Nativity Musical

Act I

Scene I

(Open with Choir on their knees reaching up, longing. Mary at the front of the group.)

Oh, Come, Oh Come Emmaneul

Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appears

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, oh Israel

Oh come Thou Day-Spring 

Come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death’s dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, oh Israel

(Others exit stage, leaving Mary folding laundry. Gabriel, fully armored, walks up and stands next to her.)

Scene II

Gabriel: “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

(Mary screams and falls over.)

Gabriel: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

(Gabriel pulls Mary up and starts singing to her. The rest of the choir floods in.)

His Name Shall Be by Matt Redmann

He’s come to tell the Father’s love

His goodness and His grace

To show the brightness of His smile

The glory of His face

So glory in the highest

And on the earth be peace

Glory to God Your children sin

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor

Mighty God, Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace, for all eternity, oh

His name shall be Jesus

(Choir leaves.)

Mary: “How will this be since I’m not married yet?”

Gabriel: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy- the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age had also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mary: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

(Gabriel leaves. Mary falls over asleep. Mary rises and holds her stomach and looks up. Joseph enters behind her and puts his hands over her eyes.)

Scene III

Joseph: “Guess who.”

Mary: (spins around.) “Joseph! You’ll never believe what just happened.”

Joseph: “It took you less than an hour to fold all the laundry?”

Mary: “I just saw an angel.”

Joseph: “Like an angel of the Lord? Come, on Mary. I know you like to be creative, but don’t you think that’s a little far. Angels only appear to great people.”

Mary: “But one did, Joseph! It’s no story! I’m telling the truth.”

Joseph: “Well, what did he tell you then, dear?”

Mary: “The Lord, He came upon me and said I would bear His son. I’m pregnant. Just like the prophet Isaiah said, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” [Isaiah 7:14]

(Rabbi Lael sneaks onto the scene and hides, listening in.)

Joseph: “You’re pregnant?”

Mary: “That’s what the Lord said!”

Joseph: “Was it Simeon?”

Mary: “Joseph, you’re not hearing me. It’s–”

Joseph: “I’m hearing you perfectly fine, Mary. I can’t believe you.”

Mary: “Joseph, I’m still yours, my heart belongs to the Lord and to you.”

Joseph: “Enough with the lies, Mary. Don’t worry, I still love you. We’ll break off our relationship here. No one is around. As long as Rabbi Lael doesn’t know, you should be fine. Just lay low.”

(Joseph storms off one direction and Mary runs off crying the other direction. The stop before they get completely off stage.)

Thy Will  by Hillary Scott

Mary: I’m so confused

I know I heard you loud and clear

So, I followed through

Somehow I ended up here

I don’t wanna think

I may never understand

That my broken heart is a part of your plan

When I try to pray

All I’ve got is hurt and these four words

All: Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Joseph:   I know you’re good

But this don’t feel good right now

And I know you think

Of things I could never think about

It’s hard to count it all joy

Distracted by the noise

Just trying to make sense

Of all your promises

Sometimes I gotta stop

Remember that you’re God

And I am not

So

All: Thy will be done 

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will

Act II

Scene I

(Joseph is laying on stage tossing and turning. Gabriel enters and places hand on Joseph’s head.)

Gabriel: “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

(Choir enters, tiptoeing.)

His Name Shall Be (Part 2)

He’s come to lift the weary ones

Give peace and perfect rest

To take away our burdens and

To give a glorious gift

So glory in the highest

And on the earth be peace

Glory to God the world will sing

His name shall be Wonderful, Counselor

Mighty God, Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace for all eternity, oh

His name shall be Jesus

(Gabriel and choir exit. Joseph wakes up and rubs his head.)

Joseph: “Oh what have I done. I have to go apologize.”

Scene II

(Joseph walks around stage picking  flowers. Enter Rabbi Lael and a few towns people.)

Lael: “But you faithful Israel, you know the law. You’ve seen how the Lord has handed us over to our enemies when we fail to obey Him. This Roman oppression is due to our lack of obedience! If we want to be rid of the pagan Romans, we must be rid of the pagans that surround us.”

Crowd: (Various forms of agreement.)

Lael: “Fellow righteous Israelites, there is one of these pagan ones among us. She had admitted to being pregnant even though she is not yet married. Even worse, the father isn’t her betrothed.”

Townfolk 1: “What should we do about this woman, Rabbi Lael?”

Townfolk 2: “Who is she, Rabbi?”

Lael: “The woman is Mary.”

Crowd and Joseph: (Gasp.)

(Joseph starts running off stage.)

