----------------------------- A NOTE REGARDING THIS VERSION ----------------------------- This script is from the HIS COMPANY CATALOGUE of plays and musical resources. It is in ASCII (or plain text) format, and is intended only to be used for evaluation purposes. Visit our web site at http://hc.dlampel.com to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version for performance. THERE'S ROOM IN MY HEART Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company PROGRAM MUSIC Leader Welcome. We have gathered tonight to remember and rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let's welcome Him to this gathering. Lord . . . Song: COME TO MY HEART, LORD JESUS Leader Long ago the Son of God left His heavenly peace to bring that peace down to man. He who created the world emptied Himself of all privilege, took on the likeness of men, and came to them--came as a baby, with open arms filled with love. He came to dwell in their hearts--those hearts that would have Him. And from that one, glorious day, until this day, He has known rejection as men and women have shut their hearts to Him. (pause) Long ago the prophets proclaimed His coming. They painted word-portraits of the Savior so that the people would clearly know the day of His arrival. Isaiah said it best: "Arise, shine; for your light has come. And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you. And nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising." Song: ARISE, SHINE! Choir Member #1 What a wonderful thought: That the glory of the Lord has come, and is now shining on us. (pause) But I wonder if we see that light? The light of Jesus Christ rarely penetrates the smog of our humanity. Our world today is filled with the tarnished light of our own brilliance. And never more so than during this festive time of year. Plastic Santas and aluminum trees greet us in every shop of the mall . . . Visitor #1 (a disembodied voice) And do you think it was so different back then? Choir Member #1 Back when? (pause) Who said that? [Lights up on Visitors.] Visitor #1 Back when Jesus came to this world for the first time. Choir Member #1 They had shopping malls in 6 BC? Visitor #1 (impatiently) No. But people were just as preoccupied with their own problems and the distractions of living. In those days the people, too, had little time for "peace, and goodwill toward men." Choir Member #1 But they didn't have the incredible pressures we have. Business deals and deadlines and mortgages . . . Visitor #1 Oh really. [Lights down on stage; up only on Visitors.] Visitor #2 Bethlehem was a small, inconspicuous town lying just short of a day's journey south of the city of Jerusalem. It was a sleepy little village, tucked away and forgotten by most; nothing flashy, a bit disheveled. Visitor #1 Few people ever visited by choice. Time and trends had passed it by, disregarded and even held in contempt by some--until one day the mighty despot called for a census to be taken of all the people in all his conquered lands. Visitor #2 In the village was a small inn, unimpressive and tattered, worn down by time, home for the village innkeeper and his wife and son. Visitor #1 From the large room facing the street they conducted their business. This room more than any other was home for the innkeeper as he welcomed new guests and dispensed with the old. Visitor #2 The mighty despot was Caesar Augustus; and the village innkeeper was called Simon. [Lights transition from Visitors to Drama.] [Enter SIMON, an Innkeeper of Bethlehem. He has been frantically scurrying about for days because of the Roman Census. While he continues his grumbling about the hated Romans, he has no complaints about the money he has been raking in from their Census. Enter his wife, JOANNA, right behind him.] SIMON Where is that boy? I sent him an hour ago. JOANNA Should I go look for him? SIMON No time! No time! Get back upstairs and see if anyone is ready to leave. JOANNA But what difference does it make? If the room's occupied, why look for another? SIMON (taking her quickly down stage; secretively) Sssshhh . . . ! Each time one leaves I raise the rate! We're making a killing off this census. JOANNA (shocked) But Simon--that's dishonest! SIMON Listen, those filthy Romans have been bleeding us for every denarius. If they hand me a chance to make some of it back, well, I'm going to take