. all rights belong to Tanis Harms –
. refer to www.church-skits.com
THE ULTIMATE GIFT – written by Tanis Harms
NOTE: Can be a sequel to “The Final Humility”
. but can be told as a story all on its own.
PREMISE: This story takes place in the late 1700s.
. After losing a fortune, Marcus Stealthbury
. found Christ, and a humble new beginning.
. He and his sister Adriana were taken in by
. Lily, their former cook. And now they have
. extended their kindness to beggar kids who
. not only work for them but have become their
. children-of-sorts. Marcus now finds himself
. worrying: about his sister’s salvation,
. about keeping their motley family together,
. and about feeling worthy enough to marry
. anybody, let alone Elizabeth Walters.
STYLE: musical (for a drama only, you can play
. enough of the recommended music
. to facilitate the scene changes)
TOPIC: finding God, and finding the right spouse
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 6:14, 9:15, Ephesians 2:7-9
NOTES: for CAST, COSTUMES, SET, PROPS and MUSIC
SCRIPT: ACT 1
. CENTER STAGE - CITY EXTERIOR
(A few POOR PEOPLE enter from all directions
and go about some sort of business.
CAROLERS step out at stage left and start to sing.
TOWNS PEOPLE on their way to church, walk through
from stage left to stage right, joining in the song,
and waving to various POOR PEOPLE to come join them.
A few POOR PEOPLE do join them with some hesitation.
MARCUS, LILY and their “CHILDREN” come out happily
from stage left, singing. [Can have choreography.])
SONG 1: “O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL”
GROUP (singing verse 1)
. O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
. O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!
. (chorus)
. O come, let us adore Him,
. O come, let us adore Him,
. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
. 2
(CAROLERS repeat song quietly, while...
from stage left, BRICE and ADRIANA straggle behind.)
BRICE Must we always go to church? I have better
. things to do.
ADRIANA I completely agree. We work hard all week,
. then when we finally have a day of rest,
. as they call it, we have to go to church.
. I would much rather be pursuing my desires.
BRICE Which are?
ADRIANA Finding a man who would take me away
. from these doldrums of life and jump to my
. every wish, and lavish me with splendid gifts.
. But know this: to get - one must have or do.
BRICE That is not now the saying goes.
ADRIANA It is my saying. Everything has its price.
. Most fine gentlemen look for women with
. fine reputations. Thus, attending church –
. is apparently becoming a social imperative.
BRICE Huh?
ADRIANA Just do what I do, and bide your time.
BRICE And how is that?
ADRIANA Whilst in church, think about something else.
(BRICE nods. As CHURCH-GOERS exits stage right,
MARCUS stops to look for BRICE and ADRIANA. Seeing them,
he smiles and waves them on with an encouraging smile.)
MARCUS Adriana! Brice! Come on, you two.
. We don’t want to be late.
(MARCUS, then BRICE and ADRIANA exit stage left.)
LIGHTS DIM.
(The POOR and other non-church-going PEOPLE exit quickly
in other directions. CAROLERS either discretely exit,
or quickly join the church goers in the next scene
as the church’s choir who go right into the next SONG.)
. CENTER STAGE - CHURCH INTERIOR 3
(REVEREND is at the “front” directing the rows of people.
CONGREGATION stands in rows to represent the pews.
Near the “front” stand MARCUS, LILY and CHILDREN.
Just behind them, ADRIANA and BRICE stand daydreaming,
both staring up into space, head turned more toward
the audience. Right behind them, random people and IAN,
who peeks longingly at ADRIANA from time to time.
Behind them stands ELIZABETH and MR. and MRS. WALTERS.
And lastly, the very pious LORD and BEATRICE MONTGOMERY,
and their daughter ABIGAIL. ALL finish singing song...
except for BRICE and ADRIANA who continue to daydream.)
SONG: “COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS”
ALL (vs.1) Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
. Born to set Thy people free;
. From our fears and sins release us;
. Let us find our rest in Thee
. Israel’s strength and consolation
. Hope of all the earth Thou art
. Dear Desire of every nation
. Joy of every longing heart
REVEREND I pray that the words in today’s sermon
. will work in the hearts of all who heard.
. Thank you all for coming, and have a blessed
. week as you continue to walk with our Lord.
(REVERND moves down stage where he begins to meet with
his congregation. A few people exit to the “back”.
MARCUS, LILY and CHILDREN are first to greet REVEREND.
ADRIANA and BRICE stay put, waiting impatiently.
IAN stays in the background, shyly eyeing ADRIANA.)
MARCUS Reverend, thank you so much for your wise
. and encouraging words.
REVEREND It is always encouraging to see you here,
. Marcus. Good morning, Lily, and children.
. How are all of you doing?
(REVERND listens intently as each CHILD mimes talking
to him in turn, while LORD MONTGOMERY recognizes
MR. WALTERS.)
LORD M Mister Walters! I was not aware that you
. attend this church.
(WALTERS FAMILY turns to speak with MONTGOMERY 4
FAMILY in a very crisp and respectful manner.)
MR. W Lord, and Lady, Montgomery. And this must be
. your daughter, Abigail. How have the years
. flown by. You remember my wife.
. And our daughter, Elizabeth.
(MRS. WALTERS and ELIZABETH respectfully nod a bow.
MONTGOMERY’S remain standing very tall.)
LORD M Indeed.
MRS. W What brings you so far from the city life?
LADY M My husband has decided that the offices
. need to be closer in vicinity to the factories.
LORD M One cannot trust the gentries to run things
. as tightly as one would want.
MRS. W And how are you finding our little corner
. of the world?
LADY M I abhor the lack of high society.
. Already, we feel the void of royal balls,
. and quality restaurants and theater.
(ABIGAIL stands by with arrogant agreement.)
MR. W So you have decided to attend this church?
LORD M I have heard various rumors, and
. wanted to see for myself.
MR. W And you will continue to attend?
LORD M (looks impatiently over at REVEREND)
. That depends. Just why is the Reverend NOT
. making his way over here to greet us first?
ELIZ There - are no distinctions of class
. in this church, Lord Montgomery.
LORD M Nonsense. Please tell the Reverend we wish
. to secure a pew. This should have been
. addressed as soon as we entered the building.
. Although, we will pardon the oversight,
. since we did arrive AFTER the sermon’s
. commencement.
. 5
MR. W As mentioned, that is not done here.
LORD M It will be done, once the Reverend realizes
. how much money I am willing to contribute –
. (angrily) What is taking him so long?
. And just who is that family - that he would
. speak at such length with them?
ELIZ The gentleman is Marcus Stealthbury-
LADY M (musing) Why is that name so familiar?
LORD M Ohhh, why, if it isn’t the FORMER
. Lord Marcus Stealthbury! (to LADY M)
. This is the young man who was stripped
. of his status after squandering away
. his entire family fortune.
MR. W He has since been gaining a more favorable
. reputation.
LORD M Not enough of one. His occupation is now
. that of a tart maker.
MRS. W In his defense, they are most delicious.
MR. W He has become a very responsible and
. respectable young man, with many people
. now under his employ.
LADY M And that is his wife? She is a little too old
. for him, no?
ELIZ Oh, that is Lily, his former cook.
. She took them in when-
LADY M You mean to say, he LIVES - with HER?!
. With a woman who once cooked for him?
ELIZ She is more like a mother figure to him by now.
(As the MONTGOMERY FAMILY gawks at the thought,
ADRIANA has grown very impatient and finally explodes.)
ADRIANA (to MARCUS) Marcus! Might we leave already?
(MONTGOMERY FAMILY continues the discussion.)
LADY M Is THAT his wife, then?
. 6
ELIZ Oh - no! That is his sister, Adriana.
LADY M Then to whom do all those children belong?!
. Did they all come from different women?
ELIZ They are all orphans which had been living on
. the streets until they lovingly took them in.
LORD M And this sort of family from the shambles
. is tolerated in this church? And not only
. tolerated, but honored by the keen interest
. of the Reverend? Beggar children and the likes
. of them coming before the pillars of society?
MR. W As I said before – there are no distinctions-
LORD M This is impertinent! Unacceptable! What is
. tolerated and valued here in the church,
. will surely influence the attitudes of society.
. We cannot have this! There must be propriety!
ELIZ God honors the humble, Lord Montgomery.
LORD M Well, we shall see about that!
. (to LADY M & ABIGAIL) Time to go! I refuse
. to be insulted and dishonored any further.
