MENU: Home Page / Script Page / Soundtracks / Comedy CDs / Testimonials / Contact Fred

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in
all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

"Assignment: Comfort And Joy!"
written by Fred Passmore
copyight 2011 Sheep Laughs Publications

This is like "The Christmas Family" and "Redemption In The Wings," in that a CD supplies all the narration, music and sound effects. It is in effect two plays; one main framework, and a shorter one that is seen in three sections presented at intervals. The framework play is about an hour, and the embedded skit 18 minutes, so the time of the entire production is similar to "Redemption In The Wings," about 79 minutes. Overall it is a fast-moving play, and won't seem like that long at all.

This soundtrack is enhanced by two songs by two-time Grammy Award nominee singer-songwriter Archie Jordan. The composer of such famous songs as "What A Difference You've Made In My Life" and "It Was Almost Like A Song," Archie is the recipient of seven gold and three platinum albums, as well as fifteen ASCAP awards. I am blessed and thankful to be able to use his music on this soundtrack, the songs "He's The Hand On My Shoulder," and "Someone."

Characters: framework play: Main Characters: Angel: Afriel. The DJ: Steven Carter. Suicidal Woman: Diane Warren. Junk Man: Andy Freeman. Schoolteacher: Mrs. Agnes Jolly. Other DJ: Donald Shanker. (Smaller parts: Program Director: Theresa Page; Diane's friend; the Stalker, the hungry man who visits the Junk Man; the son, wife and two kids visiting with Mrs. Jolly; Daniel, his wife Fran and a group of kids from the local orphanage who come in to sing live on the radio, and The Lord.)

Embedded Skit "The Ultimate Gift" parts: CEO (male adult) Alen McIntyre, Head of Product Development Helen Sawyer (female adult), Inventor #1 (male), Inventor #2 (female), Inventor #3 (young male), and the Cleaning Lady, Jane. Smaller parts; a couple of Security Guards, and several employees. Helen's husband and two children. (See the script here for props and details.)

Settings and Props: Hotel room and Mrs Jolly's house: An end table with lamp, a couple of chairs, a small table. A radio (which can later be put in a gift-bag for the scene with Mrs. Jolly). These can be moved around to portray different rooms for each of the listeners. A small tabletop Christmas tree and box of small ornaments. A Bible, in a small gioft-bag. A few small toys for Mrs. Jolly's grandkids.

Junk Man's shed: You will need a patio recliner, the more weathered the better, and a small space heater for the Junk Man's shed. A blanket, serving tray, a can of Vienna Sausages, a pack of crackers, a plate and fork. An old tea kettle and a couple of cups. Everthing should look as old and worn as possible for his shed. The same small table from the other settings can be used, with a tattered tablecloth, and the same chairs can be used if covered with throw blankets. A candle and matches. A stack of paper pages bound together with pieces of string through the binder holes. A plastic sword, Roman-type, for the angel. Garland for the Junk Man's shed.

The radio station needs an office chair, a folding chair, and a table with some sound equipment to simulate a station; like a sound mixer, a PC with screen, an office or desk phone. A binder with pages in it. Several wrapped presents. A scroll (which can be as simple as a piece of rolled-up construction paper, or it can be two dowels connected by a piece of white cloth, which can be rolled up. A trash bag filled with crumpled paper. A Christmas wreath. A box with 5 tinfoil-wrapped plates in it, with plastic utinsels and paper cups. A plastic jug of tea and paper cups. There needs to be a larger table and chairs, at least five, situated in the middle of the stage, separating the two sets, which are on opposite sides. The radio station set is on one side, the living room/hotel/shed set on the other, with "Studio B"/The McIntyre Corporation meeting room in the middle. A bottle of "pills," (M and M's) a notepad and pen, a bottle of water.

Costume elements: Santa hat and beard. A white robe with gold sash for the angel Afriel, a white robe and red sash for the Lord. You may need a wig and beard for Jesus unless your actor already has this. No other special costumes needed, just dress each character appropriately. Make sure that the Junk Man is dressed poorly, but the homeless man who visits him is wearing truly worn old clothing and a light coat.

Idea: since there are in effect two different plays, with different actors, you can appoint different directors to each and let them rehearse on different days. Then bring them together for the last rehearsals to integrate them before the performance. Just a thought! But do it as it is most convenient to you and your actors.

PERFORMANCE NOTES: All of the action takes place with very little audible sound from the players. They semi-mime everything, talking, laughing, anything that is done, all nearly silently, as the Narrator tells the story. It's like watching a film with the sound turned down low, as a voice-over narrator tells what is happening. All of the sound and dialog comes from the CD. The CD also includes the background music and sound effects. The performance time of the play is 79 minutes. But the live singing by the children of your church in the "orphan caroling" scene will add however long that takes. At that point after the children are done, you can add an audience intermission if you wish, or continue with the play.

Now, you can make some natural sounds as you perform; background talking between the extras can go on; but all at a very LOW volume. It should compliment the CD playing, not distract from it or override it.

In every case, the "Actions" description is given in the script just before the narration that describes it. But you DO the actions AS the narrator tells it, in synchronization. You act out the motions described, as he is telling it. This takes knowing your moves, and rehearsing with the CD; so that you are doing it in-synch with it as it is told, not lagging behind it and reacting to it.

There are some small actions mentioned in the narrative that are not laid out in the "actions" parts; just do what it being described however it is revealed. Use your acting ability to come up with little additional things to fill in... and hit the points as they come. Be creative! Since you don't have to learn dialog, you can concentrate on your acting through what you are doing visually, as the narrative provides the dialog. Don't let the action onstage come to a complete standstill during the narration; if nothing is particularly directed for you to do through the narration or script, invent some little bits of business to do that are in keeping with the narrative events. Then when it's time to do what the narrative is saying, you can easily move into it.

When the narrator is telling of dialog that your character is saying, you do not have to lip-sync it. Just act as if talking at the same time he is telling in general what was said. After all, the audience is hearing the narrator tell the story, and they are only seeing you as part of a flashback, in their imaginations. So, silently and naturally mouth the words that approximate what the narrator relates that your character is saying. You want it to look natural and mostly match what they know you are saying; keep it real so that if your lips are read it will make sense.

Note: This play is intended to be performed to the pre-recorded soundtrack. There is nearly constant music mixed in with the narration to properly portray each scene, with numerous sound effects, and trying to do it without the CD will result in a far less effective or moving performance than it was intended to be.

Promotional images: Click here to open an image of the script artwork to use in your advertisements and bulletins. Click here for a black and white version. Once the image is loaded, right click on it and select "save image as" from the drop-down menu, then select the folder where you want to put it. Close the window to return to this page.

"Assignment: Comfort And Joy!"
by Fred Passmore copyright 2011 Sheep Laughs Publications

Track One: Prolog

Voice of the angel narrator, Afriel: Well, here we are again, gathered together to celebrate the coming of the Lord into this old world. One thing most everyone enjoys this time of year is hearing a good Christmas story... and boy, have I got one for you. This story, like many of our favorites, takes place on Christmas Eve. Here, on the outskirts of a small country town, is a century-old church building, its stained glass windows brightly lit from within as worshippers gather for a candlelight service. The strains of joyful music echoes sweetly among the majestic cedars and weathered stones of the small cemetery adjacent to the church.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Steven Carter enters from the back of the church and walks slowly up the aisle toward the front. He is carrying a Christmas wreath. He is dressed in a long coat. when he reaches the front, where the marker stone is located, he looks down for a moment, then places the wreath beside it. He kneels down and wipes some snow from the top of the stone. (Since it is obvious that this is a flat marker, there is no need to have a real marker or stone there, unless you just want one.) We see his lips silently move as he talks to her with a bowed head.