Lael: “Shun her. Pay no heed to her, pretend she doesn’t exist. Do not associate yourselves with such a creature.”

(Lael and crowd of townsfolk exit stage, Joseph and Mary enter, Joseph on one knee.)

Scene III

Joseph: “Mary, I’m so sorry. I was wrong. You were right. An angel appeared to me in a dream. Please, be my wife.”

Mary:  (Hugs Joseph.) “Of course.”

Joseph: “Thank you. You said your aunt is pregnant, too. Why don’t you go visit her.”

Mary: “It might take me a few days to pack. She doesn’t live terribly close. But why isn’t this kind of sudden?”

Joseph: “I’ll work on building our house. I want to surprise you and Nazareth is so small you can practically see it from here.”

Mary: “Joseph, you don’t have enough practice being creative. What’s the real reason?”

Joseph: “I heard Rabbi Lael stirring up the townsfolk against you. I don’t know how he found out, but now everyone knows.”

Mary: “What did he say?”

Joseph: “Don’t worry about it. Just go visit Elizabeth for a few months, and everyone will forget.”

Mary: “I will. Thank you, Joseph.”

Joseph: “I just want to keep you and Jesus safe.”

(Mary packs and heads off to Elizabeth’s)

Scene IV

Mary: “Shalom, Elizabeth!”

Elizabeth: “Mary? Mary! Oh! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Mary: “Praise be to God! Praise God! Praise God for all he’s done!”

Elizabeth: “Oh Mary! I’m delighted to see you, but why are you here?”

Mary: “The angel told me you were also with child and Joseph thought it was a good idea.”

Elizabeth: “Well, please dear, stay awhile. It can get rather lonely with Zechariah not being able to speak.” 

Mary:  “Thank you.”

(Mary and Elizabeth walk to the side talking softly to each other. Choir enters.)

Mary Did You Know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you’ll deliver, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby, you’ll kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

(At the end of the song, Mary looks more pregnant and Elizabeth much more so.)

(Rabbi Lael knocks and enters the stage.)

Elizabeth: “Oh, Rabbi Lael, what an unexpected surprise. Come in, but I must warn you Zechariah is still mute.”

Lael: “The rumors are true, then. You are expecting. It truly is a miracle! Righteous, holy people like yourselves surely deserve a miracle child like our patriarch Abraham.”

Elizabeth: “Thank you for your kind words. Mary, would you mind getting us some tea?”

Mary: “Of course.”

(Mary goes to the side of the stage and pours tea.)

Lael: “Wait, my dear Elizabeth, good Zechariah, is that Mary from Nazareth?”

Elizabeth: “Yes, she’s my niece. She’s been a great help these past three months.”

Lael: “Oh. Oh, you poor souls. You mustn’t know of her sin and her uncleanness. She is a plight on all Israel. She has broken the law in the gravest of manners and is an adultress. Worry not. We’ll send her out and wash your home.”

Elizabeth: “If you’re going to speak poorly of my guest, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Lael: “I’m a priest after the order of Aaron, you wouldn’t dare to show me the door.”

Elizabeth: “Mary hasn’t been with any man. The Lord put the baby in her womb.”

Lael: “Deranged speech from a demon-possessed soul. I’m sure the holy counsel will not appreciate hearing the righteous Zechariah is housing such a louse.”

Mary: “Elizabeth, it’s alright. I was planning on leaving today or tomorrow anyway. I’ll just go grab my bags.”

Elizabeth: “Mary, it’s fine really. Rabbi Lael is just confused.”

Mary: “Elizabeth. (Mary embraces her.) I’ll be fine. I do not wish to cause you or Zechariah trouble”

(Mary picks up bag slowly starts walking off stage. Elizabeth follows her and sings.

Hold on to the Promises by Sanctus Real

Sometimes it’s hard to keep believing

In what you can’t see

That everything happens for a reason

Even the worst life brings

If you’re reaching for an answer

And you don’t know what to pray

Just open up the pages

Let His word be your strength

And hold on to the promises (Hold tight)

Hold on to the promises (Alright)

Jesus will come so hold tight

Hold on to the promises

Act III

Scene I

(Open with Mary and Joseph hugging. Then they talk indiscriminately about her visit with Elizabeth. Page walks in.)

Page: “Hear ye, hear ye!”

(Everyone gathers around listening.)

Page: “This is a direct order from his majesty Caesar Augustus himself. Each family must register in the town of his or her ancestors. This shall be done by the new year.”

(Page leaves. Others leave slowly, talking amongst themselves. Mary and Joseph are left.)

Mary: “But I just got back!”