. (turning back) And this example of a so-called
. family is NOT a good example for those around.
. Something WILL be done about that!
(As LORD and LADY MONTGOMERY, and ABIGAIL rush out with
upturned noses, ELIZABETH turns to MR. and MRS. WALTERS.)
ELIZ What HAVE I stirred up?
MR. W Hardly your fault, Elizabeth, dear. Sadly,
. prejudices run deep with most aristocrats.
MRS. W How fortunate you did not point out the ones
. who have turned from their ill-begotten ways.
(REVERND moves on and tries to get ADRIANA’S attention,
but she flings her gaze off into another direction.
REVEREND nods politely at her and BRICE, then nods
to IAN – who is still lost in his shy gaze at ADRIANA.
Smiling, REVEREND then approaches MR. and MRS. WALTERS
and ELIZABETH. While they exchange pleasant greetings,
ADRIANA finally gets the attention of MARCUS.)
ADRIANA Marcus, I shall be leaving now. I find 7
. it very stuffy here in this building.
(ADRIANA turns to exit, with BRICE right behind her.
IAN watches her leave, but stays there, now wanting
the attention of MARCUS, but ELIZABETH beats him to it.
IAN now waits nervously in the background.)
ELIZ Marcus.
MARCUS (nods in a bow) Elizabeth.
ELIZ Um... How is business? Do you plan
. to make turkey tarts for Christmas?
MARCUS (playfully chiding) Elizabeth, business talk
. on a Sabbath?
ELIZ I apologize. I was – just – trying to find
. something to start a conversation.
MARCUS Oh. To... what end?
(LILY rolls her eyes.)
ELIZ (thinking) I remember you mentioning
. that you wanted to school the children.
. How is that coming along?
MARCUS We are so busy, it is difficult to find
. any time at all for such.
ELIZ I have come up with an idea.
TINA (pulls at MARCUS’ coattails and looks up)
. Mister Marcus, I’m getting famished.
MARCUS (to ELIZ) I am afraid we have to be g-
LILY (can’t take anymore and cuts in)
. Elizabeth, why not join us for lunch?
. You may discuss this idea then –
. with more leisure.
MARCUS Ah, yes, brilliant idea.
(As MARCUS takes a step toward the exit, IAN quickly
steps toward MARCUS to speak, but has difficulty
beginning his conversation. LILY saves the day.)
LILY Elizabeth, why not come with me and all 8
. the children! We can start preparing lunch.
. I get the feeling that Mr. Carington has
. a matter to discuss with Marcus.
(As FAMILY and ELIZ exit, MARCUS turns to IAN and waits
while IAN musters up courage to speak, and nervously
looks around to make sure there are no eavesdroppers.)
IAN H-how do I-I - get the attention of a woman?
MARCUS Ah, well, I am really not the one to ask –
IAN But you are. In the past you were known
. as a ladies’ man –
MARCUS THAT - was - in the past.
IAN You still have women interested in you now.
MARCUS I do?
IAN Miss Elizabeth Walters–
MARCUS Oh! NO! She could never be interested in me.
. She is aristocrat. My status was lowered
. to that of a pauper.
IAN You have worked your way up to gentry.
MARCUS Ah, why, yes, yes I suppose I have. But you are
. also gentry. You should not have any trouble.
IAN I–I – but it seems – that I – I become
. tongue-tied around women.
MARCUS Well, let me see. (thinks) Do not try to be
. sly, the smart ones see right through that.
. YOU want to catch yourself a sincere woman –
. just be yourself. But remember, you must -
. share of yourself.
IAN What do I share?
MARCUS Things of interest. This will depend on
. the woman and what HER interests are.
. Naturally, as you are a believer, you should
. want to find a woman who also believes,
. that is indeed something of shared interest -
. the most important of all interests.
. 9
IAN What are ADRIANA’s interests?
MARCUS ADRIANA? My sister? Oh, she is - NOT the one
. for you, my friend. She is – NOT a believer.
IAN She could become one.
MARCUS One hopes and prays, but there is no guarantee.
. There would be no common bond. It is a sin.
. Besides, why do you show interest in Adriana?
. My sister would eat a man like you for lunch.
. Do not misunderstand. I truly love my sister,
. but I am now only thinking of your well-being.
IAN Oh... ah, I see. Ah, well, thank you.
(MARCUS sighs his understanding and sympathy.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. STAGE CENTER-LEFT - CAROLERS
(CAROLERS sing transition song.)
SONG: “SUSSEX CAROL”
CAROLERS (vs.1) On Christmas night all Christians sing
. To hear what news those angels bring;
. News of great joy, news of great mirth,
. News of our Saviour King's own birth
. (vs.2) Then why should men on earth be so sad
. Since our Redeemer made us glad,
. When from sin He set us free
. All for to gain our liberty.
. (vs.3) Now sin depart, behold His grace,
. Everlasting life comes in its place,
. And soon we shall its terror see
. And poor and rich must conquered be.
. STAGE RIGHT - HOME
(The house’s décor is simple, but put together.
LILY, ADRIANA, MARCUS and ELIZABETH come from the
dining room area. KIDS rush past them in a flurry.)
LILY Kids, why don’t you all go outside to play?
(CHILDREN rush outside main door, except for BRICE.) 10
BRICE Must I?
MARCUS You may stay, if you mind your manners.
LILY (motion to sofa) Elizabeth, please.
(BRICE is about to plunk himself down in a chair,
but MARCUS shakes his head gravely at him. BRICE stands
and waits with MARCUS -for ELIZABETH, LILY and ADRIANA
to sit before taking a seat. ADRIANA takes a novel from
an end table and begins to read. MARCUS balks at this.)
ELIZ Thank you again for such a lovely meal.
LILY Why, you are most welcome. And thank you,
. for your helpful hands while preparing it.
ELIZ I rather enjoyed that, actually. Mother would
. NEVER allow that I help the help. Oh. Sorry,
. I certainly did not mean it that way.
LILY I understand what you meant, dear.
ELIZ You have a lovely home.
LILY We have had to build on to make room for all
. the children. Well, at first, we had them
. sleeping in the hayloft of the barn.
ELIZ Which is so much better than having children
. living on the streets, hungry and unattended.
LILY Just as Marcus and Adriana have become like
. my own children, each precious little soul
. that we take in has become like our very own.
MARCUS Except we still continue to make them work.
. I find child labor very disagreeable.
ELIZ As do I. The aristocrats should be ashamed
. of themselves for building up their riches
. on the vulnerable backs of poor children.
LILY All true. But it would be amiss
. not to expect our children to carry out
. a few chores. It teaches them responsibility,
. and everyone should help out as a family unit.
MARCUS But child slavery is – 11
LILY Is horrible. But chores - are not.
. Marcus, what of YOUR upbringing? Have you
. forgotten so soon? Without any chores or
. responsibility, how did that fair for you?
MARCUS You are right. I was a spoiled brat who
. grew up to be an irresponsible young man
. who squandered away the family fortune
. and allowed someone to take the rest from me
. right from under my nose... But, God’s ultimate
. gift - was for me to lose everything,
. so I could find this life – of salvation –
. and unexplainable joy. I’d have no other way.
BRICE You keep saying that joy is better than riches,
. but I find that very difficult to believe.
. So many problems could be solved if one were
. to have efficient finances.
MARCUS “Sufficient finances.” The word is sufficient,
. not efficient. Education aids one as well.
. But - it is still not everything. And all
. of that alone will not bring joy. (remembering)
. Oh, and speaking of education, Elizabeth,
. you were going to share an idea?
ELIZ Yes. I remembered your desire in wanting
. to school the children.
MARCUS As it is, our enterprise of making and
. selling tarts has consumed our time and energy.
. There are just not enough days in the week,
. unfortunately.
ELIZ What about Sunday?
MARCUS Elizabeth, I am shocked. This would detract
. from dedicating the Sabbath to honoring God.
ELIZ It could be in combination.
MARCUS I am failing to grasp your vision.
ELIZ Sunday – school, which would be held at church.
. (defensively) I have heard of few others
. doing this. It is a rather new concept.
. But they incorporate learning how to read
. and write with lessons from the Bible.
. 12
(ELIZABETH stops to watch MARCUS’ interest pick up,
then she proceeds with a little more enthusiasm.)
