Hey! I just want some opinions here. What do you think about famous people? You know, rock stars, movie stars, talk show hosts, et cetra.
I guess I should share my opinion, too. My view is that it's fine to be famous if you are doing good things with it, but you should not be boasting about the good things that you do. Being famous can help you do good things, but you should try to do good things secretly, like the Bible tells us to. Of course, we can be famous, but what the Bible says is that we shouldn't show off our good deeds. But when it comes to being famous simply because you've got a great voice or something, well, that just puzzles me. I have a friend who has an amazing voice, but she is not famous. Why should I like the singing of a famous person better than the singing of my friend. My opinion is that it makes no sense to be famous unless you must be.
So, anyway, comment and let me know what you think, okay?
Thanks!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independence
I am so sorry, people, that I have not blogged in months. My life has been hectic, but that is no excuse. I hope to get into better habits.
Now to the subject. What is Independence? Freedom. Freedom from what? Freedom from oppression. Freedom form being forced to say things. Freedom from being forced to do things. But I, and hopefully every other Christian in America, do not see that. We are soon going to be forced to get some government run health care. Christians are being oppressed; at least the government is giving us a hard time and spreading lies about us. Homeschoolers are being oppressed, both directly and indirectly. And those are only a few examples, yet America does still have many more freedoms than most countries. Scary.
I could be going very carefully each freedom that is slowly being taken away, but just so that this article does not get so long that you will fall asleep, let us just go over three main freedoms: The freedom to be equal, the freedom to do and say what you want, and the freedom to worship as you please.
First equality. You will notice that I listed it as a freedom. Most people list it as a fact. It is both. It is a fact that God created us all equal, not one race better then the rest. It is a freedom in that there are still countries that do not accept that fact. So we have the freedom to accept that fact, not accept what the government tells us to.
Next, freedom of speech and action. Americans are abusing this. Almost no one knows that it is illegal to use some of the words that they use. If told so, then they say that they are exercising their freedom of speech. In reality, freedom of speech is simply freedom of expressing our opinions, not freedom of what words we do it in. Many common curse words cannot be used, though if someone were to be brought to court for it, they might get away with it- unless they were using them on preschoolers or something. In the way of action, we can get the jobs we choose (unless the jobs we choose are professional murders), we can decide of we wish to get married and the parents cannot force us to or not to, we can decide where we want to live. We cannot decide to break the law.
Finally, our religious freedom. We have the right to choose which religion that we follow, if any. I exercise that right by being a Christian. Other do not. That is their right, I do not support it, but if I cannot persuade them to reconsider, then I cannot force them to. Not that Christians should do that, anyway. Unfortunately, our current president, who says that he is a Christian, has openly ridiculed the Bible. He misunderstands it, and ridicules it. If he does not wish to honor the faith that he claims to have, then no one can force him to, but we expect everyone, particularly the president, to at least be respectful. Of course, many non Christians do not have the same values. Sometimes (not always), respect is not one of them. However, back to subject. If any one has been following the same news sources that I have, they have heard the threats to Christianity. Other religions, too, but the governments single out Christianity. (That actually fits the prophesies that we would be hated.) The U.S. government misunderstands what "The Wall of separation between Church and State" meant. They think that nothing government can have anything whatsoever to do with religion, when it actually means that the government cannot hurt religion. The only time when the government can stop religious proceedings from taking place is when they break the law. I hardly think that having church in the same building as a public school is breaking the law, yet the government tries to say that it is. The horrible 9/11 attacks were illegal, of course. They were religiously based, but they broke out of the legal boundaries. Oh, one more thing. The United States of America is a Christian nation. Do not listen to what people tell you; look at our Christian history. Or if you are feeling lazy, look at our coins. On one side, they have the latin inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," but on the other side, it reads "IN GOD WE TRUST." A line in one of the verses in The Star Spangled Banner "And this be our motto: In God is our trust." Many of our most famous patriotic songs, including America the Beautiful and God Bless America are Christian based.
To sum this up, I have gone over the liberties that are being taken away or abused-a few of them. It would take me years to examine all of the facts and list all of them. But for the rest of 2012, let us regain our freedom, our liberty, our independence! Happy Independence Day! God Bless America!
Now to the subject. What is Independence? Freedom. Freedom from what? Freedom from oppression. Freedom form being forced to say things. Freedom from being forced to do things. But I, and hopefully every other Christian in America, do not see that. We are soon going to be forced to get some government run health care. Christians are being oppressed; at least the government is giving us a hard time and spreading lies about us. Homeschoolers are being oppressed, both directly and indirectly. And those are only a few examples, yet America does still have many more freedoms than most countries. Scary.
I could be going very carefully each freedom that is slowly being taken away, but just so that this article does not get so long that you will fall asleep, let us just go over three main freedoms: The freedom to be equal, the freedom to do and say what you want, and the freedom to worship as you please.
First equality. You will notice that I listed it as a freedom. Most people list it as a fact. It is both. It is a fact that God created us all equal, not one race better then the rest. It is a freedom in that there are still countries that do not accept that fact. So we have the freedom to accept that fact, not accept what the government tells us to.
Next, freedom of speech and action. Americans are abusing this. Almost no one knows that it is illegal to use some of the words that they use. If told so, then they say that they are exercising their freedom of speech. In reality, freedom of speech is simply freedom of expressing our opinions, not freedom of what words we do it in. Many common curse words cannot be used, though if someone were to be brought to court for it, they might get away with it- unless they were using them on preschoolers or something. In the way of action, we can get the jobs we choose (unless the jobs we choose are professional murders), we can decide of we wish to get married and the parents cannot force us to or not to, we can decide where we want to live. We cannot decide to break the law.
Finally, our religious freedom. We have the right to choose which religion that we follow, if any. I exercise that right by being a Christian. Other do not. That is their right, I do not support it, but if I cannot persuade them to reconsider, then I cannot force them to. Not that Christians should do that, anyway. Unfortunately, our current president, who says that he is a Christian, has openly ridiculed the Bible. He misunderstands it, and ridicules it. If he does not wish to honor the faith that he claims to have, then no one can force him to, but we expect everyone, particularly the president, to at least be respectful. Of course, many non Christians do not have the same values. Sometimes (not always), respect is not one of them. However, back to subject. If any one has been following the same news sources that I have, they have heard the threats to Christianity. Other religions, too, but the governments single out Christianity. (That actually fits the prophesies that we would be hated.) The U.S. government misunderstands what "The Wall of separation between Church and State" meant. They think that nothing government can have anything whatsoever to do with religion, when it actually means that the government cannot hurt religion. The only time when the government can stop religious proceedings from taking place is when they break the law. I hardly think that having church in the same building as a public school is breaking the law, yet the government tries to say that it is. The horrible 9/11 attacks were illegal, of course. They were religiously based, but they broke out of the legal boundaries. Oh, one more thing. The United States of America is a Christian nation. Do not listen to what people tell you; look at our Christian history. Or if you are feeling lazy, look at our coins. On one side, they have the latin inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," but on the other side, it reads "IN GOD WE TRUST." A line in one of the verses in The Star Spangled Banner "And this be our motto: In God is our trust." Many of our most famous patriotic songs, including America the Beautiful and God Bless America are Christian based.
