A new angel in training works with Gabriel and the hosts of angels to tell the old story in spite of exuberance and ineptitude. With carols mixed into the program this make a very delightful drama.

Characters:
Harold: A boy angel could be age 10-18.
Gabriel: The archangel Harold friend and mentor. Man probably 20-30.
Choir Director: The heavenly choir director. Older man.
Jesus: Silhouette – and Voice.
Messenger: Any age male or female, to make heavenly announcements.
God: Depicted by glowing light behind screen. Booming deep voice.
Host of Heaven: As many and various as needed.
Choir: As many and various as needed.
Shepherds: As many as needed
Mary: Young woman
Joseph: Young man
Baby Jesus: A wrapped doll will do.
(If you have children or youth to work in, Shepherds, angels, and choir are good fillers.)

Music: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Away in the Manger, While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks By Night, and Emanuel

Props: Risers for Choir, Panel or curtain for Silhouettes, Bright light for God, Sword for Gabriel, Scroll for messenger, trumpet or horn, Medallion, Card board sheep, and manger scene.

Sample of script:

Scene 1:

Heaven (can make smoke for effect or spread angel hair on the floor.) Harold is lying on his stomach with his head hanging off the edge of the stage gazing intently. Enter Gabriel the archangel. He is wearing a robe like other angels but with a special glittering vest to denote his rank and authority and a sword strapped to his side. He sees Harold and walks to him.

Gabriel: Not again.

Harold: (Turns grinning impishly) Why Gabbie, what do you mean?

Gabriel: (trying not to grin) You spend all of your time watching people on earth.

Harold: Yes, but just look at them. What a mess. All they do is destroy one another. Look at the sickness, the pain, (say sorrowfully and slowly) the sin. There is no one to help them. Why doesn’t God do something?

Gabriel: God will do something.

Harold: But when? They need help now.

Gabriel: No one loves man more than God himself. You must be patient. He has a plan and he knows what he’s doing. Which reminds me, aren’t you supposed to be at choir practice about now.

Harold: But Gabbie, choir practice is for sissies. I’m bored with it. I want to do something for mankind.

Gabriel: Just like God has a plan to rescue mankind, God has a plan for Choir and reason for you to be in it. You may not see it now but if you don’t apply yourself, you may miss what God in store for you.

Harold: OK, I guess.

Gabriel: Now off with you. (Harold heads in wrong direction) Uh, I think choir practice is the other way.

Harold: (Bummed) Oh yeah, OK.

Gabriel: As a matter of fact, I was heading that way myself.

Choir Director: (sarcastic) Well Harold we’re so glad you could finally join us, (pause) late as usual. I don’t know why you have been commissioned to the choir when you’re nothing but trouble. You hear me trouble. I have complained again and again and they still haven’tremoved you. I should . . .

Harold: (Squirms on one foot then the other – looks at Gabriel for help.)

Gabriel: (steps in at this point for his friend) Mr. Director Harold was with me and we just sort of lost track of time. I’m sure you can find it in your heart to forgive him.

Choir Director: (sarcastic still) Again? Gabriel I don’t know what you see in this boy. An angel of your stature shouldn’t be bothered with this lazy boy when there are so many others so more deserving of your attention.

Gabriel: (Waves Harold to his place on the risers – Harold goes to the back row and tries to hide behind others.) Thank you Mr. Director. I knew you would see it my way. Mark my words Harold is going to be part of something very important one day and you’ll be the one that trained him. (last words said as Gabriel exits)

Choir Director: Part of something big indeed. I can’t even get him to show up for choir. OK choir where were we before every thing in heaven had to stop for Mr. Harold? Oh yes, our theme song, from the top.

(Choir begins to sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing – Harold begins to fidget noticeably, then something catches his eye off the edge of the stage. Harold sneaks off to take a peak, acts like he’s going to return now, and gets closer and closer until he is lying on his stomach gazingat the world again.)

Choir Director: (Notices Harold is gone, looks around and sees Harold. He motions the choir to keep singing and sneaks over to Harold) (as ever sarcastic) Fascinating isn’t it?

Harold: Oh yes it is fascinating, (totally engrossed) you see these people over here on this side are fighting with these people over on this other side. They saying the people on this side won but so many people have been hurt and killed I haven’t determined how they can tell which side wins.

Choir Director: (tapping his foot) What a pity.

Harold: Yes, imagine all that pain and bloodshed just so they can say they won. They are in desperate need of help.

Choir Director: (Yelling) HAROLD!

Harold: (gulps) Uh Oh.

Choir Director: Uh oh is right young man. What do you think your doing? (Harold starts to answer) Don’t answer that. (heading back to stand in front of the main group) Since you’re too busy to practice with the rest of us, I assume you know your part.

Harold: (fidgets nervously) Yes of course Mr. Director.

Choir Director: Good, then you won’t mind showing the rest of the group how it’s done, (looks at him angrily) will you.

Harold: Yes Mr. Director. I mean no Mr. Director. I mean sure.

Choir Director: Well then from the top. (director gets ready to start)

Harold: You mean you want me to sing it by myself in front of everyone.