jewish prophecy about the coming of a Star
King. It’s a prophecy your ancestors left in
MELCHIOR: Babylonian
scholars told us this prophecy is from one of your sacred books, and it goes
like this:
"Behold, there shall
come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter (or a Great King) shall rise out
of
BALTHASAR: Very earnestly
So, we reasoned that the Divine Creator--who set all the stars in the
heavens--had made this new star as a sign of the Holy King long
promised to Israel!
JOSEPH: With amazement
Oh! I see!
KASPAR: The Child asleep
there in the manger is of
JOSEPH: Yes, Honorable Magi.
He is. He is of the house and lineage of David the King.
KASPAR: Turning to
companions My friends, there is no doubt.
He is the Holy Child we seek.
MELCHIOR & BALTHASAR: Nodding
their heads in agreement Yes!
KASPAR: To Joseph We came to worship him, and to give him gifts.
JOSEPH: Then, come. Come and
see him. Beckons group to come close to manger.
As the Magi are proceeding
to the manger, the shepherds and their families and Holiel
the Hermit arrive at the stable entrance--left stage. They halt and Lamech whispers to the children.
LAMECH: Shh-hh-h!
Children, be quiet!
The Magi follow Joseph. When
they reach the manger, they bow down in unison and then rise. One by one they
advance and present a gift. Joseph accepts each presentation.
KASPAR: I offer gold
to this Child King who shall reign forever, over a kingdom that has no end! Backs back.
MELCHIOR: I bring him
frankincense. Backs back.
BALTHASAR: I give him
myrrh. Backs back.
Magi turn and leave--off right
stage. Spotlight follows them out and then picks up shepherd group. Lamech, Zillah, Old Holiel, Seroba, and Abdeel are in
forefront.
LAMECH: I wish we had
some gifts to give to the Holy Child!
ZILLAH: Handing basket of
fruit to Lamech. I brought this fruit for the
young couple.
LAMECH: I mean some real
gifts--for the Christ Child, himself.
SEROBA: Coming to Lamech. Father?
LAMECH: Yes, Seroba?
SEROBA: Holding out lamb
We can give him our lamb!
All in group murmur
approval, some saying one thing, some another--all at
the same time, as follows:
A lamb! Yes!
That’s a wonderful present!
A lamb is a perfect gift!
Anybody would like to get a lamb!
LAMECH: Yes, Seroba, we could give him the lamb.
ABDEEL: Hurrying to Lamech Father, I have something to give him! My
lamp! Holds out brass lamp.
All in group express
surprise and approval, some murmuring one thing and some another--all at the
same time, as follows:
That’s good!
Give up your brass lamp?
That’ll be a good gift, too!
Everybody needs a lamp, sometimes.
LAMECH: At a loss for
words Why, son, I’m so surprised, I-- I-- I don’t know what to
say. Turns to Holiel.
Honorable Holiel, you’re wise in such matters. Do you think it
will be all right to offer a lamb and a lamp to the Holy Child?
HOLIEL: Coming to Lamech These are good
gifts. If I were a prophet, instead of an old shepherd, these are
the words I would say to you all: Indicates whole group Give the Child
this little lamb. One day He will be called "the Lamb of God."
Cf. John 1:36.
Give the Child the brass
lamp. One day He will say "I am the light of the world." Cf. John
8:12.
Holiel moves a step or two.
Now, I have the third gift to give: my
shepherd’s staff! Holds out staff.
All in group murmur
surprise, and approval.
LAMECH: Your new
shepherd’s staff?
HOLIEL: Yes. I will give the
Holy Child this staff. He will be a shepherd. One day he will say,
"I am the Good Shepherd!" And, He will lay down his life for his
sheep. Cf. John 9:14-15.
Joseph approaches shepherd
group.
JOSEPH: Come! All of you!
Come and see Him!
All quietly gather in
semi-circle before the manger and kneel--not in unison, but by two’s and
three’s. As all continue to kneel, Seroba, Abdeel, and Holiel rise, one by
one, and lay their gifts at the foot of the manger. And each kneels down, and
stays, close to the manger.
Lights go down, and out.
CURTAIN: End of Scene 2
Scene
3
Scene 3: One morning several
weeks later, at the entrance to the
ANNA: Cheerfully. God’s
peace, Simeon! You’re late getting to the temple this morning.
SIMEON: Yes, I am.
ANNA: And your face is long again!
SIMEON: Ah, Anna, I’m troubled--in
my mind, and in my heart.
ANNA: You will see the
Messiah! You will. God has promised you. Didn’t you tell me your Cousin Lamech sent you word from
SIMEON: Lamech
came and told me himself. But this morning when I passed through the
marketplace, I heard a terrible thing! I couldn’t believe it.
ANNA: What terrible thing?
SIMEON: King Herod has
ordered that all the children of
ANNA: Gasps. Oh! How
horrible! That wicked Herod! How could he kill innocent
children!
SIMEON: Shaking his head.
Oh-h-h, it has me worried, worried for the Holy Child!
A young
couple carrying an infant enter, but Anna and Simeon do not notice them, at
first.
ANNA: Trying to reassure
Simeon. Don’t worry, Simeon. God will provide for his escape--to
Anna sees couple with baby.
Look, Simeon! A couple with their
firstborn son. Maybe this is the holy Babe!
SIMEON: Maybe. I saw the
young
FIRST YOUNG FATHER: Approaching
Simeon Sir, could you tell me where they sell the turtledoves and young
pigeons? We’ve brought our firstborn--to make the Law of Moses sacrifice.
