NARRATOR:

God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. He had a message for a girl promised in marriage to a man named Joseph. (Mary enters) The girl's name was Mary.

GABRIEL:

(Entering) Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you.

MARY:

(Shocked and afraid) An angel! Why are you here? What do you mean?

GABRIEL:

Don't be afraid, Mary: God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God!

GABRIEL:

The Holy Spirit will come on you and God's power will rest on you. For this reason the child will be called the Son of God. Remember your relative Elizabeth? People said that she couldn't have children, but now she's six months pregnant, even though she's very old. Nothing is impossible for God!

MARY:

(Bowing head) Then let it happen to me just as you've said. (Gabriel exits. Mary looks up and talks to God) God, I don't know why you've chosen me. I'm nothing, I'm a nobody, just a small town girl. But you're God, you must know what you're doing. I'll just have to trust you. (Exits)

DOCTOR:

(Consulting file) It seems your test was positive. Congratulations, you're going to have a baby.

GIRL:

(Upset) No, I can't be! I can't be pregnant! Are you sure there isn't some mistake?

GIRL:

(Very upset) Of course I don't want it! (Stands and paces) I'm too young! I've got plans! And my parents are gonna kill me when they find out! Dad'll go ballistic!

GIRL:

My boyfriend? Hah! I bet he dumps me as soon as I tell him. This'll be way too heavy for him to handle. (Slumps back into seat, speaks desperately to doctor) What am I gonna do? I've made a mess of everything!

GIRL:

(Interrupting) I don't want to be a mother! I can't be a mother! Oh God, why is this happening to me!

DOCTOR:

(Sighs, gets out a brochure and hands it to girl) Look, there's a clinic down the road you can go to, but you have to make an appointment to see a counsellor first . . . (Fade out)

MOTHER:

(Entering with Mary following, angry) How could you do this to us, Mary? (Turns on Mary) You've brought shame and disgrace on our family! We'll be the laughing-stock of the entire town!

MARY:

(Frustrated) It's not Joseph's child! I told you, this child is the Son of God!

MOTHER:

(Sarcastically) Right, an angel comes down from heaven and, out of all the women on earth, he makes a special visit to my daughter! And I can certainly understand why God would pick you to bear his child over all the princesses and noble women he could have had! I've heard some pretty amazing excuses in my time, but this one really takes the cake! I can't understand how you expect anyone to believe that idiotic story! Just how stupid do you think I am?

FATHER:

(Throws suitcase of girl's belongings outside) Not anymore, you little tramp. I brought my daughter up to do the right thing.

FATHER:

Why don't you try that useless, layabout boyfriend of yours? He was good enough to get you into this condition. Let him cope with the consequences! (Goes to shut door)

GIRL:

(Banging on door) Dad! Please, Dad...(Sobbing, sinks to the ground. Sits on doorstep, head in hands, crying. Fade out)

JOSEPH:

(Moving away from her) I can't believe it! How could you betray me like this? With another man!

JOSEPH:

(Not listening) All our plans and dreams. A home, a family (Chokes up) . . . We could've been so happy, Mary. I don't understand why . . . (Peters out)

JOSEPH:

(Interrupting, angry) Stop it! Just stop it! I don't want to listen to you anymore. You can't even tell me the truth!

JOSEPH:

(Coming to a decision) I'm sorry, Mary. I'll go and see the rabbi and your parents tomorrow morning. I'll break off the engagement privately . . . I . . . I don't want to cause you any public disgrace. I still love you, even after this . . .

MARY:

(Calling after him) Joseph! (Looks up at God in despair) Why won't anyone believe me? (Exits sadly in different direction to Joseph)

BOYFRIEND:

(Calling off screen) Coming! (Enters and goes to door) I'm coming! (Opens door and is surprised to find girl standing there with suitcase) What are you doing here? (Looks more closely) What's happened? You look terrible!

GIRL:

(Entering house) My Dad, he threw me out, and Mum just stood there and watched!

BOYFRIEND:

(Shocked) Hey babe, that's terrible! (Hugs her, then pulls back) But why would they do a thing like that?

