----------------------------- 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. VACANCY "...for with the heart man believes." Romans 10:10 a one-act play for Christmas by David S. Lampel Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel. All rights reserved. Technical Notes This play requires three separate areas of the stage--none of which need be very large. * The first area is for the "Leader", who, in modern dress, represents the standpoint and perspective of today. He or she stands in our own time and speaks for modern man. * The second area is for the two mysterious Visitors who stand outside of time. They may be angels, or some other sort of supernatural being. We don't really know. But they need to be isolated physically from the other two areas--ideally, higher, such as in an organ speaker chamber or high baptistery. In the original production, each Visitor was set in one of two high organ chambers--one on either side of the stage. They stood behind fabric screens with their faces (only) carefully lit by spots situated within the organ chambers. With the rest of the organ chamber black, and the Visitor dressed in black except for the head, this left them invisible to the audience when house or normal stage lights were up. But when these lights were out, and the organ chamber lights up, their seemingly disembodied heads became visible to the audience. If two matching areas such as this are not available, the two Visitors could be placed together in one space. * The third area is for the drama itself, and can be any portion of the stage that is clearly set apart from the other two. Lighting is important to this production. The drama needs to be lighted as you would any play and requires blackouts. The "Visitors" require dark, mysterious lighting and black backgrounds so that, ideally, they are simply bodiless faces looking out of the darkness. If the director decides against a dark setting for the Visitors, it is still important that whatever the treatment, they remain mysterious, and set out of time. Smooth transitions (crossfades) are needed between the three areas. The Script The Scene divisions in this script are for rehearsal purposes only, and should not be included in a printed program. Set & Wardrobe The Leader needs no set--except that he or she may be supplied a stool to sit on during the dramatic scenes--and should be dressed comfortably modern, such as "business casual." [Note: Even when not "on," the Leader should remain in character, watching the scenes being played out for his or her benefit.] The Visitors (depending on the director's approach) need no set, and should be shrouded in black, leaving only the head exposed. The drama set consists of the interior of the front room of the Bethlehem inn, with a window in one wall and a door that opens out onto the main street. Set pieces within the interior are left to the director's discretion. Characters The play opens with the Leader, who is a combination worship leader, narrator, and character. More than that, he or she represents believing, contemporary humanity--with all its faith and doubts, joy and cynicism. This person has a strong, yet comfortable stage presence that flows easily from speaking to the audience, to speaking for them. Though this person is a narrator, as it were, he or she remains in character throughout, as someone paying attention to the scenes being played out. Two characters who set this play apart from the rest are the mysterious Visitors. It is left to the imagination of the director to specify--if he or she so chooses--just what these beings are. They may be angels; they may not. It doesn't really matter. They are simply two supernatural beings that stand astride time--able to dwell in the present, as well as to conjure up the past and see into the future. Simon, the innkeeper, is the disturbing picture of today's upwardly mobile, self-absorbed, Type A individual. While he does love his family, his behavior rarely shows it. His true passion is for the game and challenge of making profit, and he is mostly blind to his failings. In spite of these, Simon is lovably obnoxious; he is a good man misguided. Simon's wife, Joanna, is the calm amidst her husband's storm. She is obedient when it comes to helping run the inn, but she is still opinionated, and always ready to point out her husband's failings. Their son, Nathanael, is a good and dutiful son of around 12 years of age whose real goal in life is to please his father. Eliezer, their next-door neighbor, is an older man of solid reputation. In contrast to his friend Simon, he has not given up on the promises of the God of their fathers. Scene One With house lights still up, lights up on Leader. Leader (to the audience) Welcome. We've gathered tonight to remember and rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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." What a wonderful thought: That the glory of the Lord has actually come, and is now shining on us. (pause; soberly) But I wonder if we see that light? The light of 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? Leader Back when? (pause) Who said that? Lights up on Visitors. Visitor #2 Back when Jesus came to this world for the first time. Leader 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." Leader But they didn't have the incredible pressures we have. Business deals and deadlines and mortgages... Visitor #1 Oh really. House lights down slowly. Lights down on Leader; 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. Lights down on Visitors. Scene Two Lights up on drama set. 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 pass you by if you rest for a moment. Simon (reluctantly sitting; wearily) 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 Uh 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 (slyly) 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; to her husband) 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 the 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 (after they have left) 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 (darkly) 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 even 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? 