ELIZ Think of it – it is the one day that children
. have off from working in the mines and
. factories. When else could any of them ever
. have such an opportunity, in an otherwise
. hopeless situation? And then, which building
. would be capable of accommodating any such
. amount of – students – except for possibly
. a church? The Bible tells us to serve and help
. the poor and the orphans. What better way?
MARCUS Most interesting. It would be a rather
. large project to undertake. We would also
. have to obtain permission -
ELIZ I have already spoken to the Reverend –
. who is most willing and eager to help
. facilitate. And I have already agreed to serve
. as a teacher. Now, depending on the amount
. of children who attend -
MARCUS Yes! Allow me to consider this endeavor.
(MARCUS swings his attention to ADRIANA, who looks up
from her book with apprehension.)
ADRIANA No! I am not interested – at all.
MARCUS Adriana, how selfish of you. You were one
. of the fortunate girls to be allowed some
. schooling, and you do not wish to pass along-
ADRIANA (sets down book and marches to the door)
. I do not wish! I do need - to think
. about myself - at some point.
MARCUS Adriana, we have company.
ADRIANA Elizabeth? She is here to see you.
MARCUS -With an idea to serve the children
. of the entire community.
ADRIANA Well, I am off - to serve myself in some way.
MARCUS Unescorted?!
ADRIANA I shant go far. It seems I am stuck. 13
MARCUS You can be so infuriating sometimes –
ADRIANA Sometimes?! Why, I rather pride myself
. on my consistency.
(ADRIANA exits abruptly with an air of flippancy.)
MARCUS (to ELIZ) I apologize for my sister’s
. inappropriate behavior.
(ELIZABETH smiles demurely.)
LILY Well, I for one, think this is a brilliant
. idea. I just hope you do not run into too many
. differences of opinion, conflicts and such.
. (to BRICE) Brice, what do you think of this?
BRICE I suppose I would not mind the education.
. One cannot go very far in life without
. an education – as I am discovering.
ELIZ What shall our first lesson be on?
MARCUS Christmas! It is just around the corner.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE - CITY EXTERIOR
(CAROLERS sing.)
SONG: “DOWN IN THE FOREST”
CAROLERS (Vs.1) Down in yon forest there stands a hall:
. The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
. It's covered all over with purple and pall
. And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
. (Vs.2) In that hall there stands a bed:
. The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
. It's covered all over with scarlet so red:
. And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
. (Vs.5) At the bed's foot there grows a thorn:
. The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
. Which ever blows blossom since he was born:
. And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
(ADRIANA wanders through town from stage right, 14
with people strolling past. DILLAN FARSWORTH enters
from stage left and catches sight of ADRIANA, then smiles
and looks around to observe who might be watching him.
Meanwhile, ADRIANA catches sight of DILLAN and
coyly looks away, then quickly pinches her cheeks
to make them pink. When done, she slowly turns and
steps forward, just as DILLAN steps up to her.
Almost colliding, ADRIANA feigns propriety.
DILLAN gives a bow, while maintaining a steady gaze.)
DILLAN Why, if it isn’t Lady Stealthbury.
. We meet again.
ADRIANA You do know, I lost that title a while ago–
. along with my brother’s.
DILLAN In my books, once a lady - always a lady.
ADRIANA Why, Lord Farsworth-
DILLAN Please, I insist that you call me by my
. Christian name.
(ADRIANA looks at him playfully pretending to forget.)
DILLAN (smiling) Dillan. Please, call me Dillan.
ADRIANA I really do not know that much about you
. to warrant such familiar terms.
DILLAN You have heard about the Farsworth family.
. So enough about me. Please, regale me
. with stories about you. I have heard so many,
. but it would bring me great delight
. to discover if they are all true.
ADRIANA Is my only purpose to amuse you?
DILLAN Now, I had not heard about your serious side.
. Work - is only a means toward amusement.
ADRIANA Alas, I have already forgotten the whimsy
. banter of the socialites. I am now distraught.
DILLAN Well, come now, let me refresh your memory.
ADRIANA And why, pray tell, are you even interested
. in speaking with me? I am so far beneath you.
DILLAN I care not. I am merely interested 15
. in getting to know YOU – it is not
. a social sin – if you are not caught.
(Not sure of DILLAN’S intentions, ADRIANA steps away.)
DILLAN I dare say, I did not expect you to be prudish.
. Are your intentions to NOT make this easy?
(ADRIANA offers DILLAN a coy, sideways glance.)
ADRIANA Anything worthwhile never comes easy.
DILLAN Huh! Well, I quite enjoy a challenge.
ADRIANA Then you may have just discovered something
. very worthwhile.
DILLAN So I have before me the ultimate challenge?
ADRIANA (worried) You – will not inquire permission
. of pursuit. Both parents have passed on.
DILLAN (unsure) Does this responsibility not fall
. to your brother?
ADRIANA No! No need. Sadly, my brother practically
. does not exist, as far as I’m concerned.
(DILLAN seems relieved to hear this. In the background,
IAN enters and stops when he sees ADRIANA.
IAN remains there, watching with concern.)
DILLAN You still live with him, and work with him-
ADRIANA That is someone else. Day by day, Marcus
. becomes a person I simply cannot recognize.
. The brother who was – is no longer.
. With all his religious piety,
. he is only but a shadow of his former self.
DILLAN I see. (smiling)
ADRIANA Had you inquired some time ago, things would
. have been different. Now, I am quite sure
. that he would not approve.
(DILLAN stops smiling when he notices IAN lurking.
DILLAN quickly recovers with an upbeat salutation.)
DILLAN Well, then - my lady, I will make some – 16
. arrangements to meet up with you at another
. time. Time which will only be well spent!
ADRIANA How cryptic! I cannot wait to decipher.
(DILLAN bows and quickly exits stage left. ADRIANA
wonders if she should be insulted at his abrupt exit.
ADRIANA takes a step to follow; then thinking better,
she turns and almost runs into IAN, who has been quick
to approach. ADRIANA rolls her eyes at IAN.)
IAN I, um, Hi, Miss Stealthbury, um. I can see,
. ah, that, ah –
ADRIANA Ian, will you please get on with it.
IAN It is, about, that um, that man, is not-
. he is not – right for you.
ADRIANA He is a man of means. And - you –
. are no match for me.
IAN That, that is – not, um, what I mean is-
ADRIANA Oh, Ian, I am finding this rather painful.
IAN Sorry. Ah, s-sorry.
(Exasperated,ADRIANA gasps and exits quickly stage right.
IAN sighs helplessly then turns and exits stage left.)
(LORD MONTGOMERY marches in from upper stage right and
continues marching across to lower stage left.)
. STAGE LEFT - OFFICE
(As LORD MONTGOMERY enters, TOWN OFFICAL steps up.)
OFFICIAL Good day, Lord Montgomery. How may I-
LORD M Good day. Straight to the point, I am here
. to inquire about one Marcus Stealthbury.
OFFICIAL Ah, good chap.
LORD M I am not so impressed. Does he pay his taxes?
OFFICIAL I know for a fact, that he pays every bit.
. In fact, the township wishes to honor him-
. 17
LORD M HONOR – honor a gentry? Whatever for?
OFFICIAL Well, despite his position, he contributes
. to society by helping all those orphans.
LORD M He uses them to work –
OFFICIAL He did at first, but he has since hired
. people off the street. The orphans merely
. live with him.
LORD M Is there nothing shady about him?
OFFICIAL Why, he abides by all laws.
LORD M Surely there must be something.
OFFICIAL Crime has come down, since the success
. of his business enterprise.
LORD M This is most preposterous. Honor –
. must be restored to the rightful positions.
(OFFICIAL stands there dumbfounded.)
LORD M To what is this world coming?
OFFICIAL You are the first to complain.
LORD M I simply – do not trust someone who appears
. to be so upstanding. From my experiences,
. I suspect he must be up to something.
. And I will find out just what that is –
. you can count on it. Something must be done.
. CENTER STAGE - CITY EXTERIOR
(CAROLERS sing.)
SONG: THE HOLLY AND THE IVY
CAROLERS (Vs.1) The holly and the ivy,
. when they are both full grown,
. Of all the trees that are in the wood,
. the holly bears the crown.
. (chorus) Oh, the rising of the sun
. and the running of the deer,
. The playing of the merry organ,
. sweet singing in the choir.
. 18
(As song begins, POOR WOMAN enters, shivering.
She begins to beg at the people passing by.
LORD MONTGOMERY walks past and obviously ignores her.