To sum this up, I have gone over the liberties that are being taken away or abused-a few of them. It would take me years to examine all of the facts and list all of them. But for the rest of 2012, let us regain our freedom, our liberty, our independence! Happy Independence Day! God Bless America!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Christmas, A Time Of...
Hi, out there, the few people who actually read this blog already. Here is the Christmas musical that you have been waiting for four whole days for (and I've been writing for the last month or three). I would appreciate some feedback, questions, or comments on it.
Thanks-
Marie
Characters:
Olivia {age: pre-teen/early teen, personality: energetic}
Madison {age: early-mid teen, personality, semi-energetic}
Apirka {age: early teen, personality: shy, but will point out others' mistakes if the mistakes are bad enough}
Bonnie {age: early pre-teen, personality: ultra energetic}
Alex {age: pre-teen, personality: quiet, but not particularly shy. Note: Alex can be either girl or boy}
Joey {age: nine-ten, personality: slightly defensive}
Adalbert {age: early-mid teen, personality: semi defensive, but doesn't take insults very seriously}
Dallas {age: pre-teen, personality: friendly}
James {age: five, personality: silly. Note: If you change the script around a little, James can easily be changed to a girl}
Ms. Shel {age: young adult, personalty: light, as if she hadn't a single care}
Plot overview:
The kids are excited about Christmas, but are somehow caught up in the holiday rush. Ms. Shel is only getting them in the industrial version of Christmas further. Their rescue comes from an unexpected source.
Opening song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! Scene 1
(Setting: A living room, with everyone sitting around in a circle, around the coffee table, except Apirka, who is sitting off by her self in a corner, Ms. Shel, who is not in the room, and James, who is off doing his own little thing with the vacuum cleaner. There should be a vacuum cleaner in a corner, and a coffee table in the middle)
Dallas: What type of Christmas tree are you going have this year, Bonnie?
Bonnie: The most splenoriforus tinsel tree in the world! It's green and shiny, like those little trees at the stores, but it's nine feet tall! We're haven' it in the sun space, of course, 'cause it's the only room that's tall enough. What about you?
Dallas: One of those long needled firs. A real one. It matches the living room, and the needles don't hurt as much to sit on as a short needled one.
Adalbert: My tree's just a regular, fake tree. But by the time that James here gets through with it, it won't be normal. Have you ever seen what a five year old with a vacuum cleaner can do to a fake Christmas tree? (Negative responses) Then you don't want to know! (laughter)
Joey: Alex and Madison and me, we're gonna have a regular one, too. And we're gonna make popcorn strings, an' cranberry strings, an' hang candy canes, an' glass balls, an' plastic balls!
Bonnie: Really? That sounds like fun! I tried making a popcorn chain once, and it was fun 'til I got board.
Madison: Oh, yeah, what we do is fun, until Joey eats all of the decorations! (Laughter) Well, not not the balls, of course, but the candy and food ones!
Olivia: My tree's a real one, short needled. We use the same decorations year after year, but this year, I'm thinking about making a paper chain for the tree, or maybe for the ceiling around the tree.
Dallas: What about you, Apirka? What kind of tree will you have?
Apirka: My tree will be a two foot version of Bonnie's. There's not enough room in my house for a big one, so we'll have it on a small table, and the presents'll go under the table. But there's a small tree out in the front yard, and we decorate that, too. We also have a manger scene that we'll set up, and it will be lit up by a soft glow. I hope that it snows gently on Christmas Eve, because that will put the song “Silent Night” into peoples' minds.
Madison: Yeah. I like white Christmases, but I like white Christmas Eves better. Silent snow, silent night.
Songs: Silent Night, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas. Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen,
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
[Solo 1] I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white Scene 2
Apirka: James, what do you want for Christmas?
James: Vacuum! (Takes vacuum hose and points it at the rest of them) Hands up, cow boy!
Madison: (Jokingly) Oh, no! Please don't suck us up! Please!
James: (As if he thinks that Madison is crazy) You won't fit! Silly! You're crazy! And I thought that you were a big girl! (laughs)
Madison: Kids! They are so annoying sometimes! So, anyway, what does everyone else want for Christmas? I want this totally cute hair piece that I saw at the store, and the matching skirt!
Dallas: I want some thing made in Texas.
Olivia: Of course. Dallas wants something from Texas. We should have guessed! (laughter) I want some new roller blades. (Dallas cringes) Mine are too small.
Alex: I want a row boat! However, I don't see much chance of getting one!
Adelbert: I want some fingernail polish! (everyone stares at him) Not for wearing! For fixing things! Like nylon stockings! (everyone tries hard and fails miserably to hide giggles and smiles) I don't wear those, either! It's for an experiment that I have to do! Every one from my class has to do it! Honest! (after a brief pause) You believe me, don't you?
James: No! (laughter)
Bonnie: Well, I want an emerald necklace! (everyone stares at her) Hey, it's worth a try, right? Maybe I'll get a fake one?
Apirka: I want a toboggan. If I get it, we can have that sledding party that we've talked about! (exited “yea”s)
Bonnie: Oh, does anyone want anything to drink? We have water and soda. (several responses of either “water” or “soda”) Okay, so who wants what?
Apirka: Don't worry, I'll get the drinks. I'll bring a pitcher of water and a bottle of soda. Be right back.
Bonnie: Oh, can you get the plate of chocolate cookies, too? And do you know the way?
Apirka: Yes and yes. (leaves)
Bonnie: You know, I just had a thought. Wouldn't it be funny if, when we go Christmas caroling this year, the boys were dressed up as clowns? Us girls could be in dresses so pretty that we make even princess look plain, and the boys could go in such funny suits, they would make Joey, Dallas, and Adelbert look normal! (girls and James laugh, rest of boys scowl)
Dallas: (growls) We are normal!
James: Yeah! Clown suits! That'd be funny! (sings) Joey in a clown suit! Joey in a clown suit! Joey in a clown suit! Ha, Ha!
Joey: (growls) Ha, ha, ha. Very funny. You do that again, and I'll- I'll- probably say this again. (laughter)
Olivia: Yeah, princess and clowns walking up to your door, singing Christmas carols! Oh, let's practice. “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” and I'll keep time!
Song: We Wish You a Merry Christmas (During this song, Olivia should be tapping her hands against the coffee table, keeping time.) We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
We all want some figgy pudding
We all want some figgy pudding
We all want some figgy pudding
And a cup of good cheer.