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've strengthened my faith. (pause) The Lord will choose the day of Messiah. It'll 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. Lights down on drama set. Scene Three Lights up on Visitor #2 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. Lights down on Visitor #2. Lights up on drama set. Simon Tell them we're full up! And that they've got a lot of nerve even trying at this late hour. Joanna (speaking to someone just outside their door) I'm sorry, but we have no more room. (pause, listening to 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 the people outside) I'm sorry. Maybe there will be something tomorrow. (she listens to them again) 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; to the people outside) Come with me. I'll put you up in the stable tonight. At least you'll be warm. As Joanna exits, Simon, with a satisfied smirk on his face, returns to what he had been doing. But as he looks around the empty room his smug attitude turns to an uneasy loneliness. Lights down slowly on drama set, as the Visitors refer to Simon during the next scene. Scene Four Lights up on Visitors. 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. Lights up on Leader. Leader (to the Visitors) Was that Mary... and Joseph? Visitor #2 It's about to happen. Leader They seem so very much alone. Visitor #1 This is a great and terrible thing happening to them. But soon He will be born. Leader Is Mary well? Visitor #2 She's young, but strong. God's hand is upon her. Leader 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. Leader 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. Leader And He walked right in. Visitor #2 There's the wonder. (pause) But now Joseph was another matter. Visitor #1 Oh my, yes. Leader Why do you say that? Visitor #2 Well for one thing, he was a man. Leader (with mild sarcasm) Really. Visitor #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... Visitor #2 ...but Joseph was left with a greater helping of his own logic. Visitor #1 (wryly) A dangerous habit for humans. Leader I have to hand it to Joseph: he had a lot of pressure 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. Visitor #1 Yes, Joseph had his moments of doubt and confusion. Visitor #2 Most humans would. Visitor #1 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. (pause; with a chuckle) Then there was our friend Simon... Lights down on Visitors. Scene Five Lights up on drama set 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 (as if angry at his son) But I just refilled the jug! Where'd it all go? (realizing it's not his son's fault; beginning to get a headache over all this) 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 help one of these days. As Nathanael exits, Eliezer, enters excited and slightly out of breath. 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 (suddenly uneasy) 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 But they're camped outside town. What are they doing in here? Simon They've brought more soldiers in because of the census. The story is they ran out of officer billets, so I'm stuck with them for the night. Eliezer (turning quickly to go) Then I'll be on my way. 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) Simon, don't you know what's going on out there? Simon Out where? Eliezer Out in the town. 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 almost 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. Come out and see for yourself. Simon What is it? Did I miss another feast day. Eliezer I can't explain it. (staring out the window) Something's happened, and suddenly--we're all friends again. It seems that for so long all of us have been caught up in business and taxes and this crazy census. (rhetorically) What happened to us? When did we stop being who we were, and become what we are now? (troubled) Yesterday Josiah the merchant swindled me out of a day's worth of bread, and there was no shame in his eyes. (ashamed) Earlier today I sold a two-shekel basket of bread to your son for three, and I felt no shame in it. (pause; turning back to Simon) But this evening there's a new spirit traveling up and down the streets. We can trust again--but I don't know why. It's as if we've all suddenly awakened from a bad dream. People are once again neighbors--neighbors are once again friends. There's an expectation all about us-- (turning back to peer through the window) and I don't know why? 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 returns to his business, but then, noticing something outside, moves to the window. Simon (looking outside) Is there a full moon tonight? Lights down slowly on drama set. Lights up on Visitors. Visitor #1 And then, back in the dark recesses of a dingy stable, the child is about to be born. Visitor #2 Crouch down as we slip into the dark cave, crouch down so you won't bump your head on the low, rough entrance. Visitor #1 And watch your step: it is, after all, a shelter for animals. The cramped space is thick with the dusty mix of hay and ancient rock. What little oxygen there is, is heavy with the acrid aroma of manure and urine. The bleating of lambs and the baritone lowing of cattle are in marked contrast to the stillness of the Bethlehem night outside. Visitor #2 Over in the corner, before a mounded bed of hay, Joseph kneels next to his wife--who is struggling through the pains of childbirth. Before we turn away, to permit them their privacy, we see that Mary is quite young, and this is surely her first child. It will be hard for her, the labor will be long and intense. Before she delivers and forgets the pain, it will be great. Visitor #1 She cries out. Her husband mutters comfort and encouragement. There is no midwife, and we haven't one with us; all we can do is pray that the child will be healthy and that the mother will survive the birth. Visitor #2 Finally, after long hours of labor, the young woman delivers a fine boy-child with healthy lungs. He gurgles and gasps for breath, then releases that breath again in quavering, rhythmic wails that bring weary smiles to the faces of his parents. Visitor #1 As Joseph lifts the child up and places him to Mary's breast, we silently approach and stare with reverent wonder. Visitor #2 And there He is, the Son of God, one-third of the fellowship of God, agent of Creation. Lights down slowly on Visitors. Scene Six Lights up on drama set. Simon is seen pacing, waiting for Joanna. 