----------------------------- 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. FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY Book for the Musical Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company ------- Scene 1 after "From the Realms of Glory" Transition from Choir to Dramatic Set [Enter the Son of God. His attire is timelessly nondescript, assigned to no one time-period or epoch. His mind is elsewhere, as if occupied by checking and rechecking a mental list--or mentally packing and re-packing a suitcase. His demeanor is not what we would describe as that of deity; there is no Godly posturing or grand gliding across the stage, as if He is afraid to bend his knees.] [Enter Harry, the angel. Harry is a lower-echelon angel, well below the rank of Archangel. Not accustomed to being in the presence of the Lord, and being a naturally nervous fellow anyway, Harry is a little intimidated by being here, so close to the Son of God. But he has heard a rumor and his curiosity has won out over his shyness. He enters quickly, nervously.] Harry (understanding he has every right to address the Son of God, yet nervous nonetheless) Ugh . . . (clearing his throat) ahem! . . . ugh, God? Son of God (turning to greet Harry; preoccupied with other matters, but still friendly) Well, hello Harry! Good to see you. Harry (pleasantly taken aback) Y--you know me? Son of God (with an easy, familiar chuckle) Of course I do. What can I do for you? Harry (not realizing it would be this easy) W--well, I've heard a rumor--a rumor about You--and I thought I'd check it out for myself. Son of God (with mock seriousness) A rumor, huh? This can't be good. What have I done now? Harry (quickly) Oh no--nothing like that, God. You see-- Son of God (interrupting) Listen, Harry, pretty soon I'm going to be taking a new name--a human name. Why don't you help me get used to it by using it now. Harry S--sure. I could do that. Son of God (pleased) Good. The name's Jesus. Harry (as if to fix it in his memory) Jesus. Well, that shouldn't be so hard. Jesus. (pushing ahead with his reason for being here) Well, God--sorry--Jesus, I've heard others talking about you going down to earth for awhile, and . . . (stunned; suddenly realizes that God's new name confirms the rumor's truth) Then of course, it must be true. Why else would you need a human name! Son of God (smiling broadly) Harry, don't ever let them sell you short; you're right on the ball. Harry Then it is true. Son of God (nodding His head) Just getting ready now. [Harry shakes his head, perplexed. Discovering that the rumor is, indeed, true does nothing to help him understand the reason why.] Harry (after a pause) But You've never done anything like this before. Son of God Oh yes, a few times. Remember when I visited Abraham and Sarah at the oaks of Mamre?[2] Harry (remembering now) So this is no big deal. Son of God Actually it is. This time will be quite different. (pause) This time I'll be there in the flesh. Harry (grimacing with revulsion) Flesh? Son of God (chiding him) Oh, it isn't all that bad. There're millions of people living that way right now. Harry Yes, but they're used to it. You're used to so much better. Son of God But it's the only way it can get done. Harry What? What would be so important that you'd have to do all that? Son of God (after a beat) Their redemption. It's time for me to go down to earth and fulfill the law We established long ago. Harry But in person? Couldn't you do it from up here? Son of God (pausing to think about that for a moment) There was a time when We thought about that. But you know, Harry, these people need a Savior. They really do. They need someone they can see with their own eyes, whose words they can hear for themselves, and they need someone they can touch, and feel is really there with them. Harry (understanding a bit) They need a `Jesus'. Son of God (agreeing) It's the best way to show them God's love: put Him into flesh. Harry (digesting the concept) Okay. I can see this. But one thing--and, please, I don't mean any disrespect--(hesitantly) Are these the right people? Is this the right time? The world's a pretty small place right now, and these people have a lot to learn. Things are pretty primitive down there. Son of God It was worked out long ago, Harry. (beat) Now's the time. Harry But is it necessary to give all this up: (gesturing broadly) the throne, the grandeur--the glory? Son of God It's a small thing, really, to give up my glory for a little while, so that so many others might have it for eternity. Harry (more seriously) But you'll be losing who You are--Your identity. Son of God I'm not losing it. Just setting it aside for awhile. I'll still be God, only now--for a little while--I'll also be man. Cue: "Tell Me the Story Again" Harry (screwing up his face) Sounds complicated. Son of God (considering) Yes, I suppose it is. But nobody ever said it would be easy to save all of mankind. Harry (just now realizing) We'll miss you--all the angels will miss you. Son of God (smiling good-naturedly) Keep `em in line, Harry. For a while I'm going to be something less than you angels[3] . . . Harry Boy, talk about a demotion! Transition from Dramatic Set to Choir Song: "Tell Me the Story Again" NOTE: At the cutoff, the actress playing Mary should exit quickly from the choir. If she can have her makeup already applied before the musical begins, all she need do at this point is exit out the side from which she will enter as Mary and, with the help of a dresser, change