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year. Scene 3
(Ms. Shel enters)
Ms. Shel: Hi, kids! Glad to see that most of you are here! I need you to do a fundraiser for my cause! Can you do it?
Kids: (all at once) We don't know...What cause?...Huh?...Maybe...etc.
Bonnie: What cause, Ms. Shel?
Ms. Shel: My cause that kids should get what they want for Christmas, not just what they need. I mean, you know what it's like... You really, really want something for Christmas, and you only get things that your parents think you need? (kids look dubious) Come on, please?
Bonnie: Okay. Sure. I don't want to, but what can we say? You're the adult, and we've got to obey you. Who's in?
Alex: I'm in.
Adelbert: Okay.
Madison: I guess so.
Olivia: Okay, I suppose it couldn't hurt that much.
Dallas: If you insist.
Ms. Shel: Great! I've arranged for you to do a bake sale in two days. Bye! (walks out of room, Apirka walks in)
Apirka: Here are the drinks. (places cups, soda bottle and pitcher of water on coffee table) Oh! I forgot the cookies! I'll be right back! (dashes out of the room)
Alex: I was thinking: let's not tell Apirka what we're up to. She'd never understand.
Olivia: Yeah, let's not tell her. Are we all agreed? (everyone agrees, some reluctantly, some quickly, except for James, who is playing with the vacuum cleaner) Great! Oh, here she comes! Change the subject! (Apirka walks in) Oh, who's going Christmas caroling? (every one says that they are) Great! I love Christmas caroling! People are more accepting of you when you do that. Every one's grouchy when a stranger knocks at the door the rest of the year, but Christmas is so much different! Let's sing:
Song: Here We Come A-Caroling [Solo 1: Olivia] Here we come a-caroling
[choir] Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We're not daily beggars
That beg from door to door;
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.
God bless the master of this house
Likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year. Scene 4
Apirka: Sounds good. But while I was getting the cookies, a thought came to me: (every one else looks nervous) I was wondering what our names mean. (everyone else looks relived; Apirka looks confused) What were you so nervous about? You would think that I had uncovered some big secret. (Silence) Okay, so people are hiding something. Anyway, I know that my name means pleasant, and Bonnie's is good, pretty girl, and I guess that Olivia's has some thing to do with olives, but what does Dallas's name mean? And, more importantly, Adelbert's name?
Alelbert: My name means noble and bright.
Bonnie: You sure don't live up to that, so I guess that you're name can't be Adelbert. Hmm, what about changing your name to... Pig Sty? Or what about Mud Bath?
Olivia: If I were you, Adelbert, I'd change it to Muddy Man.
Adelbert: Ha, Ha, Ha. Very hilarious.
Apirka: Quit it with the teasing.
Olivia: My dad says that my name also has some thing to do with “Elf Army,” but he was talking in one of those tones of voices where you just aren't sure if you can take it seriously or not. I have no idea whether or not to take him seriously. What does Dallas's name mean?
Dallas: I dunno. I was born in Dallas, and that's why I was called that, but I think that the city was named 'cause of peace or some thing. I don't know.
Apirka: Peace. Something that people forget on Christmas.
Olivia: I know. Everyone's like "Shop! Decorate! Bake! Presents!" Even the Christians. It's like Jesus was pushed aside so people could worship the presents instead.
Apirka: I know. It's so sad. You know, there's a song that I know, and most people should hear it.
Madison: What song is that?
Song: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear [Solo 1: Apirka] It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good-will to men, from heaven's all-gracious King:”
the world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
[Choir] And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
look now! For glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
when, with the ever circling years, shall come the time foretold,
when the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing:
[Solo 2] “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all-gracious King.” O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing. Scene 5
Apirka: See? Christmas peace. We should forget our petty arguments on Christmas, and be full of peace.
Olivia: Yeah, so many people are forgetting that, and- Oh, no! That reminded me! We promised that we'd do our homework while we were here, remember?!
Dallas: (smacks forehead) How could we forget?!
Bonnie: Don't panic- We still have several hours until you're picked up. Me and Dallas and Joey will go into the sun space, and I'll show you my Christmas tree while we're in there! Adelbert and Alex and Madison go in the kitchen. And Olivia and Apirka are great with kids, so James will work with them, and Olivia and Apirka stay in here. And me and Joey and Dallas will meet up with Adelbert and Alex and in a hour, since we need to all work with each other. And Madison can then go with Olivia and Apirka and James. You see, me and Joey and Dallas and Adelbert and Alex all have a school project together, 'cause we all work on the school newspaper. Everyone will meet up in here in two hours. Okay with everyone? [Note: If you can find a way to make Bonnie's grammar worse in that paragraph, go for it. It would help the next line to make sense]
Madison: Sure, but if you have a grammar exam, ask for help, okay? (kids go off to appointed places, and Madison, Bonnie, Joey, Dallas, Adelbert, and Alex simply exit stage left and right, one group going one way and the other the other way)
Song: The First Noel. No lyrics, only music, unless you want a soloist, a duet, or a trio or something. If anyone is singing, they must not be actors; just choir members. Song goes two times through. During this song, the cast should be pretending to study, take tests, etc. At the end of the first time through the song, Madison should join Olivia, Apirka, and James. Scene 6
James: I know what the secret is.
Apirka: What secret? Oh, what the others won't tell me, about why they were so nervous?
James: (nods) Uh-huh!
Madison: Um, James, come over here for a minute!
Apirka: No, wait, I'm actually quite curious.
Olivia: James!
James: They're doing something that they shouldn't!
Apirka: What is it? Go on! Please tell me!
Olivia: James!
James: They talked to Ms. Shel.
Apirka: So?
James: And Bonnie's mommy said no, they should be polite, but not take her “seriousbly” 'cause she is “irrestonsipible.”
Apirka: This is getting interesting.
Madison: James, come here right now!
James: And they listened to her, and they are now doing something that they know is bad, only I don't think it's bad.
Apirka: Olivia, perhaps you can tell me something?
Olivia: (does a terrible acting job)Um, you see, we were going to have a water fight in Bonnie's living room?
Apirka: Olivia!
Olivia: Okay, that was a last resort. I'm terrible at acting.
Apirka: So I noticed.
Olivia: Anyway, Ms. Shel asked us to do a bake sale to fund her cause to make sure kids get more of what they what then what they need for Christmas.
Apirka: And you agreed?! You know Ms. Shel. She lives at the mental hospital. Remember? She was put there last summer because she was panning for gold in the fire hydrant. (pause) How did she get that cap off, anyway?
Madison: I think she used a welding torch.
Apirka: That only proves my point. Don't listen to certain people! I mean, politely listen to them, but don't always do what they tell you!
Olivia: (laughs nervously) Oh, yeah. But it couldn't hurt that much, could it?
