This drama begins and ends with a reading. The main part of the drama is a series of meetings between the central character and a number of passers-by, all of whom are busy, doing important "Christmasy" things. All feel that what they are doing is "the reason for the season" of Christmas. No particular lighting, sound, props or costumes are necessary. I Was the Star - Reading Listen closely to me as I tell you my tale Of God's mission for me, I must not fail. My reason for being is lighting the way, So travellers tonight can see as in day. Below me I see a small sleeping town. This then is Bethlehem, I will shine down On the small stable, where there in a stall, Tonight God's own Son will be born Lord of all. I see in the valley, shepherds and sheep, Tonight will be special, with no time for sleep. I see in the distance, three men, royal born, Who will witness God's coming to earth on this morn. I must be the beacon, a light bright and clear, Which will tell all people, "God's Son is born here". This was the purpose for which I was made, To shine down on Jesus, in that manger laid. From the valley below shepherds wake, as a throng Of angels descend, and with story and song Tell that tonight, in a stable above, God's own Son is born, the proof of His love. At last, thought the shepherds, God is proved able, But could the Messiah be born in a stable? Surely His coming, for so long in doubt, Would be to a palace, with servants about. And now come the Wise Men, those from the east, Who seek for the Saviour, the dear Prince of Peace. As they enter the stable, in respect and in love They fall at his side, praising God up above. Their gifts, which they offer, so precious and rare, When next to the Christ Child, seem not to compare. For here is the Savior, Messiah, the Lord. Then they kneel and gave thanks, all in accord. So now as you think on the gift of God's birth, Know we all have a reason for being on earth. Yes, I was the guide, pointing the way, Reason For The Season Page 1
For those who came searching for Jesus that day, And yes, I felt pride, for my job I had done. For I was the star sent to herald the Son. I twinkle a last beam, my light is now spent. Ah, but this was the reason for which I was sent. Sketch: Marvin, dressed in cowboy clothes, hat and boots comes on stage, leans against pole. Bud comes along, waves at Marvin. Bud: Bud: Bud: Hi there Bud, how're ya doin'? Oh, doin' great! It is so excitin', Christmas an' all! Ya got that right, Bud! Yep, excitin' is what it is! Truly, truly, is! Yep, right on! Listen, Marvin, sorry but I gotta go now. Like I say, Christmas an' all! I got a ton of presents ta git, you know the drill! Presents, the reason for the season, ya know! Know it, Bud? I should say so, yip. I purely do! Like I always say, presents, that's the reason for the season! The reason for the season! You got it! Gotta rush along now, see, ya! Presents, well I guess that likely is it, I mean, what else could be the reason for the season? Ellen walks by, toque and coat on, music book in hand: Hi Marvin, how ya doin' ole buddy, ole pal! Ellen! Why I'm jist super great, that's what I am! And what might I ask, are you up to this fine, fine winter evening? Me? Why I'm going caroling at the senior citizen's home. Now, ain't that super nice? Super nice, I wuz gonna say! Carolin' down to the senior citizen's home! Nice, nice, nice, nice, nice! Well, seems to me that we oughta be doin' right things for others at Christmas. After all, doin' right things for others, that's the reason for the season! Ya gotta know it! Jist like I wuz sayin' to the Missis jist the other day, doin' right things fer others, that's the reason for the season! Reason For The Season Page 2
Right on Marvin! Look, I'd love to stay and chat, but, you know how it is! Doin' right things for others! Just gotta keep at it! Doin' the right thin's fer others, well that sure does make sense all right! I guess that truly could be the reason for the season. Helen walks by, bags of groceries in her arms, a box of cookies fall on the floor just as she gets to Marvin. Marvin picks up cookies, hands them to Helen. Helen: Helen: Oops, there we go. I don't think your cookies are none the worse fer the wear, Helen! But where are you off ta, all them groceries an' all? Why I dare say you have most enough ta feed an army, ya do! Oh we are having about seventy-five people from our church over for a party at our house. I've been out buying just a few snacks. Well now, an' ain't that jist super! A party fer seventy-five of yer church friends. Gettin' tagether with yer friends, ain't that nice! Well, yes, we really look forward to entertaining our church friends. Such good fellowship! I guess I've always thought that fellowship with our friends from the church, it's, well, it's the reason for the season. Now that I kin see alright, fellowship with friends, yip, that surely is the reason fer the season. Helen: Look, why don't you join us for fellowship. Next Friday evening at 7:30. 