it. JOANNA But it's our people you're taking it from. SIMON (failing a rejoinder; turning away) Where is that boy? He should have been back long ago. JOANNA He may have stopped to see one of his friends. You've been working him awfully hard these last few days. SIMON Much to be done. JOANNA You worry me, Simon. I've never seen you like this. SIMON (impatiently; wishing she would get busy) Must I do everything around here? JOANNA (firmly) Now you just sit down here and take a break. The world won't blow away if you rest for a moment. SIMON (reluctantly sitting) Why do you fight me so? It's all for the family. JOANNA But this isn't my husband: running around, squeezing every drop of profit from his neighbors . . . SIMON They're not our neighbors. These people are coming all the way down from Galilee. We aren't the ones forcing them to stay in our town. JOANNA But we don't have to cheat them. SIMON And where's the difference? When the harvest is poor, the price of wheat is high; when the harvest is good, the price is lower. Simple economics, Joanna. The law of the marketplace. JOANNA So tell me, my husband the banker, why is it your harvest is good and your prices remain high? SIMON (once again, without rejoinder) Where is that boy? JOANNA Ugh huh. [Enter their son NATHANAEL, with their neighbor, ELIEZER. NATHANAEL is carrying a basket of bread.] ELIEZER (generously) I had to return with Nathanael, to compliment his father on his son's bargaining skills. Quite amazing in one so young. (with a twinkle) I wonder where he learned them. [NATHANAEL hands the basket of bread to his mother, but speaks to his father.] NATHANAEL (proudly) I did good, papa. SIMON And what did Eliezer's fine bread cost us today? NATHANAEL Only three shekels. SIMON Three shekels! Why, that's robbery! I would have paid no more than two. (to Eliezer) )Why such a high price to your neighbor? ELIEZER (innocently) Many new customers in town. My poor wife is kept busy with the orders. SIMON So with all the orders you can afford to lower the price. ELIEZER This census won't last forever. SIMON (stepping closer to ELIEZER) No, but your greed probably will. JOANNA (quickly intervening) Stop it you two! (sarcastically) Simon, what is one shekel when the harvest is good? It's the law of the marketplace--simple economics. NATHANAEL (contritely) It's good bread, papa. SIMON (affectionately, but with some reluctance; embarrassed by truth) You made a good bargain, son. I couldn't have done better myself. Now go help your mother put the bread away. [JOANNA and NATHANAEL exit.] ELIEZER He's a good boy, Simon. SIMON The God of Abraham has been generous. Now if He would just see to these filthy Romans. (with great bitterness) )They stain this land with the blood of our own people. They count our heads like sheep, so they can gouge us for more taxes. ELIEZER And make you rich in the bargain. SIMON If the Lord of Israel will turn His back on our sorrow, then we'll have to survive on our own. ELIEZER You have no patience, Simon. SIMON Patience will get us killed. ELIEZER (chiding) No one is getting killed. SIMON No . . . but the Roman taxes bleed us dry. ELIEZER (firmly) Messiah. Messiah will come. SIMON Sure. Here we go with all the old prophecies. How many years? How long must we wait for our Messiah? ELIEZER There is no peace for one so angry with God. SIMON (emphatically) The Romans are systematically taking everything from us . . . ELIEZER Everything but our faith. (with a sigh) )But I see they have now taken that from you, Simon. SIMON What good is a prophet's story of a Savior when people are in chains? What do we tell our children when they ask about Messiah? How do we cover up the reality of today? + (Cue Trax) ELIEZER The Lord heard our fathers in Egypt; He hears us, too. Today's reality leads us to our God--not away from Him. SIMON (with mild contempt) The Romans have weakened you. ELIEZER (firmly) No. They have strengthened my faith. (pause) The Lord will choose the day of Messiah. It will not be the Romans and it will not be us who choose. Simon, it is your faith that has been weakened by the decrees of a Caesar. Our God is God! He is the God who led our fathers out of Egyptian slavery--and He is the God who will deliver us from our bondage. Song: BEHOLD YOUR GOD Visitor #2 That night, after the evening meal, two weary travelers knocked at the