into her Mary costume. She will have approximately 2 « minutes in which to accomplish this change. NOTE: If the actor playing the Innkeeper is not in makeup already, he should exit now for makeup and costume. At this point, he will have approximately 9 minutes until his entrance. ------- Scene 2 after "Tell Me the Story Again" Transition from Choir to Dramatic Set Harry (with gleeful anticipation) Boy, I wish I could be there when You show up for Your grand entrance. It'll sure be something to see. Son of God (simply) Why do you say that? Harry (with gathering excitement) What? The Son of God arrives on earth in all His heavenly glory? (getting even more carried away) Why, there'll be trumpets and cymbals and cheering throngs when You show Yourself to them! They'll be so surprised--so happy that the Messiah has finally come (expansively) in all Your majesty! Son of God (calming Harry down with a hand on his shoulder) Harry, settle down. Listen to me: It's not going to be that way. Harry (caught up short; after a beat) It's not? Son of God (shaking His head) That's not how humans are born. Harry (with confused revulsion again) Born? (struggling to find the right words) But, You--You're already _ Son of God (interrupting) Yes, I am. Always will be. But I must become flesh, and flesh must be born. It doesn't just . . . appear. Harry (confused) But, isn't the whole idea to make some kind of an impact down there? To change the world? Son of God (with more intensity) The idea is to save lives. The idea is to give people a chance to live with God forever. Harry Okay, right. And I would think the best way to accomplish that is to make a splash! Show them Your power--Your might! Son of God (shaking His head) Harry, Harry. You don't know these people as well as you think. They aren't impressed with `splash'. Are you so soon forgetting the biggest splash We ever made? Remember when We helped Moses get the people out of the clutches of Pharaoh? We split the Red Sea into two parts, revealing the dry land, gave them safe passage between towering walls of water. Talk about an impressive miracle! (pointedly) Before the water could even fill in the hole they were grumbling at God. (pause) No, they may be impressed for the moment, but that's as long as it lasts. They don't need a parade--they need a Savior. Harry (as if he still can't believe it) So You're going to be born? Son of God Just like everyone else down there. Harry (with an involuntary shudder; muttering, more to himself than Jesus) There's gotta be a better way. Son of God (having fun with Harry's predicament) Oh, and We've already picked out my mother. [Harry slowly turns to silently stare at Jesus, not quite comprehending all this.] Son of God (continuing with animation and warm anticipation) She's a sweet girl--from Nazareth. She's engaged to be married to a man from the same town, so I guess that'll be my home town. (saying the name again, as if enjoying the sound) Nazareth. Harry continues to stare as Jesus explains further. Son of God (continuing with delight) Her name is Mary--that's a nice name, isn't it Harry--and her betrothed is Joseph. Mary and Joseph--they'll be my parents. Cue: "He Knew Glory" [During the Intro, Mary enters, deep in thought, and crosses to Centerstage. Lights up slowly on her during final dialogue lines for Harry and the Son of God.] Harry (finally snapping out of it) Will she know? Son of God Know what? Harry That she's giving birth to the Son of God. Son of God (nodding His head) Gabriel's already told her. Harry (trying to imagine what it would be like; seriously) Must be quite a lot for a young girl to take in. Son of God (not in question) I imagine so. Transition from Dramatic Set to Mary Soloist and Choir Song: "He Knew Glory" ------- Scene 3 after "He Knew Glory" Transition from Choir to Dramatic Set [Mary exits (in character!) during transition. She has approximately 2 minutes in which to be ready to reenter with Joseph and the Innkeeper. If the Innkeeper began the musical in makeup, he should exit now to get into costume. He will have approximately 2 minutes.] Harry Well, at least Your parents--knowing you're the Son of God--will surely give You a suitable lifestyle. Certainly they're from a priestly --or even royal--family. Son of God (brightening) Actually they are of the royal line of David. I'll be meeting them for the first time in Bethlehem--the city of David. Harry (confused again) But You said they were from Nazareth. Son of God They are. But you see, the emperor down there--Caesar Augustus--he'll be ordering everyone to go to their family towns for a census. (go figure) He's counting heads. Bethlehem is Joseph's family town, so he and Mary will go there to be counted. Harry (confidently) Then they have a home there. Son of God Ugh, no . . . Harry (trying again) Family to stay with? Son of God Harry, they're in the royal line, but Joseph is a simple carpenter--an honorable man with little in his purse. Harry But there are so many important religious leaders in Israel _ Son of God (breaking in; almost an aside) Yes. Too many. Harry Wouldn't any one of them be a better choice? Son of God (with a heavy sigh) You may find this hard to believe, but most of the problems I'll have on earth will be caused by them. They'll be the biggest obstacle to people believing in Me. Harry (becoming exasperated) Will there at least be emissaries there to inform the public? Son of God Mmm--yes, in a manner of speaking. The shepherds will be close by, and they'll tell