Apirka: But the true meaning of Christmas is not toys! It's joy! It's Jesus! Right?
Madison: Yeah...
Apirka: Well, you guys may have had trouble with the true meaning, but I know that the shepherds didn't.
Olivia: That's for sure! If I were one of the shepherds, I would never forget that night!
Songs: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night, How Great Our Joy. During How Great Our Joy, there should be three “shepherds” singing the solos, and, if desired, during scene 6 the choir can put on shepherd outfits, and take them off during scene 7. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.
“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds.
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.
“To you, in David’s town, this day
Is born of David’s line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign.
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid.”
Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song,
Who thus addressed their song:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the Earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from
Heaven to men
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!”
[Solo 1: Shepherd] While by the sheep we watched at night, Glad tidings brought an angel bright.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy!
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Solo 2: Shepherd] There shall be born, so He did say, In Bethlehem a Child today.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Solo 3: Shepherd] There shall the Child lie in a stall, This Child who shall redeem us all.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy!
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
This gift of God we’ll cherish well, That ever joy our hearts shall fill.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy!
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[louder, slower, as an ending. Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! Scene 7
(everyone comes in)
Apirka: I know your secret.
Adelbert: Yeah, right! You don't really know it! You're just trying to get us boys to tell some embarrassing secret, like the time that I dove head first into the lake!
Apirka: No, I- Wait. What's so embarrassing about diving into the lake? There's a diving board and everything.
Adelbert: Not telling.
Madison: I heard about that on the news. He was only in the hospital for two days, amazingly.
Bonnie: Huh?
Madison: The lake had eight inches of ice. You'd think he would have gotten a clue because there were ice skaters.
Apirka: (giggles) Now I know both secrets.
Joey: Oh, really?
Olivia: She does.
Dallas: (to Apirka) How do you know?
Apirka: James told me.
Alex: Just great! I thought that we all promised not to tell her, James!
James: I was vacuuming! I didn't hear that!
Everyone except Apirka and James: James!
Madison: Well, I guess that it's just as well that James told, 'cause if we didn't want others to know, then it must have been wrong.
Joey and Dallas: Yeah.
Madison: We were kind of silly, weren't we?
Bonnie: Yeah, who's idea was it to obey Ms. Shel just because she's an adult? (everyone except Apirka stares at her) Don't answer that!
Olivia: The shepherds didn't forget the true meaning of Christmas, and I'm sure that the wise men didn't, either. (Sadly) Unlike us.
Joey: How could the wise men forget the true meaning of Christmas? I know that I would not be able to forget if I were them. I mean, following a star over field and fountain, moor and mountain, and then finding that it is just over one little stable in one little town in one little conquered nation isn't your everyday occurrence.
Madison: Definitely not. And they would have particularly remembered it because the birth of Jesus fit all of the ancient prophecies regarding the subject.
Olivia: I wonder if they left their flocks, wives, children, servants, parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandchildren just to follow a star. Or did they bring them all, knowing that it would be a long trip?
Bonnie: It doesn't matter, not really. They came is all that the Bible says. They came, following a star.
Song: “We Three Kings Of Orient Are” During this song, there should be three “kings” singing the solos. [Trio 1: Three kings] We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
[Solo 1: King 1] Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
[Solo 2: King 2] Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
[Solo 3: King 3] Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light. Scene 8
Adelbert: Wow. I can't believe that we were so silly. But then, what could we say?
Apirka: (slowly) I guess we would say that we'll think about it, and ask our parents.
Madison: And we all know what their answers would be, of course.
Dallas: Of course. But to change the subject, you know, the only time I acted that silly was when I was at the Christmas skating party on Saturday. I fell down so many times, I was more down then up.
Apirka: Oh, I thought I saw you there! Really, I had never seen so many band-aids on one person in my whole entire life! I think you broke a world record for band-aids on one person, no offense.
Dallas: You're lucky! You can roller blade on point, while hula hooping, jumping, and twirling around in circles. Not to mention going really, really fast. And-
Apirka: (interrupts) I've been skating ever since I can remember. I suppose that that was you're first time on roller blades.
Dallas: Second time.
Apirka: My point remains. Practice makes perfect. Not that I'm perfect, of course.
Bonnie: By what Dallas said, you're perfect. (Apirka shrugs and smiles) Oh, haring about a Christmas skating reminds me. Who's going to the church Christmas party on Sunday?
Everyone: (not completely at the same time) Me, I am, count me in, etc.
Bonnie: I can't wait!
James: I can't wait for Christmas! Will there be church at night again, like last year?
Olivia: The Christmas Eve service? Yes, there will be one.
James: Will they read the Christmas story again?
Madison: Of course. They always read that message of joy. We should always remember the joy of Christmas, Jesus.
Song: Joy to the World Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love Scene 9
Joey: The joy of Jesus, the joy of Christmas. The time when we forget our disagreements, and be happy and contented, worshiping God.
Alex: Lots of people forget that.
(Apirka looks thoughtful, and a bit disturbed)
Bonnie: There is still one thing that I want to get settled before Christmas. What Adelbert's name should be. As he said, his name means noble and bright. I don't know about noble, but I sure haven't seen any evidence about bright. So, any suggestions? I think his name should be... Mud Pie Messy Guy.
Madison: Perfect!
Olivia: Yeah!
James: Mud Pie Messy Guy! Mud Pie Messy Guy! Mud Pie-
Adelbert: (interrupts) Oh, come on! I didn't play with mud pies for at three years!
Dallas: Except for that time that-
Adelbert: (interrupts, nudges Dallas) Shh!
Apirka: (suddenly) Please! It's Christmas time! I said before that we should forget our petty arguments on Christmas, and listen to you all! (others look ashamed) We are trying to celebrate Jesus' birthday, the birthday which people begged and pleaded and prayed for three thousand years for! When people heard and believed that the Messiah had come, they were full of joy! Not mischief! Not lying! Remember, this is the Savior that people had been waiting for almost since the world began, and finally, He came.
Songs: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile drear
Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O 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, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne. Scene 10
Olivia: Oops. I guess we forgot.
Bonnie: Yeah. And before I do anything so foolish again, somebody stop me. Anybody.
Alex: Hmm. I guess that what we did was kind of like doing a string figure with your eyes closed. You think that have a basic idea of what you're doing, but in reality, you're just stumbling around with the strings, trying to figure out what to do next.
Apirka: Weak analogy. I can do it with my eyes closed. (picks up a string and, with her eyes closed or at least pretending to do so, makes a string figure) See? Jacob's Ladder. (if necessary, names another string figure)
Olivia: I think that Alex meant someone who can't see with their with their eyes closed.
Apirka: What?
Olivia: Just kidding.
(Ms. Shel enters)
Madison: Oh, Ms. Shel! We're not going to be able to do that bake sale. We realized that it's not right, and we can't do it.