SIMEON: Son, you go through
that entranceway there--to the left. Points But first, may I see the child?
1ST FATHER: Proudly
Certainly, sir. To wife Bring our son!
Wife proudly uncovers
child’s face and smiles. Both Simeon and Anna look at the baby.
SIMEON: With not much
enthusiasm He is a fine, big child.
ANNA: Yes, he is fine
looking.
1ST MOTHER:
He’s forty days old today!
SIMEON: To father Son,
are you from
1ST FATHER: No,
sir. My family lives just outside
SIMEON:
Couple moves on. A second
couple with an infant approach, as Simeon and Anna talk on.
ANNA: I could tell that
wasn’t the Holy Child--even before I saw his face.
SIMEON: I could sense he
wasn’t the one. Sees second couple. Look, Anna! Another couple
with their firstborn! Maybe this is the one!
2ND FATHER: As
he comes forward God’s peace to both of you.
ANNA: God’s peace to
you and yours.
Anna goes over to wife, and
wife shows her the infant. Women smile, gesture to each other--as if talking,
while men are talking.
SIMEON: God’s peace,
stranger. I suppose you’ve come to dedicate your son to the LORD--as the Law of Moses
requires.
2ND FATHER: We
have, sir. We came all the way from
SIMEON:
2ND FATHER: From
Nazareth, sir?
SIMEON: Never mind. It would
be too hard to explain it to you. You’ll find the turtledoves and pigeons
on sale in the outer courtyard. Just take the left door, there. Points.
Couple moves on, talking to
each other.
2ND FATHER: That
poor old man seemed so disappointed that we aren’t from
2ND WIFE: I
wonder why? What’s so special about
2ND FATHER: I
have no idea. Couple exits.
ANNA: I could tell that
child wasn’t the one--even before I saw his face.
SIMEON: This is very
discouraging.
ANNA: Don’t fret. The
blessed Child will be brought to the temple. Simeon, I think I’d better
go buy bread now, for tomorrow is the Sabbath. But I’ll be right back,
and I’ll help you watch. Hobbles off.
SIMEON: All right, Anna. Begins
pacing back and forth, looking down, and talking slowly to himself. Ah, how
I long to see the Child. I’ll warn the young couple about Herod’s
wicked plan. But maybe God has already warned them. Maybe it’s like Anna
says, and God will send them down to
Mary and Joseph enter from
right stage. She carries the Christ Child. Joseph has a cage in which there are
two young pigeons. They come to Simeon, but he is so lost in his thoughts that
he does not notice them until Joseph speaks. Background Scripture: Luke
2:25-38.
JOSEPH: Sir?
Jolted out of his reverie,
Simeon turns around abruptly.
SIMEON: You startled me!
JOSEPH: Sir, we’ve
come to make the Law of Moses sac-- Recognizes Simeon. Why you’re
the Honorable Simeon that I met in
Simeon recognizes Joseph and
becomes so excited that, at first, he can scarcely speak.
SIMEON: It’s you!
You-- You-- You’re from
MARY: Pulling back
blanket Yes, he is the Holy Child.
JOSEPH: We’ve named
him JESUS.
SIMEON: Ignoring
Joseph’s remark Let me hold him! Let me hold
him in my arms!
Takes child, looks down at
him, speaks with utmost awe.
O, blessed little Child from heaven! You are our
long-promised Redeemer! The Saviour! The Lord’s
Christ!
God has sent you, like a
bright light, to lighten the way for the Gentiles and to be the glory of his
people
Simeon looks up, to pray.
Mary and Joseph step aside.
"Lord, now let me thy
servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
"For my eyes have seen
thy Salvation,
"Which you have
prepared before the face of all people!"
Simeon looks down again and
smiles at the Child as Mary and Joseph talk to each other.
MARY: Joseph, did you hear
the things this devout man said?
JOSEPH: Yes! I’m
amazed. God has revealed much to him.
SIMEON: Handing child
back to Mary The blessings of the Lord our God be upon you both!
JOSEPH: Thank you, Honorable
Simeon.
SIMEON: To Mary.
Young mother, many shall fall and many shall rise again in
Simeon interrupts himself as
he sees Anna coming in.
Anna! Anna! Here’s the Child! Come and see
Him!
Anna tries to hurry. Mary goes
to meet her and shows her the Christ Child.
ANNA: With awe O, look at His little face! It shines like a star.
That strange new star we saw in the sky was the
fulfillment of prophecy.
To Child You, little Bright and
Morning Star, are the fulfillment of promise. God’s
promise. Cf. Revelation 22:16b.
Anna pauses, smiles again at
the Child and leaves Him reluctantly. She speaks to Simeon with normal
enthusiasm.
Simeon, I must hurry! I must go and "speak of
Him to all them that look for redemption." I must go and tell all of
Anna leaves, using her cane
to hurry.
SIMEON: Yes, Anna! Calling,
after Anna is some distance away. Tell them the Messiah has come! Turns to Mary and Joseph. Come, bring the
Child. Bring the doves, and I will show you the way to go.
Simeon leads the way to exit
on right stage. He stops. Mary and Joseph walk on.
Walk this way, on through
the courtyard, and you will find the place.
Simeon turns around, walks
into inner prayer room, lifts eyes to pray.
Lord, I have seen my Redeemer. I’m ready now,
to see Death.
Simeon’s head falls
suddenly, to indicate his dying. The three angels accompanied by Death Angel
come.
3RD ANGEL:
Simeon, God sent the Death Angel with us this time.
Death Angel takes
Simeon’s hand, starts leading him away. Others follow.
CURTAIN, END OF PLAY