As carolers sing, CAROLER MAN takes off his hat
to show honor to God. LORD M. drops a coin into hat.)
LORD At least I know that you are not out
. committing crimes. Please, remember
. the kind benevolence of Lord Montgomery.
(CAROLER MAN is unsure of how he should react.
He shows CAROLER WOMAN the coin. As CAROLERS sing,
CAROLER WOMAN approaches STREET MERCHANT who is selling
shawls. Giving the coin to the STREET MERCHANT,
CAROLER WOMAN chooses a lovely shawl and brings it to
POOR WOMAN and puts it around her shoulders. POOR WOMAN
bows to her very thankfully and, touched, rushes off.
CAROLER WOMAN goes back to the CAROLERS to finish song.)
CAROLERS (Vs.2) The holly bears a blossom
. as white as lily flower,
. And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
. to be our sweet Saviour
. (chorus) Oh, the rising of the sun
. and the running of the deer,
. The playing of the merry organ,
. sweet singing in the choir.
. (Vs.3-if needed) The holly bears a berry
. as red as any blood,
. And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
. to do poor sinners good.
. (chorus) Oh, the rising of the sun
. and the running of the deer,
. The playing of the merry organ,
. sweet singing in the choir.
DIM LIGHTS.
(TOWNS PEOPLE exit, leaving CAROLERS off to the side
to sing the rest of the song as a scene transition.
ELIZABETH, MARCUS and children get into position.)
. CENTER STAGE - CHURCH
(MARCUS stands at the “front” of the CHILDREN, who sit on
the floor, eagerly lapping up every word, all except
for BRICE, who sits at the back, intent on not listening.
ELIZABETH stands aside, enjoying MARCUS’ enthusiasm.)
. 19
MARCUS And what were the three gifts that were
. given to the baby Jesus?
(CHILD 1 raises a hand and MARCUS nods.)
CHILD 1 Gold, Myrrh, and... Frank- ah, Frank-
BRICE (dryly) Frankincense.
CHILD 1 Frank-and-sense.
MARCUS Very good. And how many gifts were there?
(CHILD 2 raises a hand.)
CHILD 2 Three.
MARCUS And from the reading, how many wise men
. do you suppose there were?
CHILD 2 Three?
MARCUS People do assume that-
BRICE (dryly) It does not say how many.
MARCUS Excellent observation, Brice. Now all three
. of these items were very costly. But in
. comparison to what God did for us – even these
. treasures are worthless. We could never earn
. God’s love. But God loves us just the same,
. and wants to give us the gift of eternal life.
. That concludes our first lesson. Now, Miss
. Walters has something to share with you.
ELIZ (addressing KIDS) Because we are nearing
. Christmas, we thought it might be fun
. to prepare a play – to put on for the people
. at the Christmas Eve service.
. (KIDS clap; BRICE groans and covers his face)
. So beginning next week, besides having
. a lesson, we will also begin practicing.
MARCUS Now time for church. Respectfully and quietly,
. let us prepare our hearts to worship our Lord.
(ALL bow in prayer.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. 20
. STAGE CENTER-LEFT - CAROLERS
(CAROLERS sing transition song.)
SONG: “DING DONG, MERRILY ON HIGH”
CAROLERS (vs.1) Ding dong! merrily on high
. In heav'n the bells are ringing:
. Ding dong! verily the sky
. Is riv'n with Angel singing.
. (chorus) Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
. (vs.2) E'en so here below, below,
. Let steeple bells be swungen,
. And "Io, io, io!"
. By priest and people sungen.
. (chorus) Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
. STAGE RIGHT - HOME
(MARCUS sits reading a Bible, ADRIANA, a novel.
LILY enters to sit and tackle some knitting.)
LILY All children are all tucked in bed.
MARCUS I have some money set aside.
LILY That has been your good habit of late.
. Why this reminder?
MARCUS I mean, for the children. I have put
. some money aside for the children.
. It is Christmas soon, and I mean to buy
. each and every one of them a present.
ADRIANA Oh, remember our Christmases whence
. we were children? Mother and Father would
. lavish us with every sort of gift.
. Everything a child could possibly imagine.
LILY At the time, could you appreciate that?
MARCUS We took it for granted, until it was all
. stripped away from us.
ADRIANA Well, one day soon, I will be married to
. a husband who will lavish me with gifts.
. 21
MARCUS How so? Is there someone like that now?
(ADRIANA realizes she should not have blurted this out.)
LILY Out with it, child.
ADRIANA Really, how is this any of your concern?
MARCUS It is every bit of our concern. He must pass
. our test of scrutiny. He must ask permission.
ADRIANA Your standards are too high. No one would
. ever qualify.
MARCUS You are now really scaring me.
LILY We only care that you do not get hurt.
ADRIANA Do you? Or do you care about the reputation
. you have built for yourselves? (gets up)
MARCUS Where are you going now?!
ADRIANA Fresh air!
LILY We worry about YOUR reputation.
MARCUS To go out unaccompanied – people will talk.
ADRIANA Nonsense. I am just - going to stroll
. around the garden!
MARCUS I will escort you.
ADRIANA No need! I beg of you. Please, I simply
. need some solicitude. For – reflection!
(Once ADRIANA is gone, MARCUS turns to LILY.)
MARCUS How did we get onto such madness?
LILY You were - going on about – (thinking)
. Buying gifts - for the children.
MARCUS Oh yes. Have you any ideas? It cannot be
. anything extravagant. I just want it special.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE - CITY EXTERIOR 22
(CAROLERS sing.)
SONG: “DECK THE HALLS”
CAROLERS (vs.1) Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. 'Tis the season to be jolly,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. Don we now our gay apparel,
. Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
. Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. (vs.2) See the blazing Yule before us,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. Strike the harp and join the chorus.
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. Follow me in merry measure,
. Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
. While I tell of Yuletide treasure,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. (vs.3) Fast away the old year passes,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
. Sing we joyous, all together,
. Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
. Heedless of the wind and weather,
. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
(ADRIANA enters from stage right and crosses the stage
only to bump into DILLANN escorting another WOMAN.
They are laughing as if they know each other intimately.)
WOMAN Oh! why, Lord Dillan, you are so naughty!
DILLAN (now seeing ADRIANA) Adriana! there you are.
ADRIANA And there you are!
DILLAN I was just talking about you.
ADRIANA I am sure you were. Do not let me interrupt.
DILLAN Where are you going?
(DILLAN pushes WOMAN away to catch up to ADRIANA.
Insulted, WOMAN marches off stage left.)
DILLAN Adriana, I am speaking to you! 23
(DILLAN grabs ADRIANA’S arm and pulls her back.)
ADRIANA I need to think.
DILLAN About what?
ADRIANA About whether or not you deserve me.
DILLAN Do you expect me to wait around for you?
. You dally with my emotions. I am merely -
. biding my time.
ADRIANA This is certainly not the way to win my heart.
. You are a complete cad!
DILLAN I am a Farsworth. You - are – nothing!
ADRIANA Nothing?
DILLAN I mean, you would be nothing without me.
ADRIANA Quick with the words. Which are quicker?
. The lies or the truth?
DILLAN You will accuse me in public!-
(DILLAN is about to strike ADRIANA when IAN steps in.)
IAN You will not strike her!
DILLAN Law says I may.
IAN Only if you are married. And despite
. the law’s shortcomings, a true gentleman
. would never consider such actions.
DILLAN What manner of man are you to step between
. a man and his woman? (back to ADRIANA)
. Adriana, forgive me. You caught me
. by surprise. Let me make it up to you.
ADRIANA That would take a lot more than just words.
IAN I believe Miss Stealthbury has had quite
. enough of this.
(DILLAN balks. ADRIANA looks back with some amusement.)
ADRIANA Yes, perhaps you need some time to think 24
. through your actions and intentions.
. (turns playfully to IAN as she takes his arm)
. Why thank you, for being my savior.
IAN I am not that. ‘Tis what any gentleman
. would do.
ADRIANA ANY - gentleman?
IAN Please let me safely escort you home.
ADRIANA Or perhaps you are a gentleman with designs
. of conquest?
IAN I can assure you – that I am not interested –
. in pursuing - an unchristian woman.
ADRIANA Oh! Is that so? My charm would not persuade
. you otherwise?
IAN I – I – avoid – being in the path of charm.