Ms. Shel: Bake sale? What bake sale? Oh, that bake sale! So, you're thinking about that? I gave up on that idea two whole minutes ago! (to Bonnie) Oh, can I borrow the glass from your sun space? I'm going to use it to make the world's first breakable sled!
Bonnie: Umm... my mom and dad are in the study. Ask them.
Ms. Shel: (while exiting) Thanks!
Madison: (to Bonnie) Nice going!
Bonnie: Thanks. I realize that Christmas is a time for peace, joy, and love. Not a time for being completely freezing while sitting in your own sun space!
Apirka: Peace, love and joy! Things that should not be disturbed!
Finale: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Joy to the World, We Three Kings of Orient Are, and How Great Our Joy. For How Great Our Joy, divide the choir in half. God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessèd Babe was born,
And laid within a manger upon this blessèd morn;
The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heavenly Father a blessèd angel came;
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
“Fear not, then,” said the angel, “Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethl’em straightaway this blessèd Babe to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
But when to Bethlehem they came where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.
And God send you a happy new year, happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
[all] This Gift of God we'll cherish well, that ever joy our hearts shall fill!
[section 1] How great our joy! [section 2] Great our joy!
[1] Joy, joy joy! [2] Joy, joy, joy!
[1] Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high!
[2] Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high!
[all, louder, slower, as an ending] Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high!
The end
Costumes: For the cast:
Kids: Traditional Christmas sweaters, nice (non-tattered) blue jeans or nice sweatpants, sneakers, neat hair styles.
Ms. Shel: Nice jacket and skirt, nice shoes, jewelry slightly on the excessive side, hair is loose or minimally tied back.
For the choir: Dresses, suits (if preferred, the boys can skip the suit coat), and if desired, during the songs How Great Our Joy and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night, the choir can dress like shepherds. In How Great Our Joy, the soloists should dress as shepherds and/or shepherdesses. During We Three Kings of Orient Are, the soloists should be dressed as the three kings, holding props of gold, frankinsense, and myrrh.
Thanks-
Marie
Christmas, A Time Of...
A musical about the joy of Christmas
Written by Marie
Songs written by several other people, whose names are easily obtainable.Characters:
Olivia {age: pre-teen/early teen, personality: energetic}
Madison {age: early-mid teen, personality, semi-energetic}
Apirka {age: early teen, personality: shy, but will point out others' mistakes if the mistakes are bad enough}
Bonnie {age: early pre-teen, personality: ultra energetic}
Alex {age: pre-teen, personality: quiet, but not particularly shy. Note: Alex can be either girl or boy}
Joey {age: nine-ten, personality: slightly defensive}
Adalbert {age: early-mid teen, personality: semi defensive, but doesn't take insults very seriously}
Dallas {age: pre-teen, personality: friendly}
James {age: five, personality: silly. Note: If you change the script around a little, James can easily be changed to a girl}
Ms. Shel {age: young adult, personalty: light, as if she hadn't a single care}
Plot overview:
The kids are excited about Christmas, but are somehow caught up in the holiday rush. Ms. Shel is only getting them in the industrial version of Christmas further. Their rescue comes from an unexpected source.
Opening song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! Scene 1
(Setting: A living room, with everyone sitting around in a circle, around the coffee table, except Apirka, who is sitting off by her self in a corner, Ms. Shel, who is not in the room, and James, who is off doing his own little thing with the vacuum cleaner. There should be a vacuum cleaner in a corner, and a coffee table in the middle)
Dallas: What type of Christmas tree are you going have this year, Bonnie?
Bonnie: The most splenoriforus tinsel tree in the world! It's green and shiny, like those little trees at the stores, but it's nine feet tall! We're haven' it in the sun space, of course, 'cause it's the only room that's tall enough. What about you?
Dallas: One of those long needled firs. A real one. It matches the living room, and the needles don't hurt as much to sit on as a short needled one.
Adalbert: My tree's just a regular, fake tree. But by the time that James here gets through with it, it won't be normal. Have you ever seen what a five year old with a vacuum cleaner can do to a fake Christmas tree? (Negative responses) Then you don't want to know! (laughter)
Joey: Alex and Madison and me, we're gonna have a regular one, too. And we're gonna make popcorn strings, an' cranberry strings, an' hang candy canes, an' glass balls, an' plastic balls!
Bonnie: Really? That sounds like fun! I tried making a popcorn chain once, and it was fun 'til I got board.
Madison: Oh, yeah, what we do is fun, until Joey eats all of the decorations! (Laughter) Well, not not the balls, of course, but the candy and food ones!
Olivia: My tree's a real one, short needled. We use the same decorations year after year, but this year, I'm thinking about making a paper chain for the tree, or maybe for the ceiling around the tree.
Dallas: What about you, Apirka? What kind of tree will you have?
Apirka: My tree will be a two foot version of Bonnie's. There's not enough room in my house for a big one, so we'll have it on a small table, and the presents'll go under the table. But there's a small tree out in the front yard, and we decorate that, too. We also have a manger scene that we'll set up, and it will be lit up by a soft glow. I hope that it snows gently on Christmas Eve, because that will put the song “Silent Night” into peoples' minds.
Madison: Yeah. I like white Christmases, but I like white Christmas Eves better. Silent snow, silent night.
Songs: Silent Night, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas. Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen,
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
[Solo 1] I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white Scene 2
Apirka: James, what do you want for Christmas?
James: Vacuum! (Takes vacuum hose and points it at the rest of them) Hands up, cow boy!
Madison: (Jokingly) Oh, no! Please don't suck us up! Please!
James: (As if he thinks that Madison is crazy) You won't fit! Silly! You're crazy! And I thought that you were a big girl! (laughs)
Madison: Kids! They are so annoying sometimes! So, anyway, what does everyone else want for Christmas? I want this totally cute hair piece that I saw at the store, and the matching skirt!
Dallas: I want some thing made in Texas.
Olivia: Of course. Dallas wants something from Texas. We should have guessed! (laughter) I want some new roller blades. (Dallas cringes) Mine are too small.
Alex: I want a row boat! However, I don't see much chance of getting one!
Adelbert: I want some fingernail polish! (everyone stares at him) Not for wearing! For fixing things! Like nylon stockings! (everyone tries hard and fails miserably to hide giggles and smiles) I don't wear those, either! It's for an experiment that I have to do! Every one from my class has to do it! Honest! (after a brief pause) You believe me, don't you?
James: No! (laughter)
Bonnie: Well, I want an emerald necklace! (everyone stares at her) Hey, it's worth a try, right? Maybe I'll get a fake one?
Apirka: I want a toboggan. If I get it, we can have that sledding party that we've talked about! (exited “yea”s)
Bonnie: Oh, does anyone want anything to drink? We have water and soda. (several responses of either “water” or “soda”) Okay, so who wants what?