Narrator Afriel: Allow me to introduce to you Steven Carter, a man who is struggling to find the usual happiness of the season. The decorated wreath that he carries is not to adorn a door to a home, but the marker of his departed loved one... his wife, Emily Carter. Saying "hello, sweetheart," he told her how much he missed her, and wished he could see her again. His job at the radio station had seemed to lose some of its appeal since she was no longer listening to him at home. He expressed his doubts as to whether he was doing any good there, and if anyone was listening.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Steven, kneeling down in front of the stone, talks as if his wife can hear him. But after a few moments, his head drops down, a hand on his brow as he sobs. But then, slowly walking onto the scene, we see the Presence of the Lord coming to him, and drawing beside him, lays a hand on his shoulder. He stays this way for several long moments, and comforts Steven. (We hear part of the song "He's The Hand On My Shoulder" during this next part.)

Narrator Afriel: Feeling more alone than he has ever felt, Steven is without even words to pray. But the Spirit of God knows what is in his heart, and his deepest needs are expressed by Him to the Father. He begins to understand that he is not left alone, for in his children's darkest hour, The Lord Jesus is there, as He promised He would be. (The song's words are heard here.) As his spirit becomes aware of the comforting presence of the Lord, Steven begins to come back from the brink of despair, and finds some words to pray. He tells the Lord that, although he knows his wife can't hear him now, he would like to make a special request that Jesus relay his message of love to his wife in Heaven.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Steven stands, straighter than he was before. He looks toward the church, then raises his collar and begins to walk offstage, down through the audience toward the back... or off to one side and out of view if that stage is raised and only accessable from the side. The Lord walks with him, beside him, to the end of the stage, then stops and watches him go. As he watches Steven leave, the Lord turns to the side and beckons to someone as yet unseen. The angel, Afriel, comes onstage and walks to him with a rapid pace. When he reaches the Lord, he kneels with bowed head, and the Lord touches his shoulder, bidding him rise. Then they begin to walk and talk, strolling from one side of the stage to the other at a leisurely pace as friends would do. Stopping after a moment, the Lord produces a small scroll and hands it to the angel, who accepts it solemnly. Before they part, the Lord places a hand on the angel's shoulder in a solemn blessing, as Afriel bows his head for a moment. The angel seems to grow stronger and infused with power, standing taller with a smile.

Narrator Afriel: As Steven left, The Lord beckoned me to join Him. I moved out of the stand of green myrtle trees where I had been watching. My name is Afriel, an angel in the army of God. Jesus, as the Commander-In-Chief of the Angelic Host, sends us to Earth to watch over his children, and Steven is who I am currently assigned to. Bidding me rise, He began to tell me of his next assignment for me. This one, as He explained it to me, was very special, in that it concerned a number of people that were to be a part of it. It involved reaching out to them all with comfort and encouragement. With a touch of his nail-pierced hand, He imparted to me a special anointing to accomplish my task. I'm not high up in the angelic hiearchy; I'm not a warrior angel, just a messenger and minister. But my joy is no less than that of Gabriel or Michael when it comes to serving the King of Kings.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The Lord gives the angel leave to go, and he does, bowing as he leaves. The Lord walks away, offstage, to the side, while the angel looks at the contents for a few moments. He then rolls it back up, tucks it in his sashcomes down to the front and goes through the main aisle toward the back. Thrilled with his assignment, the angel does some happy dance steps as he goes, a broad smile on his face.

Narrator Afriel: Everything begins with Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, and this new adventure was no different. This was going to be an unforgettable Christmas Eve; for Steven, for me, and everyone he came into contact with tonight.

End of the prologue. As the attention is on the leaving angel, you can have a helper quickly come up and remove the wreath for the next scene.

Track Two: Act One

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The station's Program Director, Theresa, comes on stage where the radio station set is, followed by Steven whom she has just let in the out office door. He takes off his coat, setting it to the side, along with a bag he brought in. As they move to the operator's board, they talk some. Then she picks up a wrapped present, gives it to Steven. Thanking her, he opens his briefcase and brings out his own present, a manuscript of pages in a binder. She takes it gratefully, looking through it as they talk. She gives it back to him when she suggests he read some on the air. When they are done talking, she puts on her coat, and shaking his hand warmly, she leaves. Steven sits down in the office chair behind the board, and opening the cover of the notebook binder, he begins to thumb through the pages, deep in thought.

Narrator Afriel: Arriving at the radio station, Steven was taking over from the board operator from the afternoon shift, Theresa, who also happens to be the station's program Director. She pointed out that the children from the orphanage would be coming soon... as they went out caroling each Christmas Eve, they always stopped by the station to sing on the air. As she prepared to leave, she brought out a gift-wrapped package she had hidden and gave it to him, telling him not to open it til Christmas. Thanking her, and reaching for the bag he brought in with him, he takes out an unwrapped manuscript in a binder. He explained that she had expressed interest recently in having a copy of some of his original Christmas stories, and she gratefully expressed her thanks. This seemed to spark an idea in her mind, and she turned back to the D.J., suggesting to him that he read some of the stories tonight on the air. Hesitant, he said he lacked faith in his material, so much so that over a year ago, he had thrown away the manuscript of a book he had written. He was very depressed at the time, and felt that no-one would ever want to read it, much less publish it. She told him that she was sorry to hear that, but, she encouraged him to share these new ones with the listeners. He reluctantly agreed, but expressed his doubt that many would be tuning in anyway, since they would be with family and friends. Theresa replied that maybe those that were listening tonight might be lonely, and needed to hear something uplifting. Wishing him a Merry Christmas, she headed out the door.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As Steven sits down and is looking through the pages of the binder, we see the door onstage slowly open, and a face peeks into the room. This is Donald Shanker, the DJ from the other studio in the same building. Wearing a Santa hat and beard and a mischevious expression, and carrying a plastic trash bag slung over his shoulder, and holding a wreath, he sneaks in quietly, watching Steven to make sure he is not detected, and stealthily moves into place behind his chair as the narration describes his appearance.

Narrator Afriel: Now, so deeply engrossed in his reading, Steven was completely unaware that the control room was being invaded by a silent and stealthy visitor.

He was decked out in blue jeans, and wore a fake beard,
and a red fur-lined hat that made him look weird.
A big Hefty trashbag was slung over his back,
and he looked like a garbageman holding a sack.

His eyes-how they scowled! His mouth-how it sneered!
You could tell just by looking, he was to be feared.

(Actions during the next piece of music; no narration as the action carries the scene.) Suddenly yelling "Ho, ho, ho!" he scares the DJ so badly that he falls out of his office chair onto the floor. Picking himself up off the floor, Steven grabs hold of the chair to help himself up, and the bad Santa pulls it away, causing him to fall all over again. Quickly grabbing the bottom of the trash bag, he lifts it up and empties the contents, handfuls of crumpled trash paper, on the D. J.'s head. "Merry Christmas!" he exclaims. These lines are done live by the actor.

