Description

Birth of Jesus as candles punctuate the darkness.

Narrated story, (no lines for actors), of the people’s longing for a leader, their discouragement when it didn’t seem possible, and the ecstasy of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Individual candles punctuate the darkness reflecting the range of moods in the story.

Cast: 30 candle holders

• as available, can be more than 30, try not to have less
• actor’s only duty is to hold an electric candle
• narrators can be offstage, or perhaps pre-recorded

Bible Reference: Luke 1-2
Set: Bare with table
Sound: as available, could be pre-recorded
Song: none
Lighting:

• individual electronic candles for each actor
• station smaller candle holders toward front so they will be seen
• small intense light for the cradle
• low level floodlight at the end for view to show all actors

SFX: none
Props: baby or doll, cradle
Costumes:

• traditional for angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph

Special Instructions:

• position actors holding candles in Stage I all over the stage so lights are spread across the stage. Special note: have final 3 candles being very separated.
• In Stage II position candle holders in such a way that it ends up as a manger scene

Time: 5

Sample of script:

Stage I

narration begins in the darkness

N1:          Many, many years ago there lived a people who, it seemed, were constantly being picked upon, conquered by one enemy after another, becoming the slaves of foreigners.

N2:          The people were being oppressed, nothing they could do against stronger armies.

N3:          How long can this go on?

N1:          Then an elder, a prophet told the people that God said he would send a leader.

one candle on

N2:          God actually said that?

N1:          Someone who would come to show the people how to stand up for themselves.

another candle on

N3:          Well if that were possible it would likely be better than what we have now.

N1:          A leader who would defeat the oppressors.

another candle on

N2:          You know, that sounds exciting, kind of.

N1:          A mighty warrior.

several candles online 

N3:          A warrior, that’s exactly what we need.

N1:          Someone sent from God himself!

many more candles

N2:          Wow, this is awesome, now we have some hope.

N1:          The Messiah is coming!

N2&3, together, excited:
The Messiah is coming!

all candles on

N2:          I am sure that means the Messiah will be here today!

N3:          For sure the Messiah will be here by the end of the week, no later.

N2:          Did God say when he would send the Messiah?

N1:          No, not the exact day, but soon.

one candle off

N3:          Well, soon is good.

N2:          Well, I am sure God will send the Messiah soon . . . but it would be nice to know how soon.

another candle off

N3:          It’s been a long time and still no Messiah.

several candles off

N2:          Are we sure it was God who told the prophets about the Messiah, or was it a dream?

more candles off

N2:          It was talk! . . . Just talk!

all except 3 candles off

Stage II

N1:    For many years the people waited. . . . And waited.
(pause)
And then . . .