Apirka: Don't worry, I'll get the drinks. I'll bring a pitcher of water and a bottle of soda. Be right back.
Bonnie: Oh, can you get the plate of chocolate cookies, too? And do you know the way?
Apirka: Yes and yes. (leaves)
Bonnie: You know, I just had a thought. Wouldn't it be funny if, when we go Christmas caroling this year, the boys were dressed up as clowns? Us girls could be in dresses so pretty that we make even princess look plain, and the boys could go in such funny suits, they would make Joey, Dallas, and Adelbert look normal! (girls and James laugh, rest of boys scowl)
Dallas: (growls) We are normal!
James: Yeah! Clown suits! That'd be funny! (sings) Joey in a clown suit! Joey in a clown suit! Joey in a clown suit! Ha, Ha!
Joey: (growls) Ha, ha, ha. Very funny. You do that again, and I'll- I'll- probably say this again. (laughter)
Olivia: Yeah, princess and clowns walking up to your door, singing Christmas carols! Oh, let's practice. “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” and I'll keep time!
Song: We Wish You a Merry Christmas (During this song, Olivia should be tapping her hands against the coffee table, keeping time.) We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
We all want some figgy pudding
We all want some figgy pudding
We all want some figgy pudding
And a cup of good cheer.
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year. Scene 3
(Ms. Shel enters)
Ms. Shel: Hi, kids! Glad to see that most of you are here! I need you to do a fundraiser for my cause! Can you do it?
Kids: (all at once) We don't know...What cause?...Huh?...Maybe...etc.
Bonnie: What cause, Ms. Shel?
Ms. Shel: My cause that kids should get what they want for Christmas, not just what they need. I mean, you know what it's like... You really, really want something for Christmas, and you only get things that your parents think you need? (kids look dubious) Come on, please?
Bonnie: Okay. Sure. I don't want to, but what can we say? You're the adult, and we've got to obey you. Who's in?
Alex: I'm in.
Adelbert: Okay.
Madison: I guess so.
Olivia: Okay, I suppose it couldn't hurt that much.
Dallas: If you insist.
Ms. Shel: Great! I've arranged for you to do a bake sale in two days. Bye! (walks out of room, Apirka walks in)
Apirka: Here are the drinks. (places cups, soda bottle and pitcher of water on coffee table) Oh! I forgot the cookies! I'll be right back! (dashes out of the room)
Alex: I was thinking: let's not tell Apirka what we're up to. She'd never understand.
Olivia: Yeah, let's not tell her. Are we all agreed? (everyone agrees, some reluctantly, some quickly, except for James, who is playing with the vacuum cleaner) Great! Oh, here she comes! Change the subject! (Apirka walks in) Oh, who's going Christmas caroling? (every one says that they are) Great! I love Christmas caroling! People are more accepting of you when you do that. Every one's grouchy when a stranger knocks at the door the rest of the year, but Christmas is so much different! Let's sing:
Song: Here We Come A-Caroling [Solo 1: Olivia] Here we come a-caroling
[choir] Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We're not daily beggars
That beg from door to door;
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.
God bless the master of this house
Likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year. Scene 4
Apirka: Sounds good. But while I was getting the cookies, a thought came to me: (every one else looks nervous) I was wondering what our names mean. (everyone else looks relived; Apirka looks confused) What were you so nervous about? You would think that I had uncovered some big secret. (Silence) Okay, so people are hiding something. Anyway, I know that my name means pleasant, and Bonnie's is good, pretty girl, and I guess that Olivia's has some thing to do with olives, but what does Dallas's name mean? And, more importantly, Adelbert's name?
Alelbert: My name means noble and bright.
Bonnie: You sure don't live up to that, so I guess that you're name can't be Adelbert. Hmm, what about changing your name to... Pig Sty? Or what about Mud Bath?
Olivia: If I were you, Adelbert, I'd change it to Muddy Man.
Adelbert: Ha, Ha, Ha. Very hilarious.
Apirka: Quit it with the teasing.
Olivia: My dad says that my name also has some thing to do with “Elf Army,” but he was talking in one of those tones of voices where you just aren't sure if you can take it seriously or not. I have no idea whether or not to take him seriously. What does Dallas's name mean?
Dallas: I dunno. I was born in Dallas, and that's why I was called that, but I think that the city was named 'cause of peace or some thing. I don't know.
Apirka: Peace. Something that people forget on Christmas.
Olivia: I know. Everyone's like "Shop! Decorate! Bake! Presents!" Even the Christians. It's like Jesus was pushed aside so people could worship the presents instead.
Apirka: I know. It's so sad. You know, there's a song that I know, and most people should hear it.
Madison: What song is that?
Song: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear [Solo 1: Apirka] It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good-will to men, from heaven's all-gracious King:”
the world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
[Choir] And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
look now! For glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
when, with the ever circling years, shall come the time foretold,
when the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing:
[Solo 2] “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all-gracious King.” O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing. Scene 5
Apirka: See? Christmas peace. We should forget our petty arguments on Christmas, and be full of peace.
Olivia: Yeah, so many people are forgetting that, and- Oh, no! That reminded me! We promised that we'd do our homework while we were here, remember?!
Dallas: (smacks forehead) How could we forget?!
Bonnie: Don't panic- We still have several hours until you're picked up. Me and Dallas and Joey will go into the sun space, and I'll show you my Christmas tree while we're in there! Adelbert and Alex and Madison go in the kitchen. And Olivia and Apirka are great with kids, so James will work with them, and Olivia and Apirka stay in here. And me and Joey and Dallas will meet up with Adelbert and Alex and in a hour, since we need to all work with each other. And Madison can then go with Olivia and Apirka and James. You see, me and Joey and Dallas and Adelbert and Alex all have a school project together, 'cause we all work on the school newspaper. Everyone will meet up in here in two hours. Okay with everyone? [Note: If you can find a way to make Bonnie's grammar worse in that paragraph, go for it. It would help the next line to make sense]
Madison: Sure, but if you have a grammar exam, ask for help, okay? (kids go off to appointed places, and Madison, Bonnie, Joey, Dallas, Adelbert, and Alex simply exit stage left and right, one group going one way and the other the other way)
Song: The First Noel. No lyrics, only music, unless you want a soloist, a duet, or a trio or something. If anyone is singing, they must not be actors; just choir members. Song goes two times through. During this song, the cast should be pretending to study, take tests, etc. At the end of the first time through the song, Madison should join Olivia, Apirka, and James. Scene 6
James: I know what the secret is.
Apirka: What secret? Oh, what the others won't tell me, about why they were so nervous?
James: (nods) Uh-huh!
Madison: Um, James, come over here for a minute!
Apirka: No, wait, I'm actually quite curious.
Olivia: James!
James: They're doing something that they shouldn't!
Apirka: What is it? Go on! Please tell me!
Olivia: James!