This further amuses the man, Don Shanker, who laughs and slaps his knee as he watches the DJ try to get to his feet. Holding out a hand as if to help, when the D.J. reaches for it, he yanks it back in a big showy motion, nearing causing him to fall again. Then, grabbing the bag, he pulls it down over Steven's head and upper body, grabbing him by the shoulders and spinning him around. Stumbling back and forth as he tries to get the bag off, the D.J. nearly falls over the board. The bad Santa then grabs the wreath he brought in with him (which can be the same one that Steven used earlier) and jams it down over Steven's head while still in the bag.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Laughing hysterically as the DJ manages to push off the wreath, then take off the bag, he points at him and wipes his eyes, laughing so hard he is crying. Finally, he pulls the bag off his head, and throws it down angrily as he glares at the prankster. As Don laughs more, he removes the beard but leaves the hat on his head. Pulling a mock pious face and clasping his hands together, he looks upward as he tells the angry co-worker to ask himself "What Would Jesus Do?" Picking up the trash bag, Steven cleans up the trash as he begins to ask him some probing questions. The questions make him indignant, as Steven focuses on him and begins to figure something out. But the other D.J. retorts angrily, then leaves.

Narrator Afriel: This rather immature act regretfully forces me to introduce you to the proverbial thorn in Steven's side... a fellow by the appropriate name of Donald Shanker, known to his listeners by his self-proclaimed nickname, "The Don." This irritating fellow works in the other studio in the building, which runs a secular talk-radio format. Noticing Steven's clenched fist, he tells the angry co-worker to ask himself "What Would Jesus Do?" As Steven reigns in his temper, remembering that he had to show forgiveness and patience toward sinners, he wonders to himself if they don't sometimes count on that when trying to provoke a reaction. The D.J says that he is working tonight because he has no family in the area. He wonders why the other man is working the night shift, and asks if he is alone also; and Steven invites him to stay and listen to some music with him. Smarting from the suggestion that he has such a need, he scoffs at the idea, retorting that he is just killing time until his girlfriend comes to the station to keep him company. Watching him retreat in a huff, Steven has no doubt but that "The Don" will be planning something to make him pay for the insult.

Track 3: Act Two, Part One

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As the last act ended, Afriel pulled a curtain over the radio station set as we hear his narration. He does not talk, we just hear his thoughts. He continues to the middle, where he tells us about the next character, then pulls back the curtain from that end of the stage as the Diane Warren character comes on stage with a friend. Both she and the friend have some shopping bags in their hands, which they set down on the table. The set is that of a hotel room; at the least, a comfortable chair, an end table with lamp. There is also a small dining table with a couple of chairs. They take off their coats and put them on a chair, then they sit down at the table as they talk together. The angel walks offstage and watches from the sidelines.

Narrator Afriel: One of the great things about being an angel is that we are not limited by time and space. We can travel anywhere we need to go at the speed of thought. It's time to get busy in the life of another that the Lord's plans included in this night's work, and I've just popped in a room at an old hotel on the main highway passing through this little country town. Coming into the room is Diane Warren, an executive at a graphic design firm in New York who has returned, under stressful circumstances, to her old home town for the holidays. With her is a friend she has known since childhood, and they are returning from some down-to-the-wire last-minute shopping that her friend needed to do, and invited her to come along. I've studied Diane's file, and let me tell you, heaven's files are thorough and detailed. Her recent divorce from a husband who was a philanderer, who had been recently arrested for tax evasion, has demoralised and depressed her, and she is feeling the effects of a life devoted to getting ahead, but neglecting the spiritual. She commented that she felt as if she was in the middle of a raging storm that was threatening to destroy her. She hoped that just being back in the town where she grew up would quiet the turmoil that she felt inside. Her friend observed that staying in a hotel room is a terrible way to spend Christmas... then she had an idea that brightened her up.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Standing up and moving to retrieve a box from a large bag, she brought it to the table and opened it. It is a small artificial Christmas tree, which she puts in the stand. She also brings out a box of ornaments and palces them beside the tree.

Narrator Afriel: The friend wondered if Diane remembered her old high school flame, Steven Carter. At the mention of the name, she winces as she remembers with regret how they parted. She had told Steven that she wanted a more exciting life than he could ever offer her. She had said that his Christianity was a drag, and that he would never get ahead by being content where he was. Now she was beginning to realise that chasing success and money had brought her nothing but misery. She wondered what Steven was doing now. Her friend said she should ask him herself. Encouraging her to go see him, or at least call, the friend said that she was sure he would like to hear from her. Looking at her watch, Diane urges her friend to go on home and be with her family and not to worry about her.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Picking up the bags she brought in and moving to the door, the friend gives Diane a warm hug, and leaves. As Diane closes the door behind her, she picks up the remote and switches on the TV. She then sits down at the table, half-heartedly putting some ornaments on the tiny tree. We hear the commercial for the "Violent Night" special, which makes her shake her head. Moving to the back of the TV, the angel jiggles the cable line to knock out the signal. Diane tries to change to another channel with her remote, but then gives up after three or four tries, and clicks it off. Turning to the clock radio, she turns it on, and after scanning around a little, she settles down to a station that is playing traditional Christmas music and goes back to the tree, which she resumes decorating. She does this for a few moments as the music plays. The angel, becoming alerted to a threat outside, moves to the front of the stage and looks piercingly toward the middle aisle of the audience, and we see what he is watching carefully. A man has come up from the back, walking slowly and furitively, to get closer to the hotel door and is keeping a watch on it. We find out that he is stalking her, and has been sent by the ex-husband to keep her from testifying against him.

Narrator Afriel: Not convinced by Diane's words, but realizing nonetheless that she does have a family waiting on her at home, she tells her that things will get better. Seeing her friend to the door, Diane fakes a smile that she doesn't feel, returning the hug that is given. Closing the door behind her with a sigh, Diane flips on the TV to provide some noise. (We hear the TV spot here.) While we angels, in the line of duty, usually stay on the sidelines and influence people with subtle suggestions, there are some times when direct action on the physical plane is called for... and this was one. Moving to the TV, I jogged the cable input and disrupted the signal. She didn't need this kind of noise. Trying to change the channel and finding it the same on all, Diane did what I was hoping for; she switched it off, then reached over to the radio and turned it on. You see, the Lord's plan, which he shared with me and charged me to implement, was to help a small circle of discouraged people tune in to hear Steven that night, who had been given the words they needed to hear. As she scanned the local stations, she finally came to the one that the Lord wanted her to hear... and she left it there. But... I gradually became aware in my spirit that something significant was happening outside the hotel. Moving to the wall next to the door, I peered beyond it into the parking lot, which was shrouded in partial darkness. That didn't keep me from seeing the looming trouble, however. It came in the form of a man, standing in the shadows watching the hotel room door where Diane was checked in.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Afriel reaches toward the back of his robe, and brings out a small scroll that had been tucked into his belt sash, which he unrolls and reads. Meanwhile, as the angel is occupied with the strange man, Diane, in the background, moving as if in a trance to her pocketbook, brings out a bottle of pills. She goes back to the table and sits down, looking at the pills almost blankly. She opens the bottle, pouring out a handful and putting them on the table, and beings writing on a notepad. It is obvious that this is a suicide note. The angel reads the information on the scroll, then finished with it, he puts it back inside his belt again. Crossing his arms with a determined look, and with a stance that suggests a soldier on guard, he watches for any move by the man. Unaware that, in the background, Diane has finished writing the note, and has folded it, propping it up against the lamp where it can be seen. Standing, she retrieves a bottle of water, and comes back to the table. Opening it, and picking up the handful of pills, she is on the verge of taking them. As the angel slowly internally becomes aware of the danger behind him, his expression becomes worried.