others. Harry (You've got to be kidding) Shepherds? Out in the country? What will you be doing out there? Son of God Well, you see, the town will be filled with travelers there for the census. The only available lodging will be a . . . stable. Harry (incredulous) You're telling me the long-awaited Messiah--the King of kings--the very Son of God will be born in a stable? Son of God Harry, my purpose in going to earth isn't to be a member of royalty being waited on by His subjects. Cue: "An Ordinary Stable" Son of God (continuing) I'm going down there to be a servant--so that I can wait on them. (pause) Fascinating, isn't it. No one would ever guess. Just part of the plan, Harry, just part of the plan. Transition from Dramatic Set to Innkeeper and Choir Song: "An Ordinary Stable" --------- Innkeeper Song: "An Ordinary Stable" [At measure 5 of Intro, Innkeeper enters with Joseph and Mary, conducting them toward the stable. He should be roughly Centerstage in time to sing. Innkeeper begins singing to audience. "Well, I notice that your wife..." is directed to Joseph. During the first chorus, he pantomimes to Joseph, as if he is describing the stable to him (keyed to the words of the chorus). Joseph is unsure that this will be all right. As the Innkeeper describes the stable, he expresses doubt, glances back at Mary once in awhile. During the second chorus, the Innkeeper steps away from the couple, expecting them to decide. Joseph huddles with Mary--who points out that she is, indeed, `great with child' and they'll just have to take whatever they can get. Joseph turns back to the Innkeeper and accepts his offer. Innkeeper sings his last phrase out toward the audience (with great expression). The following dialogue takes place immediately after the Innkeeper finishes singing, as they exit, and needs to be finished by the end of the music.] Innkeeper (after singing, as he conducts Mary and Joseph off-stage to the stable; to Joseph) Now, there's only the small matter of the rent. Perhaps you'd like to pay in advance . . . Joseph (stiffening) I'll pay once we see the accommodations. Innkeeper (quickly) As you wish. Joseph And by the way, what was that about a hole in the roof . . . ? [They exit together (Innkeeper first).] Cue: "From Glory to Glory" (immediately) Song: "From Glory to Glory" Reader after "From Glory..." [The Reader enters. The Scripture text (NIV) in the first column is to be read (from a Bible)[4] before the song "Born a Savior"] The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.[5] To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.[6] He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. Cue: "Born a Savior" And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.[7] Reader [The Scripture text in the second column is to be read (from a Bible) during the interlude within the song.] He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.[8] "Born a Savior" continues --------------- Audience Medley Music Minister He was born a Savior so that we not only might receive Him as our own, but that we would have the opportunity to worship Him. Cue: "Come and Worship Medley" (motioning for audience to stand) Let's all worship Him together! Song: "Come and Worship Medley" [The Music Minister motions for the audience to be seated.] Cue: "In the Glory" Music Minister[9] We worship Jesus because of the love He demonstrated in giving up His glory for a little while to bring salvation to us all. To be in Christ is to open that door and let Him in--not only for salvation, but communion; not just for a ticket into heaven, but for the opportunity to learn of Jesus and His ways, to begin the glorious and mysterious process of becoming like Him. Song: "In the Glory" ------- Scene 4 after "In the Glory" Transition from Choir to Jesus entering Downstage [Jesus enters and crosses to Centerstage (or wherever Mary and Innkeeper scenes were set). Jesus is a teenager, roughly 12 to 15 years of age. Enter Harry, the Angel, opposite. He tentatively approaches Jesus.] Harry (not absolutely sure this is Jesus) Jesus? Jesus (greeting Harry enthusiastically, as He would an old friend) Harry, it's sure good to see you! Harry (responding with relief) I wasn't sure it was you. (touching Jesus' arms, shoulders, etc.) So this is what it's like. Jesus (warmly) How have you been? Harry Like I said, we miss you--we all do. Jesus Hey, I've missed you, too. But I've got a pretty good life here. Harry (glancing around; confidentially, yet with excitement) So, when will it begin? Jesus What? Harry (still confidentially) C'mon . . . You're the Messiah! You came down to save these people. When will you take over? Jesus Take . . . over? Harry (stumped; is he talking to the right guy?) Am I missing something? Isn't that why you came down here? You said they needed a Savior! Jesus (looking around Himself) They sure do. Harry (insistently) So when will it begin? [Jesus sighs, a little weary with how long it is taking Harry to catch on. He looks around, then points off into the distance (downstage, toward the audience).] Jesus Harry, do you see that shepherd over there--the one surrounded by all his sheep? [Harry looks in the direction Jesus is pointing, then nods.] Jesus (continuing) Do you see how he keeps the flock close by, protecting the sheep from any predators? Harry (not sure of Jesus' point) Yes. Jesus (patiently explaining; warmly) I've come as a good shepherd, to offer protection and life to my flock. Harry (skeptically) These people are up against some pretty stiff