James: They talked to Ms. Shel.
Apirka: So?
James: And Bonnie's mommy said no, they should be polite, but not take her “seriousbly” 'cause she is “irrestonsipible.”
Apirka: This is getting interesting.
Madison: James, come here right now!
James: And they listened to her, and they are now doing something that they know is bad, only I don't think it's bad.
Apirka: Olivia, perhaps you can tell me something?
Olivia: (does a terrible acting job)Um, you see, we were going to have a water fight in Bonnie's living room?
Apirka: Olivia!
Olivia: Okay, that was a last resort. I'm terrible at acting.
Apirka: So I noticed.
Olivia: Anyway, Ms. Shel asked us to do a bake sale to fund her cause to make sure kids get more of what they what then what they need for Christmas.
Apirka: And you agreed?! You know Ms. Shel. She lives at the mental hospital. Remember? She was put there last summer because she was panning for gold in the fire hydrant. (pause) How did she get that cap off, anyway?
Madison: I think she used a welding torch.
Apirka: That only proves my point. Don't listen to certain people! I mean, politely listen to them, but don't always do what they tell you!
Olivia: (laughs nervously) Oh, yeah. But it couldn't hurt that much, could it?
Apirka: But the true meaning of Christmas is not toys! It's joy! It's Jesus! Right?
Madison: Yeah...
Apirka: Well, you guys may have had trouble with the true meaning, but I know that the shepherds didn't.
Olivia: That's for sure! If I were one of the shepherds, I would never forget that night!
Songs: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night, How Great Our Joy. During How Great Our Joy, there should be three “shepherds” singing the solos, and, if desired, during scene 6 the choir can put on shepherd outfits, and take them off during scene 7. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.
“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds.
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.
“To you, in David’s town, this day
Is born of David’s line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign.
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid.”
Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song,
Who thus addressed their song:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the Earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from
Heaven to men
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!”
[Solo 1: Shepherd] While by the sheep we watched at night, Glad tidings brought an angel bright.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy!
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Solo 2: Shepherd] There shall be born, so He did say, In Bethlehem a Child today.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Solo 3: Shepherd] There shall the Child lie in a stall, This Child who shall redeem us all.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy!
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
This gift of God we’ll cherish well, That ever joy our hearts shall fill.
[All shepherds] How great our joy! [Choir] Great our joy!
[All shepherds] Joy, joy, joy! [Choir] Joy, joy, joy!
[All shepherds] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[Choir] Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
[louder, slower, as an ending. Praise we the Lord in heaven on high! Scene 7
(everyone comes in)
Apirka: I know your secret.
Adelbert: Yeah, right! You don't really know it! You're just trying to get us boys to tell some embarrassing secret, like the time that I dove head first into the lake!
Apirka: No, I- Wait. What's so embarrassing about diving into the lake? There's a diving board and everything.
Adelbert: Not telling.
Madison: I heard about that on the news. He was only in the hospital for two days, amazingly.
Bonnie: Huh?
Madison: The lake had eight inches of ice. You'd think he would have gotten a clue because there were ice skaters.
Apirka: (giggles) Now I know both secrets.
Joey: Oh, really?
Olivia: She does.
Dallas: (to Apirka) How do you know?
Apirka: James told me.
Alex: Just great! I thought that we all promised not to tell her, James!
James: I was vacuuming! I didn't hear that!
Everyone except Apirka and James: James!
Madison: Well, I guess that it's just as well that James told, 'cause if we didn't want others to know, then it must have been wrong.
Joey and Dallas: Yeah.
Madison: We were kind of silly, weren't we?
Bonnie: Yeah, who's idea was it to obey Ms. Shel just because she's an adult? (everyone except Apirka stares at her) Don't answer that!
Olivia: The shepherds didn't forget the true meaning of Christmas, and I'm sure that the wise men didn't, either. (Sadly) Unlike us.
Joey: How could the wise men forget the true meaning of Christmas? I know that I would not be able to forget if I were them. I mean, following a star over field and fountain, moor and mountain, and then finding that it is just over one little stable in one little town in one little conquered nation isn't your everyday occurrence.
Madison: Definitely not. And they would have particularly remembered it because the birth of Jesus fit all of the ancient prophecies regarding the subject.
Olivia: I wonder if they left their flocks, wives, children, servants, parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandchildren just to follow a star. Or did they bring them all, knowing that it would be a long trip?
Bonnie: It doesn't matter, not really. They came is all that the Bible says. They came, following a star.
Song: “We Three Kings Of Orient Are” During this song, there should be three “kings” singing the solos. [Trio 1: Three kings] We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
[Solo 1: King 1] Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
[Solo 2: King 2] Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
[Solo 3: King 3] Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
[Choir] O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light. Scene 8
Adelbert: Wow. I can't believe that we were so silly. But then, what could we say?
Apirka: (slowly) I guess we would say that we'll think about it, and ask our parents.
Madison: And we all know what their answers would be, of course.
Dallas: Of course. But to change the subject, you know, the only time I acted that silly was when I was at the Christmas skating party on Saturday. I fell down so many times, I was more down then up.
Apirka: Oh, I thought I saw you there! Really, I had never seen so many band-aids on one person in my whole entire life! I think you broke a world record for band-aids on one person, no offense.
Dallas: You're lucky! You can roller blade on point, while hula hooping, jumping, and twirling around in circles. Not to mention going really, really fast. And-
Apirka: (interrupts) I've been skating ever since I can remember. I suppose that that was you're first time on roller blades.
Dallas: Second time.
Apirka: My point remains. Practice makes perfect. Not that I'm perfect, of course.
Bonnie: By what Dallas said, you're perfect. (Apirka shrugs and smiles) Oh, haring about a Christmas skating reminds me. Who's going to the church Christmas party on Sunday?
Everyone: (not completely at the same time) Me, I am, count me in, etc.
Bonnie: I can't wait!
James: I can't wait for Christmas! Will there be church at night again, like last year?
Olivia: The Christmas Eve service? Yes, there will be one.
James: Will they read the Christmas story again?
Madison: Of course. They always read that message of joy. We should always remember the joy of Christmas, Jesus.
Song: Joy to the World Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love Scene 9
Joey: The joy of Jesus, the joy of Christmas. The time when we forget our disagreements, and be happy and contented, worshiping God.
Alex: Lots of people forget that.
(Apirka looks thoughtful, and a bit disturbed)
Bonnie: There is still one thing that I want to get settled before Christmas. What Adelbert's name should be. As he said, his name means noble and bright. I don't know about noble, but I sure haven't seen any evidence about bright. So, any suggestions? I think his name should be... Mud Pie Messy Guy.
Madison: Perfect!
Olivia: Yeah!
James: Mud Pie Messy Guy! Mud Pie Messy Guy! Mud Pie-
Adelbert: (interrupts) Oh, come on! I didn't play with mud pies for at three years!