Narrator Afriel: Taking out my mission scroll, I watched as the man's file appeared on its supernatural surface. Apparently, the lurker in question was a contact of Diane's ex-husband, whom he had employed to intimidate her, to keep her from testifying against him. I was informed that he was given leeway to make use of violence, if that's what it took. Looking back up at him, I had no doubt but that he would prefer it that way and was anxious to make his move. I, however, was on the job, and would not miss any signs that my assignment was in trouble. I was determined that nothing would distract her from the message that the Lord wanted her to hear. Distractions were a trick of the enemy, and I would not allow it. Suddenly, a prompt in my spirit made that word seem very important. Distraction... who was the distraction right now, and from what? I began to sense that Diane was in danger, not only from without... but from... within?

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Afriel spins around and sees that Diane is holding the pills and water in her hands, and he is alarmed. He rushes back to beside her, and leaning in close to her face, begins to speak to her. As if she can almost hear him, she cocks her head, obviously wondering about the thoughts coming into her head. The angel almost appears desperate as he pleads with her. Indecision plays across her face as she struggles with her choices.

Narrator Afriel: Oh, no! I had been so intent on the threat outside, that I almost missed the threat that Diane posed to herself in this frame of mind. I begged her to reconsider this rash action, which could not be undone once it was committed. Although she couldn't hear my words with her natural ears, it seemed to be getting through somewhat. I urged her to think about eternity, and to have hope in the Lord. At that moment, as though ordained by the Lord, which I knew it was, the voice of Steven Carter came over the radio. Hearing the familiar voice of her old flame, she put down the handful of harm she had been considering, and sat back in the seat. She was relaxing some, and so was I, as it seemed that, for now at least, the crisis was averted. The main reason I was here was beginning to happen, and I couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Upon hearing the voice that she knows come across the radio, Diane puts down the bottle and pills and listens with interest, smiling a little. The angel, looking relieved, wipes his brow with the arm of his robe, and sighs loudly as he looks upward. He moves to the side of the room and observes as Diane listens to the radio announcer, relaxing some and leaning back in the chair.

Steven's voice over the radio: "Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." I hope you've been enjoying the last 20 minutes of uninterrupted Christmas music here on WGKW. I'm Steven Carter, your host for this evening. It's currently 32 degrees at 6:30 PM, with a light wind from the west. We have more sounds of the season coming your way, but we'll also be hearing an original Christmas story, read in three parts over the course of the evening, in between 20 minute music sets. I wrote the story myself, a light and humorous piece, that I've entitled "The Ultimate Gift." Whether you are driving, or listening beside the tree as you wrap presents, I hope it brings a smile or two, and makes your holiday a bit brighter.

(We then move to the middle of the stage, as the story is acted out.)

Track 4: Part 1 of of "The Ultimate Gift." You can read and print out the script for this embedded skit here.

Track 5: Act Two, Part Two

(Actions during the next paragraph and song sequence.) As part one of the narrated story ends, we see Diane sitting back up in the chair, and turning the lamp back on. She is still listening to the radio as Steven follows up the reading with a scripture and some more encouraging words. As she listens, she opens up the end table drawer and pulls out the Gideon's New Testament. Opening it, she reads as she listens to the radio. After a few moments of hearing his testimony, she slips down to her knees, with her head resting on her hands on the chair, and prays as we heard the song "I Surrender All" on the soundtrack. Afriel goes over to her and puts his hand on her shoulder as she does so, and raises his other hand to Heaven in praise for the miracle.

Steven's voice over the radio: Well, there you have it, the first part of three in the story "The Ultimate Gift." You're listening to special Christmas Eve programming here on WGKW, and I'm your host Steven Carter. I know what it's like to be in the midst of a storm in one's life; some of you that listen regularly know of the loss that I experienced a couple of years ago. I can say by experience that the comforting hand of Jesus makes all the difference; knowing that God himself, who has first come to us as a baby in the manger, is keeping and sustaining me each day. If you are feeling tossed on life's waves, with no solid foundation for your life, then the Ultimate Gift of God's peace, brought through accepting his salvation, and reconciliation with Him, is what you need. Jesus said to build your house upon a rock, which is Him, and when the storms come, your house will not fall. Accept the greatest gift ever given; Jesus himself. Ask him into your heart tonight, and know the true joy of Christmas for the first time. Tune in next hour for part two of the story. Now, back to more sounds of the season here on WGKW.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As she prays for a few more moments, the angel smiles broadly and pumps his fist into the air in a jubilent motion. Then, as she wipes her eyes and rises, he moves to the side and watches as she goes to the table and swipes the pills into her palm, putting them back into the bottle. Picking up the note she had written, she rips it into little pieces and throws it away. Then, picking up the New Testament again, she begins reading through its pages with a look of wonderment. Still smiling, the angel turns back to where the front wall would be, facing the audience as he peers into the parking lot again. His smile fades and his brow knits in concern as he sees the man still waiting. Stepping down from the stage toward the man lingering at the edge of the audience the angel confronts the man. The lurker spies the now-visible angel, and his eyes widen in disbelief and fear. Afriel reaches behind him and takes a sword out of the back of his robe's sash.Holding the sword up over his head with both hands at first, the slowly lowering it and pointing it at the lurker, he gazes at him intently with a threatening look. The man begins to back up, tripping and falling, then gets back and and rushes out of the room down through the middle aisle of the audience. Smiling with satisfaction, Afriel puts away his sword.

Narrator Afriel: As Diana humbled herself and prayed to receive the Lord into her heart, she became a brand new person; a new life had begun. As she rose to her feet with new hope, I rejoiced with exceeding great joy to know that a new name was inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life; I could hardly restrain myself from a celebratory flight into the stratosphere, but there was still work to be done here before I left... the little matter of the stalker. Looking once again out into the parking lot, I could see that he was still there, lurking under a tree. Now that Diane was a part of the family of God, I had more leeway when dealing with threats. As it says in the Psalms, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Stepping through the wall into the parking lot, I willed myself tangible, and therefore visible to human eyes... and his almost bugged out as he saw me. They got even bigger when I brought out my weapon. I may not be a warrior, but even the lowliest of angels can wield a mean sword. Between that, and my gaze, blazing with heaven's holiness, the hardened sinner quaked with the terror of the Lord and took off. I chuckled as I saw him tumble over a trash can, and run right into the path of a passing police car, which began to pursue the fleeing felon. Diana wouldn't have to worry about his sneaking around outside her room for the rest of the night... which was great, as I had other things to do now to complete my assignment.

Track 6: Act Three, Part One

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The angel pulls the curtain over the hotel room set, and walks over to the radio station side, where he pulls back the curtain there to reveal the DJ at work. He does not stay on the scene, but we continue to hear his narrative. (NOTE: this is when the set decorators come in and change the set for the next scene.) The D.J. is at the computer working for a little while, then he answers the phone. He listens, nodding, his face showing comic disbelief in his reactions to the situations described. But nevertheless, when the caller is done, he bows his head and prays for her and her odd family. When he is done, he reacts to the voice on the phone, which turns out to be his nemesis from the next office, Donald. He hangs up after the other D.J. laughs at him, and sits staring ahead, discouraged.