ADRIANA Well, putting charm aside, I can walk
. from here. (shaking IAN away)
IAN No, I shall explain to Marcus what occurred-
ADRIANA (turning to IAN) No! You shall not.
. You shall never speak to Marcus about any
. of this. It is none of your affair.
IAN But your brother is your keeper.
ADRIANA Hardly!
IAN You are to make a fool of yourself
. and your brother’s name.
ADRIANA You misunderstand. And that is why
. you cannot attest to any of this.
. There is simply no concern.
(MARCUS rushes on from stage right. IAN tries to speak.)
IAN Mr. Stealthbury, I must inform-
MARCUS Mr. Carington, I hope it can wait.
. Adriana, you must go home straight away
. to be with Lily!
. 25
ADRIANA Wha- why? What?
MARCUS The children! They have taken the children!
. Lily is completely beside herself.
ADRIANA Who has taken the children?!
MARCUS The township.
ADRIANA I do not understand. Why would they
. do such?
MARCUS It seems that Lord Montgomery has instituted
. an orphanage. And has put some sort of laws
. in place.
ADRIANA Laws preventing us from taking care
. of wayward children?
MARCUS That is where I am going right now.
. I mean to get to the bottom of this.
. I need to inquire about these so-called laws.
(CAROLERS sing as ADRIANA rushes off stage right.
Unsure of what to do, IAN exits stage right also.
MARCUS continues over to stage left.)
SONG: “COVENTRY CAROL”
CAROLERS (vs.1) Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
. Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
. Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
. Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
. (vs.2) O sisters too, how may we do,
. For to preserve this day
. This poor youngling for whom we do sing
. Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
. (vs.3) Herod, the king, in his raging,
. Charged he hath this day
. His men of might, in his own sight,
. All young children to slay.
. (vs.4) That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
. And ever mourn and sigh,
. For thy parting neither say nor sing,
. Bye, bye, lully, lullay
. STAGE LEFT – OFFICE 26
(MACUS faces the TOWN OFFICIAL.)
MARCUS You need to stop this at once!
OFFICER I cannot. What is done is done.
. The lords held a meeting to put order in place.
MARCUS This is not order, it is madness.
. Insensitive, cruel madness!
OFFICER I agree. But I had nothing to do with this,
. and I certainly cannot undo it. I must abide
. with the laws of the district.
MARCUS What-what else can be done? What if I were
. to adopt them all?
OFFICIAL Ah, you could, if only you were married.
. The hope is to maintain a proper family unit-
MARCUS So they believe it is better for the children
. to be housed in an orphanage, than in
. a loving home, no matter if there is only
. but one parent?
OFFICIAL They feel the orphanage will have better
. structure for the children.
MARCUS How can they guarantee such?
OFFICIAL They will be strict on obedience.
. And every child will learn a trade
. at the expense of the state.
MARCUS You mean - slavery. Legalized slavery!
OFFICIAL I think you are overreacting.
MARCUS Overreacting? My children have been torn away.
OFFICIAL At least they will have food and shelter,
. and direction in life.
MARCUS What about spiritual direction?
OFFICIAL They will be allowed to attend church.
(Gasping, MARCUS exits stage left, followed by OFFICIAL.)
. 27
(CAROLERS sing.)
SONG: “LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING”
CAROLERS (Vs.1) Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
. from tender stem hath sprung!
. Of Jesse's lineage coming,
. as those of old have sung.
. It came, a floweret bright,
. amid the cold of winter,
. when half spent was the night.
(As CAROLERS sing, LADY MONTGOMERY and ABIGAIL meet
MRS. WALTERS and ELIZABETH at center stage.
They curtsy to each other politely.)
MRS. W How goes everything Lady Montgomery?
LADY M As well as one might expect here on
. the outskirts of true civilization.
. It appears this town is also devoid
. of any boutiques for the elite.
MRS. W We usually make a trip into the city
. to purchase our fineries.
LADY M Well, we will slowly make improvements.
. My husband has already begun. He has just
. contributed a substantial amount to fund an
. orphanage. He’s sure to be honored for this.
ELIZ An orphanage? Whatever for? The orphans
. have long since found a home with-
LADY M The children are being taken away as we speak.
ELIZ Taken away? You mean, taken from their home?
. How horrible!
LADY M What talk is this? You dare to criticize
. my husband’s charitable actions?
ELIZ Not at all, but Marcus and Lily love those
. children very much. The children were like
. their very own, and were all flourishing-
LADY M Just think how much more they will flourish
. under the direction of the professionals.
. Now, good day, ladies.
. 28
(LADY MONTGOMERY and ABIGAIL turn up their noses and
strut off stage left. MRS. WALTERS and ELIZABETH
are left standing, stunned. MARCUS enters stage left.)
ELIZ Poor Marcus, and Lily.
MRS. W There he is now.
ELIZ Where? I must speak with him.
. He must be devastated.
(ELIZABETH approaches MARCUS. MRS. WATERS looks around
and finds a STREET MERCHANT selling shawls and spends
her time looking through the collection.)
ELIZ (to MARCUS) I just heard. I think it
. is completely horrible. I am so sorry.
. Is there anything that can be done?
MARCUS Only adoption. But for that, I must be married.
ELIZ (fishing) Is that – not a possibility?
MARCUS To whom? I will not marry just anyone
. in order to legally qualify.
ELIZ Marcus, would you never consider me?
. Am I not worthy? Would I not qualify?
MARCUS Elizabeth, you would more than qualify.
. It is me who is not worthy of you.
ELIZ I do not agree with that statement.
MARCUS Elizabeth, I am only gentry. You are –
. an aristocrat who – would find our meager
. living standards far below your expectations.
. You would be completely miserable. I will
. not be the undoing of your status in life.
ELIZ Do you think that I am so shallow?
MARCUS Not shallow! You are of delicate upbringing.
ELIZ I am not as delicate as you tend to believe.
MARCUS People would talk-
ELIZ People talk anyway.
. 29
(ELIZABETH storms off. Finding MRS. WALTERS,
ELIZABETH grabs her arm and pulls her away stage left.)
MARCUS (maintaining a meek hope) See you Sunday.
(ELIZABETH grunts, almost sobbing.
CAROLERS sing transition song.)
SONG: “GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN”
CAROLERS (vs.1) God rest ye merry, gentlemen;
. let nothing you dismay.
. Remember, Christ our Savior
. was born on Christmas Day
. To save us all from Satan's pow'r
. when we were gone astray.
. (Chorus) O tidings of comfort and joy,
. comfort and joy! O tiding of comfort and joy!
. (repeat verse if needed.)
. ACT 2
. CENTER STAGE - CHURCH
(CHILDREN sadly rush in to hug MARCUS and ELIZABETH.)
ELIZ Oh, please do not look so glum.
CHILD 1 How can we not?
CHILD 2 (to MARCUS) When can we come back home?
MARCUS I am afraid that is not possible.
. Now, sit down so we can begin.
CHILD 3 But we miss you.
MARCUS But they treat you well?
CHILD 4 They beat us!
CHILD 5 And they don’t give us much to eat.
(MARCUS walks in tiny circles trying to compose himself.)
ELIZ Perhaps practicing for our Christmas play
. will take your mind off of things.
BRICE Really? Is that your solution?
MARCUS It is not fair. Look, there are children 30
. in this world who have a lot less than you.
BRICE (taken aback) How do you know?
MARCUS Missionaries have come back from places like
. China and Africa, and they tell us how it is.
. If you heard the stories, your hearts
. would surely break.
ELIZ But the missionaries bring them hope.
. The good news of Jesus coming to earth
. in order to die for us. That is what
. the Christmas story is all about.
BRICE What of a God who lets bad things happen?
MARCUS Bad things do happen, but God can use these.
. It took Jesus dying on the cross in order
. for us to even have the hope of salvation.
BRICE You keep saying this. Everybody dies.
MARCUS Jesus died in our place to pay for our sins-
. so that we do not have to die. When we trust
. and believe in Him, we can have eternal life.
BRICE But we still die.
MARCUS. This life on earth is only temporary. But
. when we choose God to be our heavenly Father,
. God adopts us. We can all be children of God.
. And when we get to heaven – we will all live
. in God’s house – together – as a family.
ELIZ Which will be spectacular beyond all measure.
MARCUS Yes, we cannot even imagine such riches.
. But as Christians, the real treasure is having
. God in our hearts, and in our lives.
. And we are most fortunate to live in a country
. which has churches and Bibles that we can read.
. Many countries do not have this privilege.
