It`s Not Santa`s Cause Theme: A teenage girl is unhappy about the attention given to Santa Claus, attention which she believes should be directed to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. When her family urges her to do something about it she finds it is not as easy as it might be. This drama mixes comedy with truth and ends in a manger scene with narration Bible Reference: Luke 2 Cast: Set: Costumes: Lighting: Sound: Props: Time: 10+ (6 of which are speaking parts) (some parts could be male or female) Dad, late 30 s or older, a Bill Cosby Cliff Huxtable type character Mom, late 30 s or older Tracy, older teen, self-confident Michela, mid to late teen, committed, dedicated Janelle, 8 year old, sweet, spoiled Narrator (likely, not necessarily, Tracy) Narrator may be on or off stage Several people for nativity scene (Note that the actors in Scene I may also be in Scene II as well, depending on available actors. We recommend that if Scene I actors are used in Scene II that their identity be as much as possible hidden). Scene I living room with table and chairs Scene II (nativity scene) is blank stage standard clothing in Scene I, biblical costuming in Scene II floodlights to control the action in Scene II as required/available various hand props for nativity scene 45 minutes Script: SCENE I Living Room Mom and Dad are on stage, sitting at table, drinking coffee, Janelle comes on stage Hey baby girl, what's happening? Zeeeeroh! What's wrong precious? There s nothing to do around here! It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 1
How about go play with Tessa? Tessa s dumb. I thought Tessa was your best friend. Was... Was? Was.... Tessa was a friend before she got stupid. Mom, annoyed: Janelle Louise Marshall!.. Now that is no way for an eight year old lady to talk! And stupid is no way for an eight year old friend to be. What happened with Tessa that made her a was? Janelle, sarcastic: Marlessa happened, that`s what! And Marlessa is...? Janelle, sarcastic: Marlessa Joy Jenkins is who... Thinks she is like.. Queen Marlessa... And since Queen Marlessa moved next door to Tessa, now no one else is good enough to play with Stupid Tessa! Dad, smiles: Janelle, that is enough!.. Now no matter what is happening between you and your friend... Used to be friend, try! Regardless, that is no way for a young lady to speak, and as your parents we won't permit it! And besides it`s almost Christmas and... (secretive)... Santa Claus might be listening! Janelle, annoyed: Daddy we all know that Grampa is Santa... (coy)... And when it comes to my Grampa,... what I want is what I get, cause like my Grampa says,.. (cute pose).. I am waaaay cute! It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 2
Michela and Tracy come on stage You know Grampa also says that he is just Santa s helper in the malls at Christmas... The real Santa could be listening. The whole Santa Claus thing is just so wrong!... Christmas is Jesus Christ,.. nothing more, nothing less. Tracy, tease: Chill little sister.... Besides, Jesus doesn t bring gifts. Tracy that is sick! Kids!... That's quite enough. I will not have this constant bickering with you children over every little thing, now stop it. Yah, if we are gonna bicker let s make it a big thing.. (picks up cake pan).. like who gets this last piece of Mom s yummy chocolate cake.. (gets down on knees, looks up lovingly into Mom s eyes).. You know how much I love you Mom, and after all, you know I am your favourite child,.. I am sure you want me to have this last lonely piece of chocolate cake, right dearest mother of mine, huh? Mom, smiles, shakes head: You are such a clown Tracy!.. Yes, go on boy... have the last piece of cake. Did anyone request the opinion of he who is the head of this home?... Perhaps the head of this home might want to partake of the last piece of cake, do you think? Well.. may I remind, the head of this home... that in his recent check-up with his doctor he was told that the head of this home needed to lose 10 pounds. That is unfair... the scales in that doctors office are old, rusty and badly out of calibration, and likely record in some foreign metric kind of language. This is getting more boringer by the minute!.. I m gonna go watch TV. Janelle leaves the stage Can t anyone be serious for a minute? Everybody seems to think that everything is just one big yuck!.. I am serious, we have no right to put anyone other than Jesus at the center of Christmas. Like I said Michela, chill out! It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 3
