The Light of Christmas (Draft)
PASTOR: Daniel Bangura | PLAY DIRECTOR: Margret ‘Gem’ Jones
Title: "The Light of Christmas"
Theme: "Rediscovering Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in the Christmas Story"
Main Characters:
- Father: Exploring the true meaning of Christmas through dialogue with Son.
- Son: Exploring the true meaning of Christmas through dialogue with father.
- Mary: Shows the loving and caring side of the Christmas story.
- Joseph: Represents trust and protection.
- Angels (3 with speaking parts, more can join): Share messages of joy and peace.
- Shepherds (3 with speaking parts or more): Show humility and wonder.
- Magi: Stand for wisdom and recognizing something special.
Other Participants & Roles:
- Kids Zone Members: Explain symbols to engage the audience in fun ways.
- Dance Ministry: Performs joyful dances of praise.
- Praise & Worship Ministry: Leads in singing and celebration.
- Congregational Participants: Join in songs for a happy celebration.
- Narrator-1: Guide audience through the Christmas story, exploring its true meaning.
- Narrator-2: Guide audience through the Christmas story, exploring its true meaning.
DANCE MINISTRY: OPENS AFTER PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Introduction of Play by Narrator-1
*Narrator-1*: Introduces play with brief backdrop of story ...
Opening Scene: The Big Question
*Father and Son Dialogue Begins (Strolls down the isle???):*
*Father:* "Son, what do you think Christmas is really about?"
*Son:* "Isn't it about gifts and Santa? "
*Father:* "Well son, usually people focus on Santa and Christmas trees, but Christmas is really about Jesus. It is about God being with us."
*Son:* "Then, what does Christmas trees and Santa have to do with Christmas?"
*Father:* "Son, some traditions can be confusing, but what matters is our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas and that is the light of Christmas."
*Son:* "So dad, is Christmas about light too? Is that why houses have Christmas lights?"
*Father:* "Christmas lights are nice to look at but the light I'm taking about is the light of hope, peace, joy, and love that God gives to everyone who believes in His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ."
*Praise & Worship Sings:* "Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child" (Link: https://youtu.be/hPCyMkDxh0M?si=QbeFUG0FQHgob92b)
*Set 1: Hope Shines Bright*
*Narrator-2*:
Star of Bethlehem: The Light
"Let's start with hope, the first light, called the 'Prophet's Promise.' It stands for the hope that guides us to the first coming of baby Jesus."
"The star was a light of hope, showing the way, like Jesus is our light."
- *Scripture:* Matthew 2:2, 2:9-10.
"Like the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Wise Men"
"These lights remind us that Jesus guides us through the dark and helps us see the good things ahead."
- *Scripture:* John 8:12.
3 Wise Men:
*Wise Man 1:* "Hope is strong—it can light up peace, joy, and love, reminding us that we're never alone."
*Wise Man 2:* "We followed the star. It shone so brightly and led us to the newborn King."
*Wise Man 3:* "Exactly, just like light makes everything clear, the star of Bethlehem lights up our path to Jesus, the light of the world."
Kids Zone:
*Song:* "This Little Light of Mine" (Link: https://share.google/DIUBZfVXCmKQZ6ULU)
*Set 2: Peacemakers Unite*
*Song: * "Angels We Have Heard on High" (Donnie McKurlin Version)
*Dance Ministry: *???
*Set 3: Joyful Sounds*
*Narrator-1*:
"Next is joy with the third light, a joy tied to the birth of Jesus! I imagine the shepherds hurrying with excitement—and maybe tripping over their sheep in the rush to see the newborn baby boy!"
Shepherds (Enters from Front Side Door???)
*Shepherd 1: * "Dad! Look! It’s a star shining so brightly."
*Shepherd 2: * "We heard joyful news!"
*Shepherd 3: *"The angels brought 'good news of great joy' because a Savior was born. This joy comes from knowing we are saved and loved."
*Narrator-1*:
"True joy doesn’t depend on the moment; it’s a light in the midst of challenges, showing God is with us."
"So, joy is like light pushing back darkness."
"And joy is a gift from God, not just a feeling. It’s something God gives, helping us face life's challenges."
"And we should share this joy with everyone."
"Yes, son. We’re called to share our light, just like the Wise Men were guided by the star to Jesus."
*Song: * "Joy to the World" (Audience???)
https://youtu.be/l1zHFT4zsa8?si=AgBCF29ZuU427bSI
*Song:* Mary Did You Know
*Set 4: Love’s True Gift*
Gifts (Presents) Wise Men enter from isle???
*Wise Man 3: * "The joy we felt was incredible—the Savior, born in a humble stable, was a gift to all the world."
*Wise Man 1: * "Our gifts for the child are small compared to the love He brings."
*Song: * "We Three Kings"
*Dance Ministry: *
Conclusion: The Light within Christmas
*Narrator-1*:
"And so, through hope, peace, joy, and love, we find our way at Christmas."