Dallas: Except for that time that-
Adelbert: (interrupts, nudges Dallas) Shh!
Apirka: (suddenly) Please! It's Christmas time! I said before that we should forget our petty arguments on Christmas, and listen to you all! (others look ashamed) We are trying to celebrate Jesus' birthday, the birthday which people begged and pleaded and prayed for three thousand years for! When people heard and believed that the Messiah had come, they were full of joy! Not mischief! Not lying! Remember, this is the Savior that people had been waiting for almost since the world began, and finally, He came.
Songs: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile drear
Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O 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, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne. Scene 10
Olivia: Oops. I guess we forgot.
Bonnie: Yeah. And before I do anything so foolish again, somebody stop me. Anybody.
Alex: Hmm. I guess that what we did was kind of like doing a string figure with your eyes closed. You think that have a basic idea of what you're doing, but in reality, you're just stumbling around with the strings, trying to figure out what to do next.
Apirka: Weak analogy. I can do it with my eyes closed. (picks up a string and, with her eyes closed or at least pretending to do so, makes a string figure) See? Jacob's Ladder. (if necessary, names another string figure)
Olivia: I think that Alex meant someone who can't see with their with their eyes closed.
Apirka: What?
Olivia: Just kidding.
(Ms. Shel enters)
Madison: Oh, Ms. Shel! We're not going to be able to do that bake sale. We realized that it's not right, and we can't do it.
Ms. Shel: Bake sale? What bake sale? Oh, that bake sale! So, you're thinking about that? I gave up on that idea two whole minutes ago! (to Bonnie) Oh, can I borrow the glass from your sun space? I'm going to use it to make the world's first breakable sled!
Bonnie: Umm... my mom and dad are in the study. Ask them.
Ms. Shel: (while exiting) Thanks!
Madison: (to Bonnie) Nice going!
Bonnie: Thanks. I realize that Christmas is a time for peace, joy, and love. Not a time for being completely freezing while sitting in your own sun space!
Apirka: Peace, love and joy! Things that should not be disturbed!
Finale: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Joy to the World, We Three Kings of Orient Are, and How Great Our Joy. For How Great Our Joy, divide the choir in half. God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessèd Babe was born,
And laid within a manger upon this blessèd morn;
The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heavenly Father a blessèd angel came;
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
“Fear not, then,” said the angel, “Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethl’em straightaway this blessèd Babe to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
But when to Bethlehem they came where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay;
His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.
Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface.
And God send you a happy new year, happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
[all] This Gift of God we'll cherish well, that ever joy our hearts shall fill!
[section 1] How great our joy! [section 2] Great our joy!
[1] Joy, joy joy! [2] Joy, joy, joy!
[1] Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high!
[2] Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high!
[all, louder, slower, as an ending] Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high!
The end
Costumes: For the cast:
Kids: Traditional Christmas sweaters, nice (non-tattered) blue jeans or nice sweatpants, sneakers, neat hair styles.
Ms. Shel: Nice jacket and skirt, nice shoes, jewelry slightly on the excessive side, hair is loose or minimally tied back.
For the choir: Dresses, suits (if preferred, the boys can skip the suit coat), and if desired, during the songs How Great Our Joy and While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night, the choir can dress like shepherds. In How Great Our Joy, the soloists should dress as shepherds and/or shepherdesses. During We Three Kings of Orient Are, the soloists should be dressed as the three kings, holding props of gold, frankinsense, and myrrh.
Stage Setting: About three quarters of the stage should be a living room, and the rest should be where the choir stands. Make sure to have the microphones positioned so that everyone can be heard, not just the main actors/soloists. Make sure the cast can get positioned in the choir in under ten seconds.
Note: If desired, before the first song and after the last song, as while as during The First Noel, (If you decide not to have anyone sing for that song) choir members can recite Bible verses regarding Christmas.
Note: All songs should be played and sung with the traditional tunes. If you want, you can speed up the tempo a little on some of the slower songs.
I do not mean to abuse any and all copywritten material.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Update
Sorry, but the Christmas musical will be fifty-five minutes maximum. But the pastor can give an introduction, you can twirk the script around, have more verses in some of the songs, or give acknowledgements at the end, among other things. Or maybe all of them. You can change the script around some if your church has the wrong ratio of girls/boys. Make the character Dallas stay a boy, and Apirka stay a girl, if at all possible. Make sure that Adelbert stays a boy. Alex is either girl or boy. Olivia, Madison, and Bonnie tease the boys, so if one of them must be changed into a boy, besides changing the name, remember to shift the lines around a little. Apirka should not wear modern clothes, but the others can, to a certain degree. James can be changed from a five year old boy to a five year old girl, if nessesary. Just remember to use commen sense when twirking any lines around. Oh, and try not to give the same small group all of the parts and solos. And Ms. Shel should just act like an adult with bad ideas... at first. You'll see what I mean. And Apirka should not look the oldest, but should act like an adult when she needs to. Here is the description of the play:
The kids are excited about Christmas, but are somehow caught up in the holiday rush. Ms. Shel is only getting them in the industrial version of Christmas further. Their rescue comes from an unexpected source.
Thanks,
Marie
The kids are excited about Christmas, but are somehow caught up in the holiday rush. Ms. Shel is only getting them in the industrial version of Christmas further. Their rescue comes from an unexpected source.
Thanks,
Marie
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Coming soon...
Ever wanted to find a free, full length Christmas musical for your church online? Now you have one! Well, as soon as I finish writing it. Before the end of the month, I hope. I am staying up a bit late to write it, so maybe tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the day after that. Or the day after that. Or... Just kidding. Very soon.
Thanks,
Marie
Thanks,
Marie
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas, The Government, and The People
Christmas, the most celebrated holiday in America, has been demoted. Yes. Demoted. Demoted from a celebration of joy and hope to an empty, meaningless, celebration of presents. Originally, Christmas presents were exchanged as something to represent and remind us of Jesus, God's gift to mankind, the greatest gift that anyone might dare to hope for, and even better then anyone could dare to imagine. Now, presents have no meaning to most people. Congress men can't even have the phrase "Merry Christmas" in tax paid letters! Those who came up with that said that they don't want to offend anyone. It make me offended that they are blindly shunning the true meaning of the holiday. The congress men should have "Have a joyful Christmas" rather then "Have a merry Christmas." I don't think that there's a law against that.
Sadly, some people refuse to even write the word "Christmas," because it has the word "Christ" in it. Instead, they use the very offensive term "xmas." How can people be so blind, so unwilling to listen to facts? Please, those of us who know what the true meaning of Christmas is, spread it around this Christmas season.
[A thought that I'd like to include: This year, I will not use "politically correct" terms, but I will use the term "Merry Christmas," and the term "Joyful Christmas."]
Have a joyful Christmas!
-Marie
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