OK Tracy, so you tell us, what's important about Christmas to you? Tracy, thinking: Well... I could live with Santa bringing me a hot yellow Mustang convertible... (to Dad)... You got any opinions on that Pop? Don t look at me son, it`s your grandfather who is Santa. Michela, frustrated, pleading to See what I mean Mom?.. I give up!.. No one understands or cares about the true meaning of Christmas. Well Michela, my darling daughter, what are you doing to change that? Me,.. change what? Well you say that no one understands or cares about the true meaning of Christmas.. so what do you plan to do about it? Oh sure, like one teenager can change how people think! You might be surprised what one teen can do. Tracy, taunting: Go get em tiger, make a difference!.. Can I have your bedroom when you leave? Michela, to Just what do you suggest? Well that s your decision, but thing is you want to have people think differently about the reason for the Christmas season, right? Michela, hesitatingly: Uhhh yeh, I guess. Well, last time I looked at my calendar it is the Christmas season, so I gotta think the timing is right for showing people the right way to celebrate Christmas. OK, but what do I do? Well you could get a bunch of kids together and teach them Christmas 101. A lot you know Tracy! Kids don t make the decisions about what's right and what's not... No, I would have to get to the parents as well... It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 4
What about putting together a Christmas program at the church, maybe put on a play about the reason for Christmas? Yeh, while you are at it maybe get Denzel Washington to direct and star in the play... Maybe Stevie Wonder could do the solo... Mom, smiles: Maybe Michela should aim a little lower for her first time huh? Michela, thinks, smiles, nods her head: A play called The Reason for Christmas?... You know Dad, that s a great idea! Dad, proud: Well I do come up with a winner once in a while you know. But where am I gonna get a play? Likely at the bookstore downtown. Dad I want a play that tells about Jesus, not some fuzzy-wuzzy Here comes Santa Claus thing!.. (annoyed)... Really Dad! And along with the home runs I hit seems I do come up with some strikeouts. It s OK Andrew dear, in my books you are batting one thousand. Thanks Tonya baby... All of which still leaves me looking for a script. Did I mention that I am a writer? As I recall your English teacher didn t share your high opinion of your creative work. Likely Shakespeare had his critics too. Shakespeare also had talent... (thinks)... Dad, remember that play you saw at church conference last year? Dad, remembers, smiles: That was an amazing drama, very heavy, but very profound! And you said it clearly told the message of Jesus Christ. Dad, frowns: Yes, it did that, but.... It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 5
Well that s the play I want to put on at church. Hey slow your roll a bit princess!.. That drama had like over a hundred actors, awesome sets and lighting, it was like a Hollywood production... I am not sure that you... So you are saying we should give less than our best? No, I am saying you should give your very best.. But it doesn t take a Hollywood scale production to show people the true Christmas message. I can not believe you Dad... Where s the My Utmost for His Highest that you always talk about? Well, sweetie, fact is that utmost is not at the same level as someone else s utmost, know what I mean? No Dad, I can t say I do. I am a little cloudy on that too Andrew, perhaps you would like to enlighten us? Listen closely all of you, the head of this home is about to speak... The folks that put on that drama at church conference were professionals, had staged big dramas for like years and years. My guess is they didn t start off with a mega spectacular, likely did lots of little skits and stuff, worked their way up, you know what I mean? I m feeling you Dad!.. (pauses, thinks).. I think. I think what your father is saying is that you should try something smaller first, and learn and grow from there. Well, thank you dear, I appreciate that, but I think that is precisely what I said, wasn t it? No, you guys are wrong!... This has to mean something to everyone that sees it. No old bathrobes, silly manger scenes, this has to tell the true story of Jesus Christ. Well likely there is something in between bathrobes and extravaganzas. Dad, smiling, thinking: I was the third wise man in grade 3.... Balthazar.... I want to tell you I was about the best wise man ever... And my bathrobe was like a lovely powder blue... It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 6
A powder blue robe for a king of the orient? Dear, I shall have you know that powder blue was the robe of choice for kings from the orient in those days... Travelling, following the star, wearing gorgeous powder blue robes.. Can t you just see it? Unfortunately yes. But I can t do this all by myself. Tracy, acting cool: Well I hate to state the obvious, but you do have a prime helper candidate right here in the family... No, Mom and Dad are way too busy,... Tracy, hurt: The one to whom I was referring was not Mom or Dad. Oh you meant.. you.. I do not think so, I want this to be successful!... Gotta tell you, Michela dear, you never get too many volunteers, maybe best you grab a willing body when he is available. Father, this is an important project, I want more than a willing body, I want a mind as well! Now that smarts! Maybe I could ask my friend Desiree. Well, when your plans come crashing down around you I suppose you think I am gonna be here, waiting to pick up the pieces?... Well fact is, dear sister, I may be here and I may not be, so there! Thanks anyhow but I think I will live without your precious help!... But where am I going to get all the actors? You have lots of friends in church, ask around. Mother, get serious.. I don t have like hundreds of friends! Dad, to Mom, smiling: See dear, looks like you re striking out at the plate too dear! How many characters do you need to tell the story of the birth of Jesus? It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 7
