The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays | Page 8

the Jews?
DEBORAH. Aye, in Jerusalem He dwells, and not in Bethlehem. He

sits upon his mighty judgment throne, Cruel and stern, his heart a living
stone.
GASPAR. I mean a new-born King, of love and peace; His is the
star--His reign shall never cease.
DEBORAH. All things tonight seem passing strange to me, I have just
read an ancient prophecy That this, our Bethlehem, King David's town,
Shall be the birthplace, e'er of great renown, Of one called Councillor
of King David's line Whose coming is foretold in words divine. And
now you come with words of mystery!
(Muses.)
Why should thy questions, which are dark to me, Cause me to think of
Him?
GASPAR. The star! The star! No more it moves about the heavens afar,
It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray, For Jesus Christ, the Lord,
is born today!
(Hurries out right.)
DEBORAH. His words are fraught with mystery; I'll within And seek
protection in my humble inn.
(Exits right front.)
After a short pause, MELCHOIR, GASPAR and BALTASAR enter
from rear right.
MELCHOIR.
Three kings came riding from far away, Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar;
Three wise men out of the east were they, And they traveled by night
and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.
BALTASAR.

The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all other stars of the sky
Became a white mist in the atmosphere; And by this they knew that the
coming was near Of the Prince foretold in prophecy.
GASPAR.
Of the child that is born, O Baltasar, I begged a woman to tell us the
news; I said in the east we had seen His star, And had ridden fast and
had ridden far To find and worship the King of the Jews.
--Adapted from Longfellow.
MELCHOIR. Brothers, our quest is ended; see the star Is standing still
over this lowly hut.
BALTASAR. Methinks it is a stable. Knock and see!
GASPAR (knocks on the door of the manger). What ho, within!
JOSEPH enters from the L. rear.
JOSEPH. Sirs, whom seek ye?
MELCHOIR. We have journeyed from afar Led by the shining of yon
splendid star. We are Gaspar, Melchoir and Baltasar.
BALTASAR. We seek a new-born King, Gold, frankincense to him we
bring. And many a kingly offering.
JOSEPH draws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the manger.
MARY is seen bending over the crib. The SHEPHERDS are kneeling
in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance, with faintly
chiming bells at intervals.
GASPAR. Behold, the child is clothed in light!
MELCHOIR. Our journey ends, passed is the night.
BALTASAR. Now let us make no more delay, But worship Him right

worthily.
(They enter the manger and kneel.)
SIMEON. Hail, hail, dear child Of a maiden meek and mild. See, he
merries! See, he smiles, my sweeting, I give thee greeting! Have a bob
of cherries.
(Places a spray of cherries on the crib.)
TIMOTHY. Hail, little One we've sought, See, a bird I've brought, See
its feathers gay. Hail, little One adored, Hail, blessed King and Lord,
Star of the day!
(Places a bird on the crib.)
ISAAC. Hail, little One, so dear, My heart is full of cheer, A little ball I
bring, Reach forth thy fingers gay, And take the ball and play, My
blessed King.
(Places a ball on the crib.)
Enter all others from the Inn. They kneel outside the manger.
ALL (sing, with concealed choir).
CHRISTMAS CAROL.
(See page 169)
Christ was born on Christmas day, Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
Light and life and joy is He-- The Babe, the Son, The Holy One Of
Mary.
He is born to set us free; He is born our Lord to be; Carol, Christians,
joyfully; The God, the Lord, By all adored Forever.
Let the bright red berries glow, Everywhere in goodly show, Life and
light and joy is He, The Babe, the Son, The Holy One Of Mary.

Christian men, rejoice and sing; 'Tis the birthday of our King, Carol,
Christians, joyfully; The God, the Lord, By all adored Forever.
THE THREE KINGS. Hail, King of Kings!
GASPAR. I bring Thee a crown, O King of Kings, And here a scepter
full of gems, For Thou shalt rule the hearts of men.
(Places crown and scepter on crib.)
MELCHOIR. For Thee I bring sweet frankincense!
(He swings a smoking censor.)
BALTASAR. And I bring myrrh to offer Thee!
(Places casket on the crib.)
GASPAR. The greatest gift is yet ungiven, The gift that cometh straight
from Heaven. O, Heavenly King, Heart's love we bring.
MELCHOIR. Not gold nor gems from land or sea Is worth the love we
offer Thee.
BALTASAR. And lowly folk who have no gold, Nor gift to offer that