Narrator Afriel: Although he didn't know it, Steven had been used mightily of the Lord already... and the evening was still young. As he busied himself with gathering news and weather updates, the station's phone line rang. The called sounded like an older lady. She wanted him to pray with her over the terrible situations that her family had gotten themselves into, and he told her he would be happy to do so. (We hear the old lady's voice here.) "Oh, pray for my daughter, who is a nurse... oh, it's terrible, she's in love with a married surgeon, who won't leave his paraplegic wife. Pray for Duchess, my sister... she's a wealthy spinster who's being bilked out of her fortune... by a young man posing as a psychic veternarian. Oh, and please, pray for Diedre, who is getting a divorce from her husband... it turns out she only thought he was her husband, but was actually his evil twin brother. And don't forget Elias and Tracy, who are both in a coma after they had a car accident on the night of their wedding... please pray for them!" Truly amazed by the elderly woman's strange family and their wild situations, Steven began to pray for each one; for their salvation, for their physical problems, and for their troubles to be worked out. As he finished, he was surprised to hear the old woman suddenly begin to laugh hysterically, in a voice that seemed to change... to one that he recognized..."The Don". (We hear the voice on the phone again, which is really Donald Shanker.) " Boo-yah! I can't believe you fell for that, Carter! What a dweeb! Don't you ever watch soap operas? Those were all people on "All My Children's Troubles" and you prayed for them! Hahaha, I wonder if God will help them? Don't you feel like a fool now? Oh, that was priceless! So long, sucker! Haaaa-hahahaha!"

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Steven hangs up after the other D.J. laughs at him, and sits staring into space, both confounded and discouraged. Shaking his head in disbelief, and then slowly making fists with his hands on the desktop, we can see that he is fuming, as his brows knit in anger. But gradually, he thinks of what the Lord would have him do. Steven raises his head, obviously feeling better, then turns back to the board to get back to work. He picks up the manuscript to his story and begins to read through it.

Narrator Afriel: As he hung up on the laughing prankster from next door, Steven had to admit that he really did feel like a fool. Wishing he could get him back somehow, even entertaining repaying him by lodging a complaint with the station's manager, he was interrupted as a scripture from Romans came to his mind... "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengence is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Then another verse came to his mind... In Matthew 5, Jesus said to "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." His mind now at peace, Steven checked the time and saw that it wasn't long until he was scheduled to read the second part of the story. He only hoped that someone out there was listening, and wouldn't tune out when the story started. That was my cue to move to the next person on the list the Lord gave me.

Track 7: Act Three, Part Two

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The angel pulls the curtain over the radio station set, and moves over to the other side of the stage, where he pulls back the curtain to the set of the junkyard shed. After a few moments we see the Junk Man, Andy, reading through some pages that are tied together with string. Then, putting it down, he picks up some faded garland, and begins to decorate his small living space. Stepping back to examine his handiwork, he then opens a paper bag and takes out his food items, setting them on the table. Looking at them sadly, he makes some further adjustments to the garland. His situation gets him down, however, and he drops to his knees to pray. Walking onto the stage as he finishes, the angel Afriel looks at the Junk Man with pity, then moves beside him and bends over to whisper in his ear. The old man nods to himself, then reaches over and turns on the radio, tuning through a couple of stations, then settling on one. The Junk Man sits down, putting a tattered old blanket around him, and holding his hands out toward the small heater to warm them. The next part of the radio announcer's story begins.

I'd like you to meet a very unique and, shall we say, "colorful" individual, by the name of Andy Freeman. Sadly, but understandably, everyone else in town knows him only by the moniker "The Junk Man." . His back yard is the town's junkyard, where he has worked for years keeping the recyclables separated, but when the town could no longer afford to pay him, they let him continue to live in the security shed, since he had nowhere else to go. All his furniture and applicances are scavenged from other people's cast-offs. His bed is an old patio lounge, and he keeps warm with a small rusted electic heater. . His Christmas Eve dinner consists of a can of sardines, some vienna sausages and a pack of cheese crackers. The old TV had had been using finally gave out, but he had just found a radio that still worked, even with a broken antenna, for which he was thankful. But, as he decorated with discarded and scraggly garland, his situation and loneliness begin to weigh him down. Dropping to his knees, he asked the Lord to send someone to him to bless him with more food, and to send some encouragement. There were so many people better off than him, he said, that surely someone with more than he had, could share with him, and make his Christmas better than it was going to be. The Junk Man shivered, and began to remember why he was in this sad state. Feeling guilty over poor choices he had made in life, he had isolated himself from other people, and withdrawn from human contact to lessen the pain of the judging he saw in their eyes. At times like this, however, he was beginning to wonder if it would hurt so much. As poor old Andy sat down to warm himself by the barely working heater, Steven at the radio station was preparing to read the second part of this story.

Steven's voice over the radio: If you were listening last hour, you heard part one of the story "The Ultimate Christmas Gift." It's time now for part two... hope you enjoy it.

Track 8: "The Ultimate Gift" Part Two You can read and print the script for this embedded skit here.

Track 9: Act Three, Part Three

(We see it acted out in the center of the stage. After it is over, the focus is back on the Junk Man's set.)

Steven's voice over the radio: You're listening to WGKW, and I'm your host, Steven Carter. That concludes Part Two of our special Christmas Eve dramatic reading of the story "The Ultimate Gift." Be sure to stay tuned next hour when I'll be bringing you the conclusion of the story. Keep in mind the thought in that last chapter, that the best way to overcome personal sorrow, or feelings of worthlessness, are not to work on changing your feelings, but to focus on what you can do for others. Helping the less fortunate or those more needy than ourselves is the best way to find the cheer that you may feel is lacking.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The Junk Man rises from the patio recliner, and stretches, and then sits at the small table to have his Christmas dinner. He lights a candle on the table, and pours himself another cup of hot tea. Arranging the cans of food in front of him, he clasps his hand in front of him and bows his head to say the blessing. When he finishes, and picks up his fork, he stops to listen. Standing and moving to the door, he cocks his head to see what he can hear. He jumps back, startled, at the loud bang right against the door. Fear shows on his face, then as he looks around at his poor surroundings, he smiles and shakes his head. Moving back to the door, he opens in cautiously, and spots a body lying outside. Hurriedly, he drags the person in and closes the door. Checking him for injury, he sees nothing obvious and shakes the man to try and rouse him. Groggily, the other man opens his eyes and lifts his head, which Andy cradles on his knee, as he listens.

Narrator Afriel: Andy considered what the D.J. had said, Even as he rose to begin his lonely Christmas dinner. He said to himself that one would be hard-pressed to find somebody worse off than himself this night... but, as he lit a candle on his table and, arranging the meager elements of his meal, he determines to eat it gratefully. (We see him say the blessing here.) Just as he was about to begin eating, he heard a strange noise outside. Listening intently, he moved over and put his head against the door... when suddenly there was a bang, as if someone had thrown themselves against it! For a moment, he was scared... maybe it was someone come to rob him! Then, as he looked around, he realised that nobody would want the stuff he had! Opening the door and peeking out, he saw someone lying on the ground outside. Quickly, he reached under the man's arms and dragged him into the shed as best he could. Finally getting him in, and closing the door against the cold, he began to see if he could tell what was wrong with the stranger. Not seeing anything externally, he shook the stranger gently to try and bring him around. Coming to, the man is too weak to get up, but tells Andy that he had been out in the cold all day. He saw the light in the window of the shed as he stumbled through the woods surrounding the junkyard, and had tried to ask for shelter, but must have passed out.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Andy helps the weaked man to his feet, and putting an arm around him, helps him over to his patio recliner. Grabbing his tattered blanket, he covers the man with it, then gets him a cup of hot tea to warm him. He also turns the electric heater toward him to help warm him up. Pulling up a chair beside him, they talk as the man eagerly sips the tea.