Janelle comes back on stage Well for one thing we need like tons of people to play the angels. I can be the angel. You are a child. No one s going to listen to a child angel. Was it in Better Homes and Gardens that I read the thing about out of the mouths of babes. You make your good point dear. Dad, to Michela, proud: See, listen to your mother, your father makes good points. Dad, proud: Everyone knows I am an angel, just ask Santa!... And just look at this gorgeous face!... (strikes a gorgeous pose) That comes from my side of the family. And runs in the family. Ignore all of them Michela!... OK so you ve got your angel, who else do you need? Lots... Such as..? Well, you know.. like Mary and Joseph.. And? The shepherds. So far you ve got a small group seems like to me... That shouldn t be a problem. And the wise men. I am sure I could put my hands on a powder blue robe somewhere. And we need a narrator.. Tracy, in a deep voice: Anyone noticed how deep my voice is getting? It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 8
Dad, proud, arm around Tracy s shoulders: The gorgeous voice comes straight from my side of the family you realize. Don`t forget about my angel self.... (strikes gorgeous pose) Dad, remembering: I was an angel in the Sunday School pageant once... I can help Janelle be more angel-like. Mother, if these guys are in the drama it will never be serious! Serious?... Your Christmas play is going to be serious? Well, after all it is a serious drama dear. The birth of Jesus, a serious happening?... Look, I am not real sure which version of the Bible you guys been reading, but my Bible sure doesn t sound like it was a long face experience! Andrew, whatever are you driving at? Well see dear, my Bible says that when the angels appeared to the shepherds they brought good news of great joy. Now I can t see the angels being real convincing to a bunch of shepherds if they like said, (very sad and serious).. I got wonderful news of great joy for you guys. And like can you picture the wise men, all dressed up in their powder blue robes and all, plodding along through the desert, long faces, saying, This is a wack, now we gotta go to Bethlehem!... My Bible says the wise men saw the star they were.. overjoyed! Now maybe it`s just me but it doesn t sound like a serious time to me. Michela, hugs You know Dad,.. you are a wise man. Thank you for noticing that my daughter...(to Mom).. Did you notice dear, our daughter called your husband a wise man. Wisdom runs through the male members of the family, you likely noticed. And beauty on the female side. Mom, hugs I am glad I married this wise man... (teasing).. Even though he can be difficult! It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 9
I am very pleased to see that you did not marry me just for my good looks,.. although that certainly had to be a contributing factor I am sure. I can`t wait til Santa comes! Me too!... I just hope he got my letter. Mom, laugh: You,.. Andrew Marshall,.. husband and father, you sent a letter to Santa Claus? Of course I sent a letter to Santa!.. See I saw this awesome set of golf clubs, and they are like on wheels.. and they have this place where I can sit and ride around the golf course. Dad, are you serious, you asked Santa for a golf cart? Yes, but not just any golf cart you see, it is a golf cart complete with golf clubs and everything!.. (to Mom).. Bur dear see, the fact is I am a little worried, I mean, what if Santa didn t get my letter.. (thinks, smiles).. Wait, I have this great idea... What if, perhaps, just in the unlikely case that Santa didn t get my letter, asking for those awesome golf clubs complete with golf cart.. what if my beautiful and loving family get those wonderful golf clubs,... complete with golf cart,.. for the husband and father that they adore?.. Perhaps? Mom, laughs: You are atrocious! Father, there you go, talking about gifts and Santa Claus and all that.. You are perhaps forgetting that the wise men,.. dressed in those distinctive robes,.. may I remind you,.. those wise men did indeed bring gifts. Yes I am aware that the wise men brought gifts.. but as Christians all we should be thinking about is Jesus! Well, see here Michela... there is more to Christmas for Christians than celebrating the birth of Jesus. Michela, shocked: Daddy!... How could you say such a thing? Mom, wondering: Maybe you better explain that theology a bit, Mr. Sunday School teacher? Fact is, even atheists will tell you that the central reason for Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and, as a Christian, Jesus will always be my It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 10