competition. Caesar . . . the Roman army . . . Herod . . . Don't you think they could use a little more than a simple shepherd? Jesus You're right--and they'll have more. Harry (relieved) I would think so. Jesus (pointing again into the distance) Notice the small lamb in the arms of the shepherd. See how quiet and gentle it is, so spotlessly pure. Harry (impatiently) I see it. Jesus I've come as the Lamb of God--the sacrifice that will take away the sins of the world. [Harry turns and stares at Jesus in disbelief.] Jesus (continuing with intensity) Harry, these people need a Savior, but not another king or warrior. They've already had that. (pause) I'm not here to save them from a power-hungry emperor, or an army, or a wicked king--I'm here to save them from themselves. Only God Himself will be a sufficient sacrifice to cover the sins of the world. Harry (having a hard time believing what he thinks he's hearing) So . . . you gave up everything . . . only to . . . Jesus (looking around) I love these people, Harry. I came to experience what it's like for them --what it's like to live with a body that ages and dies, what it's like to suffer loneliness and pain, to feel the pull of sin[10], to experience--as much as I can--what it is to be human. Harry (impatiently, thinking that's enough) I'm sure You've already experienced all that. Jesus My living like them won't save them, but my dying like them will. (pause) Later, when I'm an adult, I'll spend some time teaching and discipling a few followers. But most people won't believe, and those religious leaders will conspire against me. They'll work with the Romans to put me on trial. Harry (shocked) Trial!? Jesus This isn't heaven, Harry. They won't easily believe who I am. (pause) They'll find me guilty . . . Harry Guilty of what? Jesus It doesn't matter--it won't to them. They'll humiliate me, and put me to death with other criminals . . . Harry (protesting) But You're not a criminal! Jesus (with intensity) I have to die, Harry. It's necessary--for them. Harry (exasperated; the thought of Jesus dying beginning to overwhelm him) Jesus . . . Jesus (encouragingly) But it's all right, Harry. Don't feel badly. It won't be the end-- (enthusiastically) but a new beginning. I won't stay in the grave--I'll return to heaven. And because of it, these people will have a chance for life! Cue: "You Are Holy" Jesus (continuing) Real life, with the Father. [Harry has slowly come to comprehend the length and breadth of what Jesus has been telling him--the result of which has been an overwhelming respect for the Son of God. Along with respect, his heart has filled with adoration and praise for this One willing to unselfishly give so much for others. This realization builds in him until it floods out in words of adoration.] Harry (with great awe and admiration; adopting an attitude of worship)[11] You're worthy of our praise. Jesus, You are Lord! You are Holy! Song: "You Are Holy" [Harry sings the first verse (and maybe beginning of first chorus) as a solo to Jesus, joined then by the chorus, which has entered during his solo. All attention is focused on Jesus from the moment they enter through the end of the song.] [During the singing of "You Are Holy", Jesus remains on stage, graciously receiving the praise of the angels in a calm, understated way. after "You Are Holy" the `Angel chorus' remains in place.] Harry (approaching Jesus) How much longer will you be here? Jesus In earthly terms, quite awhile. In heavenly terms, no time at all. Harry (affectionately) We'll look forward to that day. Jesus (thinking of how much He misses the Father) As will I. (beat; as they exit together) Say Harry, have you got a minute? Harry (not really wanting to leave) I suppose I should be getting back. Jesus Before you go, I'd really like you to meet my family. Harry (brightening) Sure! Love to. [Harry and Jesus exit.] ------------------- Invitation & Finale Once Jesus and Harry have exited, the Pastor comes on stage to address the audience. His comments should be based on the following points[12]: * The willingness of the Son of God to leave His heavenly glory * The unselfish love demonstrated by Jesus and God the Father * How life in Christ means so much more than simple salvation Hymn: "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" [13] After the Invitation hymn, the Pastor has a few closing remarks, then turns it back to the Music Minister. Cue: "Finale" (immediately) Adult and Youth Choirs take position during Intro (9 seconds) ---------------- 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. Copies may be reproduced in sufficient number for the director, actors, and technical personnel, as long as each copy contains the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel") ----------------- USING THIS SCRIPT ----------------- For electronic distribution, the Internet version of this script uses the following conventions: * character names are in ALL CAPS. * stage directions within a character's line are enclosed in parentheses (e.g., "(with anger)"). * stage directions without are enclosed in brackets (e.g., "[They exit.]"). * the plus sign (+) indicates when to cue trax or begin intro for next song ---------------------------------------------------------------------- These plays and musical resources are made available free-of-charge, without obligation, in service to our Lord and to His glory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- David S. 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