Narrator Afriel: Helping the weakened stranger to stand, and walk unsteadily over to his recliner, he helps him to lie back, and covers him with his blanket. As he fixes him a cup of hot tea, Andy tells his unexpected guest that his name is Andy, but everybody calls him the "Junk Man." He learns that the homeless man's name is Frank. He had been living at a shelter for the past few months, but had set out on foot to try and reach his home town, where he hoped some relatives would take him in. He had gotten lost when he tried to take a shortcut through the woods, and was nearly frozen when he came upon the shed. He painfully tells the Junk Man that he hasn't eaten in over two days, and asks if he has anything to share with him.

(Actions during the music sequence.) During the music that is playing, we see Andy look at the table where he had prepared his small meal... and he is thinking. Slowly he puts the items on a tray and brings them to the patio recliner, and puts the tray on his knees. He opens the can of vienna sausages and crackers, and offers it to the man. The man tries to eat it on his own, but he is so weak he can hardly lift it to his lips, so Andy helps him eat, feeding him the food. The tender music carries the scene. This is a moment for your actors to shine, and convey the pathos by their actions.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As Andy continues to feed the man, they talk some.

Narrator Afriel: As he helped the unfortunate man, Anyd began to realise that here was one that was far worse off than he was, and he began to feel more thankful for what he had. And for the first time in his life, he began to understand the scripture that said it was better to give than recieve. He could see that there was always something we can give, to meet the needs of others... and the greater the sacrifice, the greater the joy. Frank wondered if Andy had any relatives he could spend Christmas with. He replied that he did, but he had not been successful in life in recent years, and didn't want to embarrass them by coming around. They might also think he was looking for a handout, and he prided himself on never asking others for help. Truth be told, he was ashamed of himself, and his failures, and he felt that the Lord himself must be ashamed of him, and could never use someone like him.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Frank, upon hearing about his fears that the Lord could never use him, reaches out and takes Andy's hand and shakes it, holding it for a moment as he talks. After a few moments, Andy retrieves some books and papers from a shelf, and leafing through them, picks out a page and begins to read.

Narrator Afriel: Taking Andy's hand and shaking it warmly, his new friend Frank tells him that the Lord has already used him in a great way. He was not only cold and hungry physically, but inside as well, and Andy had warmed and nourished his soul... and he was having the best Christmas Eve he could recall in many a year. Taking out one of his favorite items saved from someone's castoffs, Andy began to read out loud some passages that were special to him, and had sustained him through the dark days and nights. The widow who gave all she had, her small two mites, gave more than all the others who gave from their abundance... and she went away the most blessed. And as he had smiled on that scene as it happened in the temple, I could sense the Lord smiling down on this scene as Andy gave all that he had. His mind was already working in ways that he could help and encourage others... and one person who had helped him recently came to mind in a big way. There was something he had to do before the evening was over... and he would do it, ignoring his reluctance to engage others, and to face what others might think of him.

END OF THIS SEQUENCE: BACK TO THE RADIO STATION SET.

Track 10: Orphans Sing Live/Intermission

(Note: the set is changed and dressed for the next scene, of the teacher's living room, behind the curtain while the scene in the radio station on the other side is acted out.)

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Afriel comes back out on stage and draws the curtain over the shed set, and moves across the stage to the radio station set as the narration is heard. He pulls the curtain back on the set, and watches for a moment from the sidelines. The stage is empty for a moment, then Steven comes through the door and lets in a crowd of children, the carolers from the town's orphanage. Remarkably well-behaved, the group files in behind their adult leaders, the staff physician at the institution, named Daniel, along with his wife Fran. Daniel and Steven had been good friends for years, and they warmly greeted each other, chatting happily. After a few moments, Daniel and Fran herd the children into Studio B for their live presentation. Once in, they have them line up in several rows in front of the microphones, and then hand out the songbooks to them, having them open to a certain page. Once they are all ready, Daniel looks over to Steven, who had his headphones on and is introducing them on the air. When he is done, he points to Daniel, indicating they are "live" on the air.

Narrator Afriel: As the station's computer kept the music playing, Steven had been called away from the board to answer the outer office door. Now, he was coming back in, followed by a group of children, of varying ages. Remarkably well-behaved, the children from the local orphanage were led by their adult leaders, the staff physician at the institution, named Daniel, along with his wife Fran. Steven had been good friends with Daniel and his family for years, and they all warmly greeted each other as the children took off their coats and put them in a pile by the door. They had all been out for over an hour, in the cold and snow flurries, caroling from house to house in several neighborhoods as they did every Christmas Eve. After fellowshiping with Steven a few moments, Daniel and his wife began to herd the young people into Studio B, the adjoining room where microphones were set up for guest speakers. The children, already excited by going caroling, were doubly excited about being on the radio, and Daniel and his wife settled them down to get ready for their song, telling them all to open their songbooks and turn to a page. Steven opened the mike and announced the arrival of the orphanage's carolers, and briefly recapped the tradition for the listeners, and then dedicated the program to Miss Dickens, the institution's retired director, who was too ill to go out caroling with them this year, and was at home listening. Then, with a hand signal to Daniel, he opened the mike to Studio B and put them on the air.

(At this point, the children sing their song live, while the narration CD is paused. Start the narration CD back when the children are finished singing. Unless you want to have a short intermission, then after the children are through, announce the break as the children are coming down, then start back the CD when you ready to resume the play.)

Track 11: Act Four, Part One

(Actions during the next paragraph.) When the children are finished singing, Afriel comes back out and draws the curtain over the radio station set, then, as the narrative is heard, he walks over to the other side and pulls back the curtain on the set of the old lady's living room. Mrs. Agnes Jolly, the retired schoolteacher, is seen with her son's family, which is the son, the wife, and their two childen, her grandkids. They are starting to unwrap their Christmas presents, one after the other, as the narration is heard. The kids are excited as they tear into their presents from Grandma, and then Grandma begins to open her presents from them.

Narrator Afriel: In case you are coming in late, my name is Afriel, an angel of the Lord, and besides my eternally young appearance, I've been told that my most visible character trait is youthful enthusiasm. My assignment tonight is to help Steven Carter, a gospel radio announcer, become more aware of his influence by using him to touch the lives of three listeners. So far, I had been successful, in the lives of two that could obviously use comfort. But as I came onto the scene of my final contact, the house of Mrs. Agnes Jolly, I couldn't help but wonder why I had been sent here. Mrs. Jolly was a retired grade school teacher, who still taught Sunday school at her church, and she often lived up to her name. I came in the midst of a perfect picture of holiday happiness. Mrs. Jolly was a widow of 10 years, and she was enjoying a Christmas Eve visit from her son, his wife, and two grandchildren. Since they lived out of state, she didn't get to see them that often, and was thrilled to have them here. The house was filled with the aroma of the turkey dinner in the oven, and the sounds of excitement as gifts were exchanged. Of course, after the tragic circumstances of the last couple of cases, I could use some brightness and warmth, where all was right with the world, so I wasn't complaining... this was what I liked to see. Whatever the Lord had for me to do here, I was sure that it would become apparent over time.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As she is opening her gifts, Mrs. Jolly brings out a clothing item and holds it up to her, expressing her thanks for it to them... she then unwraps a new Bible, which she holds up proudly and hugs her son for. As she is starting to open one last gift, she suddenly remembers that she has something on the stove that needs checked. She leaves to look after it, and the daughter-in-law's cell phone rings. As the kids are playing, she moves aside to take the call.