GIRL:

(Overreacting) See, I knew you'd say that. I knew it was useless coming to you. (Starts to leave)

BOYFRIEND:

(Stops her) Hey, wait a minute. Time out here. Give me a chance, would you! It's a lot to take in all at once. It's kind of a bolt out of the blue! (Turns her so she is facing him) But I'm here for you, babe. I love you.

BOYFRIEND:

(Hugging her) Yeah, we'll work this out. (Leads her to couch, clears mess off it, they both sit down)

GIRL:

(Pulling away) You know, I went to one of those clinics yesterday, even made an appointment. But I couldn't go through with it. I couldn't just . . . get rid of it.

GIRL:

But how are we going to look after a baby? You're unemployed, my family's kicked me out. I haven't even got a place to stay!

BOYFRIEND:

You could move in here with me and the guys. (Girl just looks at him, picks up a pair of jocks lying on couch, boyfriend snatches them away from her and throws them away) Yeah, I know it's a bit like dump city, but it'll do till we find a place of our own

GIRL:

It'll be like living in a zoo! (Sounds from outside of guys arriving home) And here come the animals now!

BOYFRIEND:

We'll find some place. (Kisses her as guys enter, they make kissing sounds etc)

GIRL:

(Looking at guys, who walk through room and exit) I hope it's soon, real soon. (Looks worriedly at boyfriend) But how will we afford it?

BOYFRIEND:

(Puts arm around her, sounding more confident than he feels) We'll find a way, babe, we'll find a way. (Shot of his worried face, then fade out)

NARRATOR:

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

GABRIEL:

(Enters) Joseph, don't be afraid to marry Mary. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will bear a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Exits)

NARRATOR:

All this happened so that what God had said through the prophet would come true: 'A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel, which means "God with us".'

JOSEPH:

I saw an angel! Last night in a dream!! He said that everything you told me was true! Very guilty) I'm so sorry, Mary, I'm so sorry. I should've believed you even without the angel. Can you ever forgive me? Will you marry me?

MARY:

(Pretending to think) Hmmm . . . that's a tough one . . . (Seriously) The answer is yes.

BOYFRIEND:

(Enters, hiding something behind back, drops it behind couch) Hey, babe, you awake?

GIRL:

(Sarcastically) Oh no, I feel great! I've only been throwing up all morning!

BOYFRIEND:

(Excited) Well, I bought you something to cheer you up. (Girl sits up looking slightly interested as he reaches down to get it) Ta da! (Produces an enormous teddy bear)

GIRL:

No, a bear this size (Mimes a small size) would be cute, that thing's enormous!

GIRL:

(Angry, stands) You blew all our grocery money on that? (Pointing at bear)

BOYFRIEND:

(Angry too now) Look, you were the one who said I should take a bit more interest in the whole baby thing!

GIRL:

(Sits, depressed) It looks like we'll be happy and starving at the same time.

BOYFRIEND:

(Joining her on couch, trying sick humour) Look at it this way, at least you won't have to throw it all up again!

GIRL:

Oh gross! (Pause, then seriously) Maybe we're making a mistake. Maybe we should put the baby up for adoption or something. I don't think we're ready to be parents.

BOYFRIEND:

I don't think anybody's ever really ready to be a parent. I mean, look at my dad, what a loser! When Mum had me, he shot through, I never even met him. It was real tough for Mum, I don't know how she managed. That's why I'm gonna stick by you, no kid should have to go through life without a dad. (Pause) And what about you?

BOYFRIEND:

I know how bad and unwanted you feel with your parents disowning you like that.

GIRL:

You're right, I wouldn't want this baby (Looks down and places hand on stomach) to feel like that. (Looks at boyfriend) But I'm afraid.

BOYFRIEND:

Anyway, we've gotta have this baby, otherwise what are we gonna do with this? (Waves teddy, both laugh, fade out)

NARRATOR:

At that time the Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral town to register himself and be counted. So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. He went to register with Mary.

MARY:

I'm sorry, Joseph. I just have to stretch my legs for a bit. I ache all over from riding that stupid donkey.

JOSEPH:

(Angry) You should never have had to make this trip. In your condition you should be home with your family and friends around you . . .

MARY:

All reminding me how 'my condition' is an embarrassment and a disgrace to them. Joseph, I just couldn't bear anymore of their sly looks and innuendoes, the whispered conversations that stop when I walk by. My mother walking around like some kind of martyr. Being pointed out as an example to my sisters of what they shouldn't do. I couldn't face all that on my own. Anything is better than that!