closed door of the Bethlehem inn. It had been a full day for Simon--so he sent his wife to answer. SIMON Tell them we're full up! And that they've got a lot of nerve even trying at this late hour. JOANNA (at the door) I'm sorry, but we have no more room. (pause, looking at them) )One moment. (closing the door; to Simon) )Simon, she's pregnant. We must find a room for them. SIMON (emphatically) There's not one room left. JOANNA (opening the door; to their visitors) I'm sorry. Maybe there will be something tomorrow. (she listens) )Excuse me. (closing the door; to Simon) )Where is your heart? Surely we have something for them. SIMON How else can I say it? No room! (pause) Unless . . . JOANNA Unless they can pay extra, right? SIMON I can be . . . persuaded, by certain-- JOANNA (disgusted with her husband) I can see that these people have no money--and the woman is near her time. SIMON (bombastically) Charity! Always charity. This is a business--not a charity. People give us money, and we give them a room for the night. (sarcastically) Do you see how it works? JOANNA (angry) All I see is your empty heart. (opening the door as she grabs a lamp) Come with me. I'll put you up in the stable tonight. At least you'll be warm. + [As Joanna exits, Simon returns to what he had been doing, with a satisfied smirk on his face. But as he looks around the empty room his smug attitude turns to an uneasy loneliness, as Trax begin. Lights stay up on Simon during song, then fade slowly as song ends.] Song: NO ROOM Visitor #1 Poor Simon. How important he has become to himself. Visitor #2 He keeps the walls of his life very close, doesn't he. Choir Member #1 (to the Visitors) Was that Mary . . . and Joseph? Visitor #2 It's about to happen. Choir Member #1 They seem so very much alone. Visitor #1 This is a great and terrible thing happening to them. But soon He will be born. Choir Member #1 Is Mary well? + Visitor #2 She is young, but strong. God's hand is upon her. Choir Member #1 How can she bear the wonder of it all? How could any woman? To give birth to the Son of God! Visitor #1 Is there so much difference? Is not the hand of God in every birth. Is not the wonder of God in every new life. Choir Member #1 I'm not sure I could have her faith. Visitor #2 She loves her God enough to obey Him--to become His servant. Visitor #1 She opened the door of her heart. Choir Member #1 And He walked right in. Visitor #2 There's the wonder. Choir Member #1 (Mary soloist) Maybe I do know Mary. Maybe I do know the wonder inside her. When my __________ was born, I too could sense the power and wonder of God. As my first born took shape within me--as my life gave him life, my heart sang praise to a God who would so bless me. Me! There was nothing so special about me; I was just allowing God to work His will through me-- into a new life. Song: MARY'S SONG + (for THOU SHALT CALL/THEN HE CAME) Visitor #2 (with a sigh) But Joseph was another matter. Visitor #1 Oh my, yes. Choir Member #1 (Mary soloist) Why do you say that? Choir Member #2 (Joseph soloist to Mary soloist) Well for one thing, he was a man. Choir Member #1 (with mild sarcasm) Really. Choir Member #2 All he got were explanations. For Mary it was happening inside her--she could feel the power of God in her. Visitor #1 Joseph was running on pure faith and trust . . . Visitor #2 . . . and obedience. Visitor #1 The Holy Spirit had permeated the heart of Mary . . . Choir Member #2 (Joseph soloist) . . . but Joseph was left with a greater helping of his own logic. Visitor #2 (wryly) A dangerous habit for humans. Choir Member #2 I have to hand it to Joseph--he had a lot of pressures from society to do just about anything but what he did. He must have been very confused at times--to wonder why God would put him in such a position. Song: THOU SHALT CALL/THEN HE CAME Visitor #1 (during Interlude, p.34) Yes, Joseph had his moments of doubt and confusion. Visitor #2 Most humans would. Visitor #1 But then it was time for Jesus to be born. And the heart of Joseph could only open to receive the love God was pouring into his life. Song: THOU SHALT CALL/THEN HE CAME (continues) [Lights up on Drama as SIMON enters.] SIMON (shouting upstairs) . . . and hold it down up there! You born in a barn? NATHANAEL (entering excitedly) Father, they're asking for more wine. And there is no more. SIMON (thinking) Well, try at Saul's house. Maybe they have some to spare. And hurry, (sarcastically) can't keep our guests waiting. Oh yes, if you run into your mother, tell her I would appreciate her presence. [Enter ELIEZER, excited and slightly out of breath, as NATHANAEL exits.] ELIEZER Simon, this is a most curious night--a most curious night. SIMON What's the matter, your wife run out of flour? Don't come crying to me. ELIEZER Can't you feel the excitement in the air? SIMON The only thing I feel in the air is the breath of two drunken soldiers in one of my rooms. ELIEZER (uneasily) Soldiers? SIMON It's not bad enough they have to push us around in the streets. Now they're staying in my own house! ELIEZER They're camped outside town; what are they doing in here? SIMON They've brought more soldiers in because of the census. They ran out of officer billets, so I'm stuck with them for the night. ELIEZER (turning quickly to go) See ya. SIMON (stopping him) Wait a minute. ELIEZER I'm not hanging around with them in here. SIMON They're too drunk to bother with us. What did you come here for? ELIEZER (relaxing) Don't you know what's going on out there? SIMON Somebody has to stay here and see to business. Joanna took off with two customers more than an hour ago and never came back! ELIEZER Practically the whole town is out in the streets. There's something . . . magical going on out there. SIMON (taking his friend by the arms, with mock solemnity) It's been a rough day. You've been working too hard, Eliezer. ELIEZER (dismissively) Don't be silly. SIMON Listen, I've been thinking about what you said before--about the Messiah--and, you're right. [ELIEZER registers shock.] SIMON (continuing) No, I mean it. A Jew is just another man without his faith. We must be united against our common enemy--and in our hope for the Redeemer. ELIEZER (with amazement) This is a magical night. SIMON I'm just bullheaded, Eliezer. (glancing up) He made me that way. (pause) He understands. ELIEZER Come with me outside. SIMON I'll stay for any new customers. ELIEZER (gently pleading) Simon, . . . SIMON You could find Joanna for me, though. It's time she was in for the night. ELIEZER All right, my friend. (ELIEZER exits) SIMON (to himself; moving to and looking out the window) Is there a full moon tonight? Song: SHEPHERDS BESIDE THEMSELVES JOANNA (bursting in with great excitement) Simon! The most marvelous thing has happened! SIMON I expected you hours ago. JOANNA He's here! He's finally come! SIMON (pouting) I've been here all by myself, you know--and with two Roman soldiers overhead. JOANNA (more firmly) Simon! Messiah! Messiah has come! SIMON Not you too. Have you been talking to Eliezer? JOANNA I've been at the stable, with Joseph and Mary--those are their names. SIMON Who? JOANNA Mary and Joseph--the couple I took to the stable because you said we had no more room. (pause) What soldiers? SIMON The two passed out upstairs. JOANNA Oh, I see how it is. A nice couple about to have a baby and there's no room. Two soldiers of the state and suddenly there's a vacancy. SIMON They had swords, you know. JOANNA Simon, listen to me. There are miracles taking place in our stable and you're still worried about business. SIMON Fine. Next time you can tell the soldiers we have no accommodations. Until Messiah comes and does away with these Romans, we have to play by their rules. JOANNA (exasperated) But He has! And in our stable! SIMON Who? JOANNA (getting very frustrated) The baby! He's the one! SIMON (you've got to be kidding) The Messiah? Come on . . . JOANNA If you'd ever get your nose out of your accounts receivable you might notice what's going on around you! The Redeemer of our people has just been born under your roof--and all you can feel is the weight of Roman oppression. (taking his hand) Come with me, and see the future in a baby's eyes. SIMON A baby? You're putting a baby up against the power of Rome? JOANNA (seriously) For this baby, Caesar himself would be no challenge. SIMON You're talking nonsense. JOANNA All right. You stay here and live with a past that's already passed you by. I choose the hope resting in that straw. SIMON (wanting to go, but afraid to give in) What can be so special about a little baby? JOANNA (seriously; with intensity) Only that he was announced by the angels of heaven, and people from all corners are coming to worship