Joseph: “It’ll only take about four days to get to Bethlehem if we’re slow. You’ve time to rest and see your family.”

Mary: “Yes, I will. How’s our house coming?”

Joseph: “Almost done, but it still needs some work. You go home and rest. I’ll let you know when we’re ready.”

(Choir comes on and starts singing. Mary goes to one corner and does more laundry and talks with her family. Joseph is on the other side of the stage with a hammer, nailing boards. Half-way through the song, they exit and re-enter towards the end of the song, Mary being even more pregnant, riding on a donkey. When the song ends, the choir takes us their spots as Bethlehem citizens and Lael enters.

I Will Follow You by Chris Tomlin

All Your ways are good

All Your ways are sure

I will trust in You alone

Higher than my side

High above my life

I will trust in You alone

Where You go, I’ll go

Where You stay, I’ll stay

When You move, I’ll move

I will follow You

Who You love, I’ll love

How You serve I’ll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow You

I will follow You

Light unto the world

Light unto my life

I will live for You alone

You’re the one I seek

Knowing I will find

All I need in You alone, in You alone

Where You go, I’ll go

Where You stay, I’ll stay

When You move, I’ll move

I will follow You

Who You love, I’ll love

How You serve I’ll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow You

I will follow You, yeah 

Scene II

Lael: “Citizen’s listen to my lesson. Listen to what the Lord had done. Rome has conquered us because we have forgotten the Lord our God. Now, we must repent and clean ourselves of our unrighteousness, all those who practice unrighteousness.”

Townsfolk 1: “That’ll be hard with all the people coming for the census.”

Lael: “Yes, yes it will be difficult, but we must not let them get away with what they’ve done. You see that girl there, that is just entering the city. Her name is Mary, and everyone is praising her for her adultery! She speaks madness and lies. Have nothing to do with her or any like her!”

Innkeeper: “She looks like she’s ready to give birth any day now.”

Lael: “To treat her with kindness would be to bow to Aphrodite! Have nothing to do with her!”

(Townsfolk mutter amongst themselves. Lael looks pleased and goes and sits in a comfortable chair. Mary and Joseph enter. Mary is panting and wincing. Joseph tries to comfort her. He runs to the innkeeper.)

Joseph: “Please, you must have a room. My love, she’s in labor.”

Innkeeper: “I’m sorry, but all our rooms are taken. Bethlehem’s busy now with the census.”

Joseph: “Please? Isn’t there anyway? Couldn’t you ask someone to give up their room for just a night?”

(Lael walks up and spits in Mary’s direction.)

Lael: “This righteous Isrealite knows better than to service the daughters of Jezebel. Mary will not find space here nor anywhere except for among the unclean lepers outside the city.”

(Joseph and Lael lock eyes. Joseph sighs and goes to comfort Mary. Lael smirks and walks away. The Innkeeper watches Lael leave and slowly walks over.)

Innkeeper: “It’s not much, but there’s a stable around back. My son just cleaned out the old hay and tossed in a few new bundles. But don’t tell anyone or I could be ruined.”

Joseph: “Thank you, sir.”

(Joseph leads Mary off stage. Everyone Exists.)

Scene III

(Three shepherds are watching over their sheep, eating together. Angels enter from the sides, singing.)

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o’er the plains

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him whose birth the angels sing,

Come, adore on bended knee,

Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Scene IV

(Shepherds and Angels leave Mary and Joseph enter center. Mary looking exhausted and holding Jesus. Shepherds run up and bow down. Lael enters looking furious.)

Lael: “That filthy woman! Defiling the town of David. She thought she could be sneaky and hide in a stable, but I’ll show her!”

(Lael walks over to Mary and Joesph, steaming. Then he sees Jesus and steps back. He falls to his knees and bows.)

What Child is This (Lael solo. Lael starts crying as he sings. He takes off his beautiful priestly rob and helps Mary wrap Jesus in it.)

What Child is this

Who laid to rest

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Oh, raise, raise a song on high,

His mother sings her lullaby.

Joy, oh joy for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,

The Babe,

The Son,

Of Mary.

Lael: “Joseph, Mary. I was wrong. I’m so sorry. You, not I, are the righteous ones.”

Joseph: “All will be forgiven.”

Mary: “Would you like to hold him?”

(Scene ends with Mary holding out baby Jesus to Rabbi Lael.)

*Various Scriptures from the first chapter of Matthew, the first two chapters of the book of Luke, and Isaiah as translated in the English Standard Version.

*None of the songs used are my own, but are songs others have created and sung. I have taken excerpts from them and changed a few words.