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 (deaf to his wife; continuing with his own agenda; 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 (hearing her for the first time) 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 out there 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 right here in Bethlehem! 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 (angry) All right. (beginning to leave) You stay here and live with a past that's already passed you by. I choose the hope resting in that stable. Simon (not wanting her 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 Bethlehem to worship this little baby. Explain that. Simon How can I explain lunacy? Joanna Why do you resist the answer to all your prayers? (very angry) Must God present Himself to you in person? Simon That would be a nice touch. Joanna Well, mister know-it-all, I believe He has! There is a little baby just born in a stall of our stable--born there because you turned away his parents earlier tonight. (with exuberant joy; leading Simon out with her) Simon, His eyes shine with the wisdom of God, and perfect strangers are presenting themselves to Him. They exit together. Lights down on drama set. Scene Seven Lights up on Visitors. 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 the 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. Lights down on Visitors Scene Eight Lights up on drama set. Enter Simon, thoughtfully. Simon (with a slow, deliberate pace; to himself) Have I seen Messiah? Could this little child really be the One? He's too small for a king. But they say He is. The shepherds say this child is the Savior--the Christ. This baby. Oh, what do they know--they're only shepherds. Spend their lives with sheep! (desperately) What do they know? How can it be? How can one so small solve all the problems of such a big world? (laughing almost derisively) Forget the world--solve my problems! What can He do for me? (frustrated) 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 (confused) 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 triumphant 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 Yes, I know. It's so easy to cling to the comfort of 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 for it to go through. Joanna But you can feel it. Simon (after a moment; thoughtfully) In the stable, when I looked down into that manger, I looked into His eyes, and it was the most amazing thing. I remember when Nathanael was just born--his eyes, like most children, seemed to be a blank slate, waiting for something to be written there. There was life, but no knowledge, no experience. But when I looked at the child tonight, 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, well, livable. Because of Him. (almost whispering) Because of Him. Lights down slowly on drama set. Scene Nine Lights up on Leader. The Leader, moved by the scene that has just been played out before him, begins slowly, speaking to the audience not with memorized lines, but from the deepest emotions of his heart. Leader (to the audience) The longing of the human heart is for it to be filled. Man is born with the knowledge that there is something beyond himself, and he lives with the desire to fill up his emptiness with it. But the vacancy can't be filled with just anything. (pause) From the beginning God built into man a "God-space"--a place in his heart perfectly shaped to hold the Spirit of his Maker. Here God would come in and make Himself at home, to commune and fellowship with His creation, to listen and whisper words of wisdom. Man's God-space identified his ownership; no other god would fit there. So man entertained no other spirit as a replacement. But one day, in a moment of rebellion, man's God-space went empty. That place in his heart fashioned and shaped to fit the Spirit of God remained, but now there would be no tenant. Man did, however, gain some new wisdom in the bargain: he now knew he was alone. From that moment in the Garden, all the children--children from the world's second generation until world's end--would enter the world alone, separated from the God who had given them breath. (pause) After many centuries of men and women being left on their own to struggle back up to fellowship with their Maker, after many centuries of empty discipline and vain imaginings meant to replace the sweet communion they had once enjoyed, God looked down upon His people and expressed hope in the form of a tiny child. He sent down to them, not a new creation, but a very ancient part of Himself in the shape of man. He who dwells outside of time and space, He who holds eternity in His hand came down to dwell, for a while, among those who carried around inside them an empty space into which His Spirit would fit. And once again man could know fellowship with his Maker. He could walk with Him, listen to His quiet counsel, commune with Him. Once again man's God-space could be filled with its intended occupant. [It is recommended that at this point the Leader exits and the resident Pastor take over, segueing from the speech above into a personal Invitation for those in attendance to know Christ--to have the Savior come in and fill their empty God-space.] ---------------- 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