focus.... But the fact is, focusing on Jesus at the Christmas season doesn t make a lot of sense. I think I maybe see where you are going here Andrew. Mom!... How could you say such a thing!.. That is just so... wrong!... The birth of Jesus,.. Jesus coming to earth... how could we not celebrate Jesus at Christmas? Why specifically at Christmas? Michela, very frustrated: Father!!!!... It was when he was born! Michela, no one questions the fact that Jesus was born... But that he was born on December 25 th is highly unlikely.... Historians can`t even agree on the year that Jesus was born, much less the exact day. Hon, when he was born is not the big thing,.. that he was born,.. and why he was born,... that is what really matters.... But... (looks at Dad, smiles)... you, sir, are still not off the hook about your statement... (deep voice, mimics Dad s voice)... there is more to Christmas for Christians than celebrating the birth of Jesus.... Best you explain that statement Andrew! Dad, smiles, arm around Like our son Tracy says,.. (mimics Tracy).. chill a minute will you.... What I am saying is.. sometimes us Christians we get so hung up on celebrating Jesus in the Christmas season that we forget that we should be celebrating Jesus every day of the year... Sometimes us Christians treat Jesus like the plastic manger scene that we set out in December and pack away in January... Fact is Jesus didn t come to earth to be born so much as he came to die.. in our place. Michela, hugs You know, something tells me this Christmas drama is going to be one to remember. Well the drama has a wonderful, and very cute, director. And the director has an assistant who is a very wise man. Tell me, can this wise man assistant director wear a powder blue robe, cause you see I think that every wise man assistant director person should have this very nice powder blue robe so that he can... The wise man assistant director can wear whatever he wants.. so long as he stays way offstage where there is absolutely no chance of anyone ever seeing him. It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 11
Well see, I accept that because after all, you being the director and all, you can do that... Only thing is.. perhaps the head director consider that she may be taking away the opportunity for audiences to get a clear picture of the traditional robes traditionally worn by wise men of the orient. Mom, laughs: OK director and assistant director; go get your recruiting and rehearsing done. actors start to move off stage as lights start to dim I will practice my low voice. Lucky that I don t have to practice my being cute, it is something that... (gorgeous pose).. just comes natural to me. lights off SCENE II Nativity scene Lights come up slowly on bare stage left as a large number of actors dressed in biblical costume as travelers, come on to Stage Left In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. All actors file onto stage right. They stand, sit and lay down on stage, indicating there is no other place for them So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Joseph and Mary enter the stage, all other actors will make room for them so the two central characters will be isolated and thereby become evident, allowing the audience to focus on them. Joseph is helping Mary along, she is in obvious discomfort, (don't overdo this as it must not look humorous). Joseph went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. lights go down 50% on stage right, actors freeze While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 12
lights down on stage right, while lights are down on right the actors move into nativity scene format. Lights up on stage left where shepherds are laying on the ground sleeping, they react appropriately to the happenings And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Lights up on the manger scene. The shepherds move from stage left to stage right. Shepherds congregate behind the manger scene, stare lovingly at the cradle, gesture toward the Child. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Their joy was great that they might worship the Christ Child. Wise men come on stage, approach the manger When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi, the Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of frankincense and of myrrh. manger scene freezes for balance of the drama, lights down 50% Jesus Christ was born a man that he may know human conditions and suffering. Yet he lived, died and rose again as God incarnate. He came as the perfect sinless sacrifice, that through him all men who accepted him as Lord and Saviour would be seen as blameless. The coming of Jesus, the Messiah, was long prophesied. His coming was announced and witnessed by the rich, wise Magi And, equally, by the poor, lowly shepherds. His birth was announced in joyful anticipation.. It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 13
His death in sorrowful suffering and shame. His birth was a statement of what could be... His resurrection a testament to what had been accomplished. His birth took place more than two thousand years ago. Yet his rebirth happens daily in the hearts of those who call upon his name. That rebirth experience is open to all.. Has it been your experience? Jesus offers you the same joyful anticipation as at that stable in Bethlehem... And the same victorious accomplishment of that open tomb. Jesus said, I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly. This Christmas are you experiencing joyful, complete and abundant life? Jesus offer still stands.. Let us worship and bow down before him,.. Not just now, at the Christmas season.. But every day, throughout the year! lights off It`s Not Santa`s Cause Page 14