"It's all about Jesus, filling our hearts with light and togetherness."
"Let’s carry this light into everyday life. Like the angels, shepherds, and wise men, we have a role in sharing light and love with the world."
*Father & Son*:
*Son: * "Each small act of kindness and love is like a candle in the darkness."
*Father: * "Exactly, son. Kindness and forgiveness shine Christ’s light to others."
*Son: * "Just like the shepherds and the wise men did?"
*Father: * "Yes, son! Let's be like those who first heard the angels' song, ready to share our light."
*Son: * "So, what are we waiting for? Let’s all: 'Go tell it on the mountain,' spreading the good news and joy to everyone."
*Dance Ministry: * Leads in final song
*Song:* "Go Tell it on the Mountain" (https://youtu.be/z1RpUV2AQ24?si=khw_J1fItTyey-gE)
The cast joins the Dance Team, and the congregation is invited to join in celebrating the joy and light that Jesus brings.
Exit Song: We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
THE END!!!
STOP ORIGINAL HERE BELOW
REVISION-3
*Father:* "Let's start with hope, the first light, called the 'Prophet's Promise.' It stands for the hope that guides us to the first coming of baby Jesus."
*Son:* "Like the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Wise Men"
1. Star of Bethlehem
- *Son:* "The star was a light of hope, showing the way, like Jesus is our light."
- *Scripture:* Matthew 2:2, 2:9-10.
*Wise Man 1:* "We followed the star. It shone so brightly and led us to the newborn King."
*Father:* "Exactly, just like light makes everything clear, Jesus lights up our path."
2. Lights
- *Father:* "These lights remind us that Jesus guides us through the dark and helps us see the good things ahead."
- *Scripture:* John 8:12.
*Son:* "Hope is strong—it can light up peace, joy, and love, reminding us that we're never alone."
*Song:* "This Little Light of Mine" (Link: https://share.google/DIUBZfVXCmKQZ6ULU)
Narration-2 (Father & Son) *Set 2: Peacemakers Unite*
*Father:* "Now for the second light. Son, do you know what that light is?"
*Son:* "No, dad. Can you tell me please?"
*Father:* "It is called Peace. Peace comes with the second light. It means different things to different people. Like some traditions say, shalom, which means peace, when they enter or leave a home."
*Son:* "Is it like saying 'peace out' when you're done talking to friends?"
*Father:* "Yes! But more than that, son. It's like the calm after a storm—something everyone feels inside."
*Son:* "Can I feel that too?"
*Father:* "Yes, Jesus brings peace to everyone, making us whole and calm inside."
*Son:* "Wow, that sounds amazing!"
1. Angels
- *Angel 1:* "We bring joyful news and peace to everyone!"
- *Scripture:* Luke 2:8-14.
*Father:* "The angels announced peace on earth, like how Jesus helps us reconnect with God."
*Wise Man 2:* "When we arrived, there was a sense of peace we had never felt before."
*Father:* "Announcing peace is like ringing bells, which show Christ’s calming spirit."
2. Bells
*Son:* "So, bells remind us that peace reaches everyone."
*Father:* "Exactly, peace lights our way in dark times, guiding us like Jesus, the light of Christmas."
*Song:* "Angels We Have Heard on High" (https://youtu.be/KGCxTOYBy50?si=COROpza9AMpLieqS)
*Dance Ministry:*
Narration-3 (Father & Son) *Set 3: Joyful Sounds*
*Father:* "Next is joy with the third light, a joy tied to the birth of Jesus! I imagine the shepherds hurrying with excitement—and maybe tripping over their sheep in the rush to see the newborn baby boy!"
*Son:* "Dad! Look! It’s a star shining so brightly."
1. Shepherds
*Shepherd 1:* "We heard joyful news!"
*Father:* "The angels brought 'good news of great joy' because a Savior was born. This joy comes from knowing we are saved and loved."
*Wise Man 3:* "The joy we felt was incredible—the Savior, born in a humble stable, was a gift to all the world."
*Father:* "True joy doesn’t depend on the moment; it’s a light in the midst of challenges, showing God is with us."
*Son:* "So, joy is like light pushing back darkness."
*Father:* "Exactly! And joy is a gift from God, not just a feeling. It’s something God gives, helping us face life's challenges."
*Son:* "And we should share this joy with everyone."
*Father:* "Yes, son. We’re called to share our light, just like the Wise Men were guided by the star to Jesus."
*Song:* "Joy to the World" (https://youtu.be/l1zHFT4zsa8?si=AgBCF29ZuU427bSI)
Narration-4 (Father & Son) *Set 4: Love’s True Gift*
*Father:* "Finally, love! The light of love is at the heart of Christmas."
*Son:* "This love, given through Jesus, brings warmth to us all. I bet it’s even warmer than Grandma’s holiday sweater!"