him. (with wonder) Strangers are coming to worship this little baby . . . and for the first time I can see God smiling on the world. + [They exit together.] Song: GLORY TO GOD + (for I Have Seen the King) Visitor #2 And finally the wise men came to give him honor. Visitors from faraway lands, they sought the one announced by the glory of heaven. Visitor #1 They came with their gifts: Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh . . . But the greatest gift they brought was their worship. Before all, they acknowledged that this was indeed the Messiah--the Son of God. Visitor #2 And once again, Jesus Christ entered the hearts of men. Those who earlier had worshipped the charts of stars and crystal balls, opened their hearts to the child of the Holy Spirit. Visitor #1 They now worshipped the Savior--incarnate God--and their lives would be forever changed. Song: I HAVE SEEN THE KING [Enter Simon, thoughtfully.] SIMON (with a slow, deliberate pace; to himself) Have I seen Messiah? Could this little child be the One? He's so small for a king. But they say He is. The shepherds say this child is the Savior--the Christ. How can it be? How can one so small solve the problems of such a big world? Forget the world--solve my problems! What can He do for me? (pause) And why is He still in my mind? [Enter JOANNA.] SIMON (to Joanna) You knew all along. JOANNA I told you, Simon. SIMON (distantly; more to himself) But no one speaks more clearly than the Savior Himself. (surprised at himself for saying `Savior') Listen to me! He's just a baby! JOANNA No! He's so much more. You heard the shepherds--you saw the star--you can feel God's presence in that child. Why do you still resist? SIMON (blurting out) Because I can't bear the thought that it's going to be that easy! JOANNA For what? SIMON (expansively) I wanted God to sweep his arm down and wipe my enemies off the face of the earth! I wanted Him to send a bellowing king to conquer the Romans and lift us to the power we once knew! (quieter; after taking a breath) I wanted God to send a comforting wind that would somehow . . . change my life. JOANNA (softly) I think He has. (pause) We don't see it--we can't .We can't see what that baby will become. But Simon, there is a wind, and it's blowing through Bethlehem tonight. And you've felt it--you can already feel the change taking place. SIMON (seriously) Yes. And it frightens me. JOANNA It's what you've been looking for all along. SIMON (thoughtfully) I can feel the old ways slipping away. And it frightens me. JOANNA We so easily cling to our imperfections. But I think what you're feeling --what we're both feeling--is the redemption of that child entering our hearts. SIMON Well, if that's what it is--there're a lot of layers to get through. JOANNA But you can feel it. SIMON (after a moment; thoughtfully) In the stable, when I looked down into that bed of straw, I looked into His eyes, and it was the most amazing thing. I remember when Nathanael was just born--his eyes seemed to be a blank slate, waiting for something to be written there. But when I looked at that child in the straw, He looked right back at me--right into my eyes! It was almost as if He were speaking to me. I know it sounds ridiculous, but, it was like looking into . . . eternity itself. And it was then. (pause; working through it) He became a part of me. Suddenly, all the other things became very small--all the pressures, the problems, all the burdens of living became . . . livable. Because of Him. (almost whispering) Because of Him. + Song: THE ANGELS REJOICE INVITATION by the Pastor, followed by Instrumental version of . . . Song: COME TO MY HEART, LORD JESUS (with audience) Then SEQUE by Pastor into . . . Song: A GREAT JOY OVERTURE (`Going Home' Music) ---------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE ---------------- This script is Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. The data file may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel"). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, promotions, or spoken messages. Permission is hereby extended for this script to be printed for rehearsal and performance use. 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Lampel Winterset, IA 50273 USA Complete resources at http://hc.dlampel.com/ "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36) 20120305