. That right there, is what makes those other
. children a lot poorer than anyone of you.
ELIZ Come, let us practice our Christmas play.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE - CITY EXTERIOR 31
(CAROLERS sing.)
SONG: “GOOD KING WENCESLAS”
CAROLERS Good King Wenceslas look'd out
. on the feast of Stephen,
. When the snow lay round about,
. deep and crisp and even.
. Brightly shone the moon that night,
. though the frost was cruel,
. When a poor man came in sight,
. gath'ring winter fuel.
. "Hither, page, and stand by me,
. if thou know'st it, telling,
. Yonder peasant, who is he?
. Where and what his dwelling?"
. "Sire, he lives a good league hence,
. underneath the mountain;
. Right against the forest fence,
. by Saint Anges' fountain."
. "Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
. bring me pine logs hither.
. Thou and I will see him dine,
. when we bear him thither."
. Page and monarch forth they went,
. forth they went together.
. Through the rude wind's wild lament
. and the bitter weather.
. "Sire, the night is darker now,
. and the wind blows stronger.
. Fails my heart, I know not how,
. I can go no longer."
. "Mark my footsteps, my good page,
. tread thou in them boldly.
. Thou shalt find the winter's rage
. freeze thy blood less coldly."
. In his master's steps he trod,
. where the snow lay dinted.
. Heat was in the very sod
. which the Saint had printed.
. Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
. wealth or rank possessing;
. Ye who now will bless the poor
. shall yourselves find blessing.
. 32
(REVERND and WIFE walk arm in arm in the square
when they meet up with LORD and LADY MONTGOMERY.
REVERND and WIFE nod politely.)
REV Lord and Lady Montgomery. Good day to you.
LORD M Reverend, I have been meaning to speak to you
. about this whole Sunday school business.
REV I say, it is hardly a business.
LORD M I would claim otherwise. It is a school.
. School on the Sabbath would be wrong.
. It is a sin, and it must stop.
REV You would prevent the children from
. attending church?
LORD M Not from attending church, but from
. attending school.
REV We have merely called it “school” because
. the children are learning.
LORD M Education has always been the business
. of teaching the privileged how to read,
. write, and calculate-
REV The children who come to Sunday school
. are being educated on Biblical matters.
WIFE The children just love their lessons.
LORD M I have heard that some are already reading.
REV If someone has the Bible read to them,
. and they happen to absorb that ability,
. what is the harm?
LADY M If the poor would suddenly be able to read,
. there would be anarchy.
REV You will NOT stop the children from
. attending church, sir. Good day.
(REVEREND and WIFE pass by POOR WOMAN, now wrapped
and shivering in her new shawl, and give her a coin.)
LORD and LADY MONTGOMERY turn away from the POOR WOMAN
and stops to enjoy the CAROLERS who sings.)
. 33
LADY M What sort of reverend supports the riffraff?
SONG: “HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING”
CAROLERS (vs.1) Here we come a-wassailing
. Among the leaves so green,
. Here we come a-wand'ring
. So fair to be seen.
. Love and joy come to you,
. And to you your wassail, too,
. And God bless you, and send you
. A Happy New Year,
. And God send you a Happy New Year.
(CAROLERS sing while LORD MONTGOMERY holds out a coin.)
LADY M Oh, let me join in the fun.
LORD M Christmas is the time to be generous.
(LORD MONTGOMERY hands the coin to LADY M, who then
gives the coin to a surprised CAROLER WOMAN, who
curtsies. LORD and LADY M smugly exit stage left.)
CAROLERS (vs.2) We are not daily beggars
. That beg from door to door,
. But we are neighbors' children
. Whom you have seen before
. Love and joy come to you,
. And to you your wassail, too,
. And God bless you, and send you
. A Happy New Year,
. And God send you a Happy New Year.
(As CAROLERS begin another song, WAITRESS comes out
with tray of mugs. CAROLER WOMAN waves over POOR WOMAN
and offers to buy her a warm drink. POOR WOMAN
then joins the CAROLERS in finishing the song.)
SONG: “OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS”
CAROLERS (vs.1) Over the river and through the woods
. To Grandmother's house we go.
. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
. Through white and drifted snow.
. Over the river and through the woods,
. Oh, how the wind does blow.
. It stings the toes and bites the nose
. As over the ground we go.
. 34
CAROLERS (vs.2) Over the river and through the woods
. To have a full day of play.
. Oh, hear the bells ringing ting-a-ling-ling,
. For it is Christmas Day.
. Over the river and through the woods,
. Trot fast my dapple gray;
. Spring o'er the ground just like a hound,
. For this is Christmas Day.
. (vs.3) Over the river and through the woods
. And straight through the barnyard gate.
. It seems that we go so dreadfully slow;
. It is so hard to wait.
. Over the river and through the woods,
. Now Grandma's cap I spy.
. Hurrah for fun, the pudding's done;
. Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.
(ADRIANA strolls in on DILLAN’S arm. ADRIANA maintains
a stoic expression. DILLAN tries to look into her eyes
to see what her demeanor might be.)
DILLAN Are you still thinking?
ADRIANA You will not even apologize?
(DILLAN pulls away from ADRIANA to face her.)
DILLAN For what? Putting up with a woman
. who drives me to lose my temper?
ADRIANA You would continue to put up with me?
DILLAN Perhaps this would persuade you.
(DILLAN stops to pull out a gift box from his
jacket pocket and holds out to ADRIANA.)
ADRIANA Oh. A gift?
DILLAN More than a gift.
ADRIANA The ultimate gift?
DILLAN Perhaps. If we speak of the same thing.
(ADRIANA opens the box and sees a tiara and necklace –
the same ones from when everything was taken from them.
ADRIANA speaks with some anger in her voice.)
. 35
ADRIANA (demanding) Where did you get these?
DILLAN What does it matter?
ADRIANA I cannot make a decision until I know.
DILLAN I had them especially made for you.
ADRIANA You lie!
DILLAN What? How would you know?
ADRIANA I - I can tell.
DILLAN Fine. I won them in a game. What of it?
. Does that change things?
ADRIANA A little.
DILLAN Good. Then you will move into the house
. that I own in this town?
ADRIANA Move – in? What of marriage?
DILLAN I hardly think my wife would approve?
ADRIANA What?!
DILLAN What were you expecting? That I would
. marry someone beneath me? No, I just
. expect you to be at my beck and call
. whenever I visit this town. You would
. certainly NOT be a lady out in society,
. but you would be enjoying the life of a lady,
. adorned with lavish jewels and living pretty.
ADRIANA (speaks while longing to touch the jewels)
. And so become an outcast from every class.
DILLAN I see how you study these jewels.
. I know that you want them.
ADRIANA They were once mine, before we lost everything.
. They had belonged to my mother, and her mother-
. But I see now - it is not worth it. You –
. (struggles not to cry) are not worth it.
(CAROLERS sing while ADRIANA rushes out stage right.
DILLAN snaps shut the gift box and exits stage left.)
. 36
SONG: “A VIRGIN UNSPOTTED”
CAROLERS (vs.1) A virgin unspotted,
. the prophet foretold;
. Should bring forth a Savior
. which now we behold.
. To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin,
. Which Adam’s transgression had wrappèd us in.
. (chorus)
. Aye and therefore be merry, set sorrow aside,
. Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this tide.
. (vs.8) To teach us humility
. all this was done,
. And learn we from thence
. haughty pride for to shun
. A manger His cradle who came from above,
. The great God of mercy, of peace and of love.
. (chorus)
. Aye and therefore be merry, set sorrow aside,
. Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this tide.
. STAGE RIGHT - HOME
(MARCUS is reading when ADRIANA bursts in sobbing.
MARCUS looks up from his reading.)
MARCUS What is it?
ADRIANA Nothing! That is what. My life is nothing.
. And my life means nothing. I was just
. offered the ultimate gift - JUST now –
. my very own jewels – mother’s jewels.
. I could have had them.
MARCUS What are you talking about?
ADRIANA Did you ever think about how far you would go
. to get back the life of wealth we once had?
. (chiding MARCUS) And come now, be honest,
. I know there have been some tempting moments.
MARCUS I’d like to think that I’m beyond that-
. It required forgiving Henry Madison and myself.
. You need to do the same. Forgive Henry Madison,
. the man who swindled everything from us,
. and forgive me for allowing it, as well
. as squandering a good deal of it.