MARY:

Well, maybe not the donkey. I suppose it's better than walking though... but only just.

JOSEPH:

(Seriously) Mary, what do you think this baby will be like? Do you think that God's Son will be just like other babies?

JOSEPH:

Do you ever . . . um . . . get worried about the incredible responsibility God's given us?

BOYFRIEND:

Can't you wait until after Christmas? How are we gonna find a place to live during the holidays? Please, just a few more days!

LANDLORD:

I've already given you a month. I'm not a charity, I've got bills to pay too.

LANDLORD:

If I can't afford to buy my family their Christmas presents, there definitely won't be any peace and goodwill in my house! You've got till tomorrow. (Exits)

GIRL:

(Desperately) What are we going to do? Where are we going to go?

BOYFRIEND:

(Putting arm around her) I don't know, babe, I don't know. (Dismal attempt at humour) But let's look on the bright side, at least it won't take us long to pack. Fade out)

NARRATOR:

Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem along with many other people who had travelled from all over the country to register in the census. While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born. (Joseph knocks on inn door)

INNKEEPER:

(Voice only) Go away! We're full up! (Joseph knocks on the door again, more loudly. Innkeeper opens door angrily) I told you. Go away! I've got no more room.

INNKEEPER:

Look, it doesn't matter if she's the Queen of Sheba! I've got no more room!

INNKEEPER:

Maybe I'm not explaining myself clearly enough, get lost! (Goes to slam door, but stops as Mary cries out)

INNKEEPER:

(Who has been watching, opens door right up again) Oh for heaven's sake! You can stay in the stable out the back. It's not much, but at least it's a bit private and the lady can lie down. I've just put some fresh straw out.

INNKEEPER:

(Gruffly) Don't thank me, you haven't seen it yet! (Mary and Joseph exit. Innkeeperwatches them go, shaking head. Looks up as if talking to God) Did you see that? That poor young couple forced to travel all over the countryside in the middle of winter, and with her in that condition, just so the Romans can work out how much more heavily they can tax us! Where's that Saviour, that King, you promised? (Crowd look interested) And we don't want another Caesar. He only cares about taxes and circuses. We want a king that that cares about his people. (Crowd murmur agreement) That cares about a pregnant woman trying to find a place to stay. That cares about a small town innkeeper struggling to make ends meet. That cares about people like us! (Crowd agree, slightly louder) Do you know what it's like down here? The poverty, the injustice, the hardship, life is no picnic! (Crowd louder) We need a king who cares. (Crowd agrees enthusiastically. Innkeeper exits, closing door. Crowd takes up positions as choir for future songs)

NARRATOR:

And Mary gave birth to her first-born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Our Saviour and King was born.

GIRL:

(Grimacing) Stiff and sore, and I ache all over from sleeping in this stupid car.

BOYFRIEND:

I know. I'm sorry. I don't know what to do. (Frustrated) I thought we could make a go of it. (Smashes fist on steering wheel) But I can't even get a decent job! I'm useless!

BOYFRIEND:

(Shrugging her off) Yes it is! I can't even look after you, let alone a baby!

GIRL:

Well, it sure sounded like it! (Starts crying) Having a baby is supposed to be a happy time, but it's all such a mess.

GIRL:

What sort of start is this for our kid? If there's a God, he must really hate us! (Song. Fade out)

NARRATOR:

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 (Gabriel appears) and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

GABRIEL:

Don't be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all 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 cloth and lying in a manger.

NARRATOR:

Suddenly a great choir of angels appeared with the angel. (Angels appear) They were praising God and singing. ('Glory to God in the Highest' or another angel song/carol could be sung here)

NARRATOR:

(Angels exit) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another:

BOYFRIEND:

(Thumping car with fist) Damn! Blast it to hell! You stupid bucket of bolts, how could you do this to me now? Damn! Damn! Damn! (Kicks car, hurts foot) Ow!

BOYFRIEND:

(Concerned) Are they supposed to be coming that fast, already?

BOYFRIEND:

(Pacing , talking to self) OK, don't panic. Think. What am I gonna do? I've gotta get help! That's what I've gotta do. (Leans into car) Babe, I'm just gonna get some help...