96 Candlestick Lane, blue house, great big angel mural on the lawn. Can't miss it! See you there! Yip, see ya, 96 Candlestick, angel mural. Well, I never thought about it before but, maybe opportunities fer fellowship, maybe that's it, reason fer the season. Never know. Tom walks by, slowly, yawns, stretches Tom: Hey, Tom! Man you surely do look like you bin pulled through a knothole! You look beat, man! You are right about that Marvin! I'm dead on my feet! I've been taking a double load at university this semester, plus I have been working at two jobs just to make ends meet. I can't wait until the Christmas holidays start, then I can veg out for three whole weeks! Man, it will be heaven! So I guess that you would say that the reason fer the season is... Reason For The Season Page 3
Tom: Tom: Getting a much needed break, that's the reason for the season, right there! Person can only take so much, you know. Need a break, or you'll...., well you just gotta get a change, that's all! Well, I can sure see yer point, gittin' a break is mighty important! I didn't realize that it wuz the reason fer the season, but I kin see it's real important! Maybe yer right, maybe it is the reason fer the season. You just know it, Marvin! Sorry, but I have to get moving. I'm so tired that it's shove off or snooze. (yawns) See ya around Marvin. What's that, er, yeh, see ya Tom. Little child comes on stage, stands back, watches, listens as Marvin talks out his thoughts. Ya know, I'm gittin real confused here! All these things: gittin' a break, presents, fellowship with friends, doin' the right thin's fer others, all these are good thin's. But kin this be the works? Little child walks up to Marvin, pulls on his pant leg, says: Mister! Mister! Oh, hi little kid. Look, I'm kinda busy right now. Don't bother me right now, OK? Like I wuz sayin', are these thin's the whole reason fer the season? Is that why Christmas wuz invented? I mean, doesn't there have to be a more important reason fer the season of Christmas? Mister! Jesus is born. What's that, who's born? Jesus. Jesus is the reason for the season. The only reason. Jesus? The reason fer the season? You sure? Yup! Not presents? The birth of Jesus. You seem perty sure! Nah, maybe doin' right things fer others,.... Little child shakes head in negative response. Or, I know, fellowship. that's it! Reason For The Season Page 4
Little child shakes head in negative response. You're sure? Jesus' birth. That's it then? Yup! You know, fer a little kid you're perty smart. Yup! I know a place where they sell the greatest candy canes. What are we waiting for? Marvin and child walk off stage. The Lamb of God - Reading I lie alone on a green grass mat, In the silence here I lie, And I think to myself, how bright that star, Up high in the eastern sky. Around me weary shepherds sit, Who tonight will see no sleep. They keep their watch through the starry night, Looking after us temple sheep. Then suddenly, from out of the night, Comes those strains, a melodious sound, A song which out of the heavens rings, Bringing glory all around. It is angels, it seems, who visit us, Their sounds ring through the night. With one accord, both shepherds and sheep Are brought to their feet in fright. The story they tell is a joyous one, For it tells of a Saviour's birth. The Messiah, the Lord, God's own dear Son Reason For The Season Page 5
Has tonight come down to earth. Quickly the shepherds make their way Until they find the stable. And, little they knew, I came too, As fast as I was able. As the shepherds enter the stable door, I look inside to see, There in a manger, among the hay, Is the blessed holy Baby. Since the shepherds kneel to worship Him, I feel that it would be right, I feel the need to be by His side, And to bring my praise this night. He is fair and sweet, this holy child, As He lays in that wooden stall. How can He save all mankind, This Babe so frail and small? And now a shepherd sees me there, And he feels I should have no part. He sees me there at the Baby's side Does he know what's in my heart? As the shepherds set to turn me out, A voice says, "Let him stay". It's Mary who had silenced them: "He is welcome here today". "My Son will be the shepherd of men, He will lead His flock to the light. So let him stay by my Baby's side, As a watch throughout the night." So there in the manger I lay down, And I'm sure some think it odd, That I, the lamb, am here this night, Beside the Lamb of God. Reason For The Season Page 6