Narrator Afriel: As Mrs. Jolly was opening her gifts, she suddenly remembered that she had to check on the bird in the oven and other things cooking on the stove. Off she bustled, as the kids went back to playing with their new gifts. While she was gone, her daughter-in-law's cell phone began to ring, and she moved away from the chattering kids to take the call. Watching her conversation, it was obvious that something troubling was being discussed. I watched with concern, sensing that things could now be playing out in a way that would reveal why I was here.

(Actions during the next piece of isolated music.) As the music plays, the scene is carried by the actions, and there is no narration needed. We see her speaking on the phone with someone, and after a few moments, she hangs up with a resigned attitude. She takes her husband aside so that the kids won't hear, and discusses the call with him, causing him to get upset. They converse quietly, but you can tell by their attitudes and motions that they are tense and in disageement over something. The wife is adament, and it appears that the husband gives in, with slumped shoulders.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Just then the grandmother comes back in wiping her hands on her apron, and announces that dinner will be ready before too long. The downcast son takes her aside, as his wife kneels down and begins to talk to the kids. The grandmother's face shows first concern, then confusion, then disbelief, as he gives her the bad news. The daughter-in-law's mother is insisting that they come spend Christmas Eve with her, instead of the next day.

Narrator Afriel: As Mrs. Jolly came back into the room, smiling, she announced that the turkey was nearly done, and they could be eating in about half hour. But when she saw how her son and daughter-in-law were looking, she knew something was up. Reluctantly, her son told her that the call had been from his wife's mother, who lived in the next town over. She wanted them to spend Christmas Eve with her this year, instead of the next day as usual. She was insisting on it, said her son, and the daughter had been unable to tell her no, and he had lost the argument with her over going. The had to leave now, without eating Christmas dinner with her. Distressed over this unexpected development, and the unfair demand, Mrs. Jolly tried to persuade him to take up for her, but he just apologized and said that he had to go along with it to keep the peace over the holiday.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The children are disappointed also, but get up and move to where the mother helps them put on their coats. They pick up their presents to take them with them, as the son continues to try and reason with his mother, who is visibly upset. She crosses the room to confront the daughter-in-law, as the son tries to prevent her, and they have words. Both angry, the grandmother hugs the tearful children, herself in tears, before the mother hustles them all out the door without speaking to her any more. The son is apologetic, but his mother is angry, and he leaves sadly. As she stands in the open doorway watching them leave, Mrs. Jolly begins to cry, wiping her tears with the apron.

Narrator Afriel: As the daughter-in-law got the children ready to go, over their protests, Mrs. Jolly pushed past her son and confronted his wife over her forcing them to all leave. The fact that her son tried to intervene and prevent her from doing so only upset her more, and angry words were exchanged. Both of them said things that were hurtful, and the children were starting to cry over the conflict, and having to leave. As the children came to her to hug her goodbye, they held onto her, not wanting to leave. After only a moment, Tom's wife hustled them out the door over the Grandmother's protests, and as her son tried to calm her down, she would have none of it. Regretfully, he followed his wife and children out of the house, leaving Mrs. Jolly, no longer so jolly inside, weeping as she watched them get into the car and pull away. Seeing the tearful faces of her grandchildren in the back window only made it worse.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) After they are out of sight, she closes the door dejectedly and walks over to a chair, her fingers of one hand on her eyebrows as she cries. She sits down, using the apron to wipe her eyes again, and shakes her head as she looks around at the remains of the gift wrap on the floor. She leans back in the chair after drying her eyes and looks up to the Lord, complaining to Him about the situation. After several moments of this, she gets up and begins picking up the torn gift wrapping from the floor, stopping here and there to make a point as she talked. Putting the paper in a trash bag, she sets it to the side, and puts the presents that gave her to the side as well, including on that she had left unopened. She paces back and forth as she continues to complain to the Lord.

Narrator Afriel: Well, it was now obvious why the Lord sent me here... because things had turned around suddenly. As poor Agnes closed the door, she felt she was closing the door on everything that she had looked forward to this Christmas. Her resentment was rising to critical levels, as she felt anger toward the daughter-in-law, her selfish mother and her uncaring son... all of them seemed to be against her, and it wasn't fair. Leaning back in the chair, she began to talk to the Lord as she did so often... not what she would call praying, really, but letting the Lord know how she felt about the whole matter. She wished she had the power to make people do the right thing, and not be so self-centered and stubborn. The daughter-in-law's mother had some difficulties in her life, and the grandchildren didn't enjoy their visits with her as much. Also there wasn't much space in her one-bedroom apartment, so they only stayed briefly. She knew that her son's family would be cramped and crowded, and uncomfortable spending the night there, and she just didn't know why he had went along with the sudden change in plans. Why had the other mother insisted on them coming tonight, of all times? Did she resent Mrs. Jolly's closer relationship with the grandkids, and her many gifts to them? Whatever the case, she felt that her Christmas was now ruined, and she had no appetite for the dinner still cooking in the kitchen.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Mrs. Jolly sits back down and begins to look through some Christmas cards that were on her coffee table. As she does, Afriel goes over to her and whispers in her ear. He stands up again, watching her, and when there is no reaction, he tries again. She shakes her head, and keep reading. Frustrated, he tries one more time more loudly, and she only shakes her head more forcefully and throws down the cards in an exasperated manner, then taps her foot impatiently. The angel paces back and forth worriedly with his hands behind his back as he considers what to do. He snaps his fingers, then reaches into his sash and takes out the scroll, opening it up and scanning over it. Once he spots the info he needs, he rolls it up, returns it to his sash, then hurries out of the room and off stage.

Narrator Afriel: When Agnes had finished her complaint to the Lord, I saw my opportunity and knew the time was right to take action. As I subtly suggested to her that she turn on the radio to cheer herself up, it seemed as if I wasn't reaching her. I tried again, speaking in the spirit a little louder, knowing that a Christian in her close walk would be able to discern it as a heavenly prompt. But still she just sat there stubbornly. Steven would be back on the air soon with the words she needed to hear. I decided to confirm the directions with an external witness... Quickly consulting my file on her, I looked up her friends to see which would be the most likely to have a good influence. Hmm... here was one that would do the trick... I would have her church friend Matilda call her and suggest that she tune in to hear the story. It wouldn't take but a few seconds for me to zip over there and get her to do it.

(Actions during the next piece of music, no narration.) While he is gone, Mrs. Jolly puts her hands on her lap and twiddles her thumbs in a bored action. The phone rings and she picks it up to answer it, talking and listening to the caller.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The angel comes back on stage in a hurry, and watches her converse with crossed arms with a satisfied expression. But that changes to a dismayed expression as he hears her say that she doesn't have a radio any more. It takes a moment for the realization of what she said to sink in, and when it does he does a broad double-take, slapping his forehead. The look on his face when he hears the news should be a comic moment, making a Jim Carrey-style face and physical reaction as he shows his distress. He begins to pace back and forth quickly, berating himself for not knowing that detail. As he does this, Mrs. Jolly hangs up the phone, then after a moment's thought, she reaches down to pick up the unopened present from her son. She unwraps it, opening the box it is in, and then, as the angel is worrying in the foreground, unseen by him, she brings out a radio. Smiling, she examines it (giving the audience a good chance to see it), holding it up and turning it around, then she puts it on the table where the lamp is, and plugs it in. She turns it on, and as she does, the angel stops, freezes as he looks up in the air with wide eyes, then spins back around and stares in amazement at it. He breathes a sigh of relief, resting his hands on his knees as he bends over and laughs at himself. He watches with glee as Mrs. Jolly sits back to listen.