*Father:* "I wouldn’t doubt it one bit."
1. Nativity Scene
- *Mary:* "Here we see God’s love through Jesus."
- *Scripture:* Luke 2:1-20.
*Father:* "The Nativity shows God's amazing love, a love so great He sent Jesus to us."
*Wise Man 1:* "Our gifts for the child are small compared to the love He brings."
*Father:* "Gifts remind us of God’s greatest gift—His son, Jesus."
2. Gifts (Presents)
*Son:* "Each gift we give shows the love we share with each other."
*Father:* "Exactly, son. Our love, like a wreath’s circle, never ends, just like God’s love for us."
*Father:* "The love Jesus shows changes us, guiding us to live with purpose and compassion. We’re called to reflect this love and be a light in the world."
*Son:* "So, we should love others as Jesus loves us, right?"
*Father:* "Absolutely, son. Love means showing patience, kindness, and meeting others’ needs."
*Song:* "We Three Kings" (https://youtu.be/jBwL3y-Wlms?si=BgbcEWZYt5_qISQP)
*Dance Ministry:*
Conclusion: The Light within Christmas
*Father: * "And so, through hope, peace, joy, and love, we find our way at Christmas."
*Son: * "It's all about Jesus, filling our hearts with light and togetherness."
*Father: * "Let’s carry this light into everyday life. Like the angels, shepherds, and wise men, we have a role in sharing light and love with the world."
*Son: * "Each small act of kindness and love is like a candle in the darkness."
*Father: * "Exactly, son. Kindness and forgiveness shine Christ’s light to others."
*Son: * "Just like the shepherds and the wise men did?"
*Father: * "Yes, son! Let's be like those who first heard the angels' song, ready to share our light."
*Son: * "So, what are we waiting for? Let’s 'Go tell it on the mountain,' spreading the good news and joy to everyone."
*Dance Ministry: * Leads in final song
*Song:* "Go Tell it on the Mountain" (https://youtu.be/z1RpUV2AQ24?si=khw_J1fItTyey-gE)
The cast joins the Dance Team, and the congregation is invited to join in celebrating the joy and light that Jesus brings.
*Closing Song: * "Go Tell it on the Mountain," with everyone joining for a joyful finale, celebrating the never-ending light that Christmas brings.
THE END!!!
EXAMPLES OF PROPS & DECOR ETC.
1. Holiday Decor:
- Christmas lights
- Wreaths
- Garland and ornaments
2. Religious and Thematic Props:
- Star of Bethlehem (a star prop or lighting effect)
- Nativity scene set (manger, hay, etc.)
- Bells for ringing, either real or as sound effects
3. Costumes and Accessories:
- Costumes for Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, and Wise Men
- Angel wings and halos
- Shepherd's staffs
- Gold, frankincense, and myrrh containers for the Wise Men
- Gifts or presents for scenes involving gift-giving
4. Lighting:
- Spotlights or LED lights to simulate "light" themes throughout the play
- Dimmed lighting to create a calm and intimate atmosphere
5. Miscellaneous Props:
- Script pages for Father and Son narrations
- A microphone for narrations and songs
- A sound system for playing songs and sound effects
- Any additional props for the Kids Zone Members to explain Christmas symbols
6. Music and Instruments:
- Dedicated mics and music sheets for the Praise & Worship Ministry
7. Scenic Elements:
- Backdrops portraying Bethlehem with stars (if needed: will need to raise Jumbotron to see)
8. Program Materials:
- Scripts or cue cards for actors (if needed)
- Program for the audience (with digital option on iTPC app)
9. Program Ad:
- Create Ad for event
- Create Christmas Program
- Christmas lights
- Wreaths
- Garland and ornaments
2. Religious and Thematic Props:
- Star of Bethlehem (a star prop or lighting effect)
- Nativity scene set (manger, hay, etc.)
- Bells for ringing, either real or as sound effects
3. Costumes and Accessories:
- Costumes for Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, and Wise Men
- Angel wings and halos
- Shepherd's staffs
- Gold, frankincense, and myrrh containers for the Wise Men
- Gifts or presents for scenes involving gift-giving
4. Lighting:
- Spotlights or LED lights to simulate "light" themes throughout the play
- Dimmed lighting to create a calm and intimate atmosphere
5. Miscellaneous Props:
- Script pages for Father and Son narrations
- A microphone for narrations and songs
- A sound system for playing songs and sound effects
- Any additional props for the Kids Zone Members to explain Christmas symbols
6. Music and Instruments:
- Dedicated mics and music sheets for the Praise & Worship Ministry
7. Scenic Elements:
- Backdrops portraying Bethlehem with stars (if needed: will need to raise Jumbotron to see)
8. Program Materials:
- Scripts or cue cards for actors (if needed)
- Program for the audience (with digital option on iTPC app)
9. Program Ad:
- Create Ad for event
- Create Christmas Program