ADRIANA Except I was just as much to blame. 37
MARCUS Come now, you were not in charge of managing
. the finances.
ADRIANA But I was in charge of spending it.
. And I helped spend it rather well.
MARCUS Well then, it seems you DO need to
. forgive yourself as well.
(ADRIANA flings herself onto the sofa to dry her tears.
MARCUS gets up to go console her when there is a knock
at the door.)
MARCUS Are you expecting anyone?
(ADRIANA is afraid and swallowed hard.)
ADRIANA I am not.
(MARCUS answers the door and ushers MR. WALTERS in.)
MARCUS Mister Walters. Please, come in.
. Is there some matter of business?
MR. W The business – of marriage – can be tricky.
MARCUS (unsure) Yes?
MR. W My daughter, Elizabeth, is quite unhappy.
MARCUS Not on my account?
MR. W Son, us men can be rather naïve.
MARCUS Since becoming a Christian, I am maintaining
. innocence – remaining chaste. But sadly,
. from past experience, I can say I was anything
. BUT naïve.
(ADRIANA guffaws while still drying her tears.)
MARCUS (to ADRIANA) What?
ADRIANA You may have known women, but you definitely
. did not know ABOUT women.
MARCUS This is true. Women are somewhat mysteries.
MR. W Indeed. And my Elizabeth is no exception. 38
. For whatever reason, she feels that you
. are the one for her.
MARCUS Sir, I have done nothing to encourage that...
. I do not know if you remember our chance
. meeting out on the yard of my former estate-
MR. W How could I forget.
MARCUS Exactly! Not my finest hour. And I can still
. remember the look of horror on your daughter’s
. face – I could sense her utter disgust-
MR. W Marcus, since becoming a believer, you have
. become a new man. This new man is far more
. appealing to my Elizabeth. Do you not remember
. her criteria for marriage?
MARCUS (smiling) She said that, “Only a Christian
. gentleman of upright integrity will befit” her.
MR. W Take special note that she never inserted
. the word “wealthy.”
MARCUS But sir, you know women-
MR. W Elizabeth is not an ordinary woman.
MARCUS No, she is far above reproach.
MR. W Yes, she is, and yet, she is still human.
. Now, no more of this nonsense; I am going
. to make this very easy for you, young man.
. I am giving you permission and my blessing
. for you to ask Elizabeth for her hand
. in marriage. You are a fool - no longer.
. I do not expect you to backslide now.
(MR. WALTERS nods respectfully, then turns and exits.)
ADRIANA I see your bright and shining future is cut out
. for you, while mine continues to look bleak.
MARCUS Huh? Elizabeth will not have me. Note his
. words of warning - to NOT be a fool. His words
. of blessings were surely more that of a threat.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE - CITY EXTERIOR 39
(CAROLERS sing.)
SONG: “STAR OF BETHLEHEM”
CAROLERS (vs.2) O beautiful Star of Bethlehem,
. Shine upon us until the glory dawns.
. Give us the lamp to light the way
. Into the land of a perfect day.
. O beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.
. (vs.3) O beautiful Star of life
. Guiding the pilgrims through the night
. Over the mountains till the break of dawn.
. Unto the land of a perfect day
. It will give a lovely ray.
. (vs.4) O beautiful Star the hope or rest,
. For the redeemed, the good the blessed.
. Yonder in glory when the crown is won,
. For Jesus in now that Star Divine,
. Brighter and brighter He will shine.
. O beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.
(ADRIANA enters stage left and runs into BRICE, who
purposefully crosses the stage from stage right to left.)
ADRIANA (excited) Brice! Where are you off to?
BRICE Adriana! I am just coming back from work.
. I’m expected right back at the orphanage,
. though. How are you?
ADRIANA Not well. And you?
BRICE Actually, I have great news.
ADRIANA You shall be old enough soon to leave
. the orphanage.
BRICE Yes. But, more than that – I – I became
. a Christian.
ADRIANA Oh no, not you, too.
BRICE And what’s more, once I am old enough to leave,
. I will go to seminary, then to China.
ADRIANA China?
. 40
BRICE As a missionary. I feel that I have been
. called to bring the good news to children
. less fortunate than I.
ADRIANA I hate to say, but you are not that fortunate.
BRICE But I am. I have found eternal life
. through Jesus. I feel like the richest man
. in the world.
ADRIANA That sounds like-
BRICE A miracle? It is. But I do. I do feel rich.
. And God will provide. Somehow He will provide.
. Well, I should get back to the orphanage,
. unless I want a good whipping.
ADRIANA I cannot see how you can be so happy
. about that.
BRICE Oh! Come to church on Christmas Eve!
ADRIANA You are going to get a whipping.
BRICE I don’t care. I want you to come to church.
ADRIANA You would risk getting a beating to make sure
. that I attend church?
BRICE Yes! Christmas Eve – we are presenting a play.
ADRIANA Oh, well, a play. I suppose that would
. not be too intolerable.
BRICE Then you will be there?
ADRIANA Yes. Now please, go – hurry. Why should I be
. the cause of your suffering?
(CAROLERS sing as ADRIANA looks through the wears of
a STREET MERCHANT.)
SONG: “I SAW THREE SHIPS”
CAROLERS (vs.1) I saw three ships come sailing in,
. On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
. I saw three ships come sailing in,
. On Christmas day in the morning.
CAROLERS (vs.6)And all the bells on earth shall ring, 41
. On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
. And all the bells on earth shall ring,
. On Christmas day in the morning.
. (vs.9) Then let us all rejoice, amain,
. On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
. Then let us all rejoice, amain,
. On Christmas day in the morning
(Carrying a basket, MARACUS and LILY enter stage right.)
MARCUS You just wanted to drag me from the house.
LILY I am growing old and feeble and require
. your strength. I need to buy-
. (sees STREET MERCHANT selling chestnuts)
. Chestnuts! If we want a real Christmas,
. we need chestnuts.
MARCUS Chestnuts are not so heavy. And Christmas
. will not be the same without the children,
. and I regret to say that things are not quite
. as joyous as they once were.
LILY (puts chestnuts into basket which MARCUS holds)
. Because things are not going as you wish?
. God will bless the faithful through their
. suffering.
MARCUS Sounds like a lesson I once would have given.
(LILY sees ELIZABETH and MRS. WALTERS enter at stage left
also with shopping baskets. MARCUS’ back is to them.)
LILY Then you need to be your own student.
. Marcus, you need to get on with your life.
. Perhaps find a suitable young lady to-
. Oh look! – there is Miss Elizabeth.
(MARCUS looks back in time to see ADRIANA approach
ELIZABETH with purpose.)
MARCUS And what is Adriana up to now?
LILY Oh! Well, give them a moment. I doubt Elizabeth
. requires your aid. She is a feisty one,
. you realize. Stronger than you think.
(ADRIANA struts up to ELIZABETH with purpose.)
. 42
ADRIANA Why, if it isn’t Miss Piety.
ELIZ (hurt) Why do you say this?
ADRIANA Come now, us women only want a life of comfort,
. which requires wealth. My brother, Marcus,
. has been living in misery and confusion, so
. I question that your desire is for my brother.
ELIZ You dare to speak to me of my desires?
. You think so little of me and presume that
. I want so much? You sound just like Marcus.
ADRIANA That is because my brother and I are very
. much alike.
ELIZ You and I - are very much alike.
. We are both strong-willed-
ADRIANA Ah, well, that is where the similarities end.
ELIZ I disagree. I believe deep down, YOU really
. just want to feel loved and accepted for
. who you are. And THAT would take precedence
. over anything like wealth or jewels.
(LILY now pushes MARCUS towards the ladies.)
LILY Now you should go. (grabs the basket)
. Oh, these are not as heavy as I thought.
(MARCUS approaches ELIZABETH.)
MARCUS Lessons to be learned.
ELIZ Pardon me?
MARCUS No please, pardon me, and my thick headedness.
. for presuming to know what you really wanted.
ELIZ Oh, well, then you must pardon my boldness
. of the other day. It was very unladylike.
MARCUS Oh. But, ah, your father, I am, wondering,
. and ah, well, if you-
ELIZ Why, Marcus Stealthbury, you are not
. tongue-tied?
MARCUS (sighs) Your father has already 43
. approached me... aaaand...
ELIZ Will you cause me to be bold yet again?
(LILY makes big arm motions to get on with it.
ADRIANA walks by MARCUS and comments aside.)