GIRL:

You try and relax! Ahhhhh! (Grabs tighter and tighter,while doing breathing)

BOYFRIEND:

(Trying to detach her hand from his arm) Babe, I'm gonna need to take this arm with me . . . (Points) Look there's lights on in that building over there! Surely there'll be someone there who'll help us.

BOYFRIEND:

(Detaches her arm) I've gotta try, babe, you need help! I'll be as quick as I can! (Starts to exit)

NARRATOR:

The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. (Shepherds enter)

JOSEPH:

Immanuel, 'God with us'. (Shepherds move close to manger look at baby, an appropriate Christmas song/carol could be sung here)

BOYFRIEND:

(Runs into church interrupting proceedings) You've gotta help us! Please, somebody help us!

BOYFRIEND:

But my girlfriend's having a baby, in the car! It's broken down! I don't know what to do!

MARY:

(Standing up and breaking right out of character) It's alright, I'm a midwife. (Taking off headgear, and starting to leave the stage) How far apart are her contractions?

BOYFRIEND:

I'm not sure, but they're coming real fast. She says she wants to push!

DIRECTOR:

(Can't believe this is happening) You can't just leave! We've got a production to finish! You're one of the leads!

MARY:

(Ignoring director) I'll just have to get my medical kit from my car . . .

NARRATOR:

(Starting to leave stage) Don't worry, I'll get it for you. You just help that poor girl. (Exits)

DIRECTOR:

(Yelling) No! (Trying to regain control) Look, just sit down where you are. (To children) All of you may as well sit down while I talk to the audience. (Children sit except shepherd 4)

DIRECTOR:

I don't care what we did at rehearsals. Just sit! (Takes a deep breath, goes to Narrator's mike, puts on a fixed smile) Ladies and gentlemen, I have to apologise. It... um... seems that, due to circumstances entirely beyond our, well, my control, our Christmas production has finished rather . . . er . . . abruptly . . . so . . .

DIRECTOR:

(Through gritted teeth) Alright, after the shepherds go back to their fields praising God there was going to be this big number with ... (Director mimes speaking as kids walk past with signs 'LATER,' 'MUCH LATER', 'MUCH MUCH LATER'; by this time everybody on stage is asleep)

MOTHER:

(Entering with the others. Mary and boyfriend are supporting girl) She's had the baby! It's a boy!

NARRATOR:

We got there just in time. (Indicates boyfriend) This poor guy needs to sit down too! (Boyfriend sits down by girl)

JOSEPH:

(Coming forward and patting boyfriend on shoulder) Yeah, it gets you like that, doesn't it.

GABRIEL:

(Joins them) Don't be afraid, this is really good news. Your baby is going to bring you a lot of joy.

INNKEEPER:

(Joins them) Look, I've got a granny flat out the back of my place. You can stay there till you get back on your feet.

JOSEPH:

And we've got heaps of old baby stuff that you can have. The wife's got it stashed away somewhere.

GIRL:

(Apologetically) Thankyou, you're all being so great. I'm sorry for interrupting your Christmas play. I'm so sorry I've wrecked everything.

DIRECTOR:

(Joining them) Actually, I don't think you have. After all, Christmas is all about a baby, a very special baby. (Shepherds come forward)

DIRECTOR:

And he became a little baby because he loved us all so much and wanted to save us.

GIRL:

Wait a minute. What do you mean, God loves us all? He doesn't seem to care about me!

DIRECTOR:

He does care about you, and he loves you, he really loves you. Why don't I let the children explain? (Beckons to young children to come forward) Come on,kids, I want you to do your poem/song for these people. (Little children gather around manger) OK, everybody, let's finish this production and tell these people how much God does love them. (Everyone else gets into position, an appropriate song/carol about God's love at Christmas could be sung here)

NARRATOR:

God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world. Jesus, God's love in human form. God came to be with us. To share with us in our struggles and pain, in our sorrow and heartbreak. He is not an uncaring God who lives out there somewhere. He knows and understands what it is to be human. He loves us and is with us every day, and he suffered and died for each one of us. This is what we celebrate at Christmas. (An appropriate song/carol could be sung as a finale)