ADRIANA Take her father’s words to heart. I now
. believe that his words were rather sincere.
(MARCUS gently moves ADRIANA out of the way to continue.)
MARCUS (to ELIZ) Your father has already given me
. his blessing and approval in approaching you
. for your hand in marriage. But Elizabeth,
. I must caution you, I have nothing to offer.
ELIZ You have God in your life. You have the love
. and strength and riches of God, and the
. strong foundation of His holy words.
. THAT – is everything.
MARCUS (gasping) Let me begin again.
. Elizabeth, might I ask you for your hand
. in marriage, not just for the sole reason
. to adopt the children, but-
ELIZ Yes! You may certainly have my hand
. in marriage. And we should not wait too long.
. Those poor children!
MARCUS Are you saying yes for me, or the children?
ELIZ Why, both! I love you all.
MRS. W (rushing over) Elizabeth, are you sure?
. You must take into consideration that
. you will be leaving the comforts-
ELIZ Mother, would it surprise you to know
. that I care not so much for comfort?
. If our Lord and Savior can come from heaven
. and live the life of a carpenter, I am sure
. I can manage.
LILY With God’s strength, all things are possible.
MRS. W (to LILY) You think it will come to that?
(Both MRS. WALTERS and LILY break into tears and hug 44
each other. ADRIANA chokes hers back.)
ADRIANA I believe that was one of the longest,
. and most painful of proposals.
ELIZ I suppose it makes up for the brief courtship
. and engagement.
ADRIANA (laughing) I do say, you will make
. a tolerable sister. Ah, I have a sister!
(ALL happily rush off stage.)
. CENTER STAGE - CHURCH
(CAROLERS sing as the choir, while CHILDREN put on play.
A few children come out as “SHEPHERDS” from stage left
and stand waiting for the end of the first verse.)
SONG: “THE FIRST NOWELL”
CAROLERS (vs.1) The first Nowell the angels did say
. Was to certain poor shepherds
. in fields as they lay;
. In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
. On a cold winter's night that was so deep:
. (chorus) Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
. Born is the King of Israel.
(CAROLERS hum a verse while “SHEPHERDS” speak.)
SHEPHRD 1 This great news was given to US,
. poor shepherds, who have nothing.
SHEPHRD 2 Somehow, I think it matters not.
SHEPHRD 3 Come, we must go see this King
. and worship Him.
(As CAROLERS sing, “MARY”, holding “baby”, and JOSEPH”
enter stage left. “SHEPHERDS” cross over and bow down.)
CAROLERS (vs.2) They lookèd up and saw a star,
. Shining in the east, beyond them far:
. And to the earth it gave great light,
. And so it continued both day and night.
(“MAGI”, carrying gifts, enter stage right and
stand waiting for the end of the next verse.)
. 45
CAROLERS (vs.3) And by the light of that same star,
. Three Wise Men came from country far;
. To seek for a King was their intent,
. And to follow the star wheresoever it went
(CAROLERS hum a verse while “MAGI” speak.)
MAGI 1 We only have gold, frankincense and myrrh
. to offer the King of kings.
MAGI 2 Somehow, I think it matters not.
MAGI 3 Come, we must go see this King of kings
. and worship Him.
CAROLERS (vs.4) This star drew nigh to the north-west;
. O'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
. And there it did both stop and stay
. Right over the place where Jesus lay
(As CAROLERS sing, the “MAGI” cross the stage
to “MARY” and “JOSEPH” and bow before the “baby”
while laying their gifts on the ground.)
CAROLERS (vs.5) Then entered in those Wise Men three,
. Fell reverently upon their knee,
. And offered there in his presence,
. Their gold and myrrh and frankincense:
(As CAROLERS sing, “ANGELS” enter stage from all around
and surround the nativity scene holding their arms out.)
CAROLERS (vs.6) Then let us all with one accord
. Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
. That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
. And with His blood mankind hath bought
(CHILDREN hold their poses while REVEREND stands
down center stage to deliver his message.)
REV This beautiful scene is here to remind us
. that it does not matter whether we are
. rich or poor, God sent His only Son, Jesus,
. down from His heavenly throne, to suffer
. and die for each and every one of us.
. Whether rich or poor, young or old,
. God wants to have a personal relationship
. with us. God wants us to be His children
. and live with Him forever in Paradise.
. 46
(CAROLERS and CHILDREN sing.)
SONG “O THOU JOYFUL, O THOU WONDERFUL”
CAROLERS (vs.1) O thou joyful, O thou wonderful
. Grace revealing Christmastide!
. Jesus came to win us
. From all sin within us;
. Glorify the holy Child!
(vs.2) O thou joyful, O thou wonderful
. Love revealing Christmastide!
. Loud hosannas singing
. And all praises bringing
. May thy love with us abide!
. (vs.3) O thou joyful, O thou wonderful
. Peace revealing Christmastide!
. Darkness disappeareth
. God’s own light now neareth:
. Peace and joy to all betide!
(CHURCH PEOPLE enter from both sides to fellowship
with CAROLERS. MARCUS, ELIZABETH, and LILY rush up
to the CHILDREN.)
MARCUS Children, gather around. Great news!
CHILD We know! Jesus came to save us!
MARCUS MORE great news. Not quite as good as that,
. but - Elizabeth and I were married yesterday.
(CHILDREN cheers happily, not quite understanding.)
MARCUS And what’s more, we are going to have children-
. starting today.
BRICE Ah, I believe that is impossible.
ELIZ With God, all things are possible.
LILY A Christmas miracle.
MARCUS Yes! Now, ah, I had saved up some money to buy
. Christmas presents for all of you, but, well,
. instead, I needed to use that money to purchase
. all of your adoption papers. You are all
. coming home with us - as our children.
. 47
BRICE Tonight?
ELIZ Yes. Isn’t it wonderful?
CHILD This is the best Christmas present
. anyone could ever want.
ELIZ This calls for a Christmas celebration.
. (noticing that IAN has observed the hubbub)
. Ian, you are invited also.
MARCUS (to BRICE) I know you are almost old enough
. to be on your own, but I have papers
. for you too... son.
BRICE (to MARCUS) Okay... Dad.
(ADRIANA quietly walks up.)
BRICE Adriana, you came.
ADRIANA (sullenly with a slight roll of her eyes)
. What is more, I am now a believer.
IAN What?
ADRIANA (sheepishly) Yes. It happened.
MARCUS What are saying?
ADRIANA Yes! I do not want to hear the brotherly,
. “I told you so.” But - it is SO.
. I wanted joy and acceptance, thinking it could
. only come from a man, and wealth. But God
. gave the ultimate gift by sending His Son
. to earth to die for us? How can anything
. compare to that? How can I ignore that?
MARCUS Well, this is indeed the grandest of
. all celebrations.
(MR. and MRS. WALTERS enter with arms loaded with gifts.)
MR. W Merry Christmas, all!
MARCUS What is all this?
MRS. W Why, are we not grandparents now?
ELIZ (laughing) I would say so! 48
MARCUS Come everyone, to our house!
(ADRIANA passes by IAN and suddenly lunges at him. IAN
shrinks back. ADRIANA laughs then looks coyly at him.)
ADRIANA I would not be opposed to you escorting me home.
(MARCUS nudges IAN toward ADRIANA.)
MARCUS That means she now likes you.
IAN Most - reassuring.
(ADRIANA stares at IAN playfully. IAN stares back, then
quickly sticks out his elbow for her. Laughing, ADRIANA
takes his arm and they walk out while CAROLERS sing.
ALL exit, except for the CAROLERS.)
SONG: “GOOD CHRISTIAN MEN, REJOICE”
CAROLERS (vs.1) Good Christian men, rejoice
. With heart, and soul, and voice;
. Give ye heed to what we say:
. News! News! Jesus Christ is born today!
. Ox and ass before Him bow,
. And He is in the manger now;
. Christ is born today!
. Christ is born today!
. (vs.2) Good Christian men, rejoice
. With heart, and soul, and voice;
. Now ye hear of endless bliss:
. Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this!
. He hath ope'd the heav'nly door,
. And man is blessed ever more;
. Christ was born for this!
. Christ was born for this!
. Good Christian men, rejoice
. With hear, and soul, and voice;
. Now ye need mot fear the grave:
. Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save!
. Calls you one and calls you all,
. To gain His everlasting hall;
. Christ was born to save!
. Christ was born to save!
DIM LIGHTS.