Narrator Afriel: Her church friend Matilda acted immediately upon having the thought planted, and was now on the phone with her telling her about the wonderful Christmas programming on their local Christian station, which they both listened to according to my notes. She suggested that Agnes tune in right away, that she knew she would enjoy it. Mrs. Jolly replied that she was sure that she would, if she could... but her one radio had broken a few weeks ago, and she didn't have one to tune in with. In fact, she had been really wanting to listen but couldn't since she... (does the double-take) DIDN'T HAVE A RADIO??!?!?! Do'h!!!! I can't believe this, I should have researched to make sure that detail was covered. But seriously, who doesn't have a radio in the house somewhere? I just took it for granted. My one job in each case is to make sure that each person tuned in to hear what God had given the D.J. just for them, but thanks to my lack of research and gathering up-to-date information, I was going to fail this one. (We hear the radio sounds come on, with a station ID.) Wait... is that... ? A RADIO!!! Would you look at that! (Laughing.) There was one here all the time and I didn't know it. I should have known better than to worry. This was a reminder to me, that when we don't know how things can possibly work out, we have to remember that the Lord does know and is working. Angels, and humans too, are only helpers, but God is responsible for the success of His plans.

Steven's voice over the radio: Well, if you've been listening for the last 45 minutes or so, you heard the first two parts of my comedic story "The Ultimate Christmas Gift." Stand by for part three, the conclusion of the story... starting right now.

Track 12: "The Ultimate Gift" Part Three You can read and print out the script for this embedded skit here.

Track 13: Act Four, Part Two

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As the story ends and the performers leave the stage, Mrs. Jolly continues to listen attentively as the D.J wraps us with some words about the last part of the story.

Steven over the radio: Well, that concludes the special reading of the story, "The Ultimate Gift," which I wrote not too long ago. I would like to add that, as far as my personal experience goes, we have to let go of the hurt that others have cause us, even if they don't come to us and ask for forgiveness. We can't control the actions of others, we can only forgive them, but we can control ourselves and our attitude. We can't afford to let anger or bitterness take over and control us. Forgiveness doesn't have to wait until the pain is gone... it must happen first, for the pain to go away. It's a mental decision to forgive, and the emotional release will follow. Jesus forgave, and prayed that the Father would forgive the Roman soldiers that crucified him, even as he was suffering through it. If you have been wronged, even if you are still hurting and there has been no move for reconciliation from that that wronged you, the Father will be pleased if you forgive, and pray for those that despitefully use you. I hope that the story, and the music, has blessed your heart, and has helped make your Christmas Eve a bit warmer and brighter. I'm Steven Carter, and you're listening to WGKW. Stay tuned for more of your holiday favorites all through the evening.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As the music resumes, we see Mrs. Jolly bow her head for a few moments, then she picks up her phone and dials a number. She speaks back and forth for a few moments as the narration is heard. She is obviously emotional as words of reconcilation are spoken, and she begins to smile as things are worked out with her family.

Narrator Afriel: As I watched Mrs. Jolly bow her head and talk with the Lord about the hurt in her heart, and ask his forgiveness for expressing anger over it, I was happy that she had responded so well to the words that the Lord had given the D.J. for her benefit. And as Agnes finished praying, she reached for her phone to take the next step. A truly successful conclusion can only be brought about when all involved do their part... and as she spoke to her son, I knew that my mission had been successful. She told him that she was sorry about the way she reacted to the news that they were going... even though in her heart she knew she could never have reacted any other way. She asked to speak to her daughter-in-law, which was the hardest part. There is never any doubt that there is a personal price to pay when offering forgiveness, but she knew that since the Lord had sacrificed his life for hers, she had to accept the humiliation and act first. As she apologized for her words, her son's wife was touched, and apologized in return. She explained that her mother had become ill, and that she felt that she needed to be there, not so much for the holiday, but to help her by cooking for her when she didn't feel like it herself. Mrs. Jolly realized that things were not as cut and dried as she had thought, and that when people are upset about things like that, stress can take a toll, and feelings can get hurt easily. She told her to give her mother her wishes for a merry Christmas and that she would be praying for her. As she hung up, she began to feel better about the evening, and didn't feel so all alone. She knew that the other Grandma needed them more than she did right then, and she was okay with that.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Mrs. Jolly wipes her eyes one last time, then, as the angel stands at her side, she looks up at him, smiles, and mouths the words "thank you." The angel, confused that she is apparently looking at him and speaking to him, moves a little to the side to test if she actually is looking at him. She does not follow his movement with her head or eyes, but continues to look upward, showing that she only seemed to be looking at him before. She then stands, as a peppy Christmas song is heard on the radio, begins to walk back and forth across the set in a happy motion, as if rejoicing and swaying to the music in happiness as she moves. Her hands are lifted in the air about chest-high as she smiles and bobs her head, and claps her hands together lightly. Her lips are moving as she sings out her plans (silently as the narrator tells what they are.) She sashays out of the room as the narration comes to a close.

Narrator Afriel: As I stood beside her, happy that she was happier now, she surprised me by looking up, directly at me, and whispering two words... "Thank you." No, it couldn't be, she couldn't see me... but she did seem to have sensed my presence, and was expressing her gratitude to the Lord for the guidance and blessing she had received. Then, as a jolly holiday tune played on the radio, Agnes began to really get into the Christmas spirit, her spry little body moving with an energy belieing her years. As she did her little jngle bell hop, she sang out her plans, to have a good Christmas Eve by making someone else's a little better. And as continued rejoicing, she bopped off to the kitchen to get the food ready for a little visit to someone she hadn't seen in years.

(Actions during the transition music.) The angel draws the curtain over the set and moves to the other side, pulling back the curtain from the radio set as the piece of music plays.

Track 14: Act Five

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The D.J. is working at the computer, then sighs and sits back, his lips moving as he wonders out loud if he is doing any good. As he is talking to himself, the other D.J Donald opens the door quietly and comes up behind him, his mood seemingly subdued, saying something when he is behind him. He goes to lean on the board and they talk back and forth, his cynicism making Steven feel even worse.

Narrator Afriel: As I popped back in at the radio station to see how things were going there, I wondered how Steven would feel about things now that he had shared his writing with the audience. He was already feeling as if his work was in vain, and I didn't know how he would find out that it had been used in the lives of people that night. As far as my part in the drama went, I was done, but I wanted to see what the results of the Lord's plan had been. Steven settled back and wondered out loud if anyone was out there listening tonight, where there was so many other things to occupy them. As he expressed his concern about whether he was making a difference, he was interrupted in his questioning by Donald, who had wandered in again, bored by the programming on his own station. He answered Steven's question by saying that Steven's reason for being here was the same as his own... to earn a paycheck. Expecting anything beyond that was unrealistic.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Both of them react to a knock at the door, and Donald goes to it and opens it up. He is surprised as Diane Warren comes in, and asks if she can see Steven Carter. Jerking a thumb over his shoulder to indicate where he is, Donald lets her in. Steven, hearing his name, turns around in his chair toward them, completely surprised to see her standing there. The angel Afriel, standing off to the side leaning against a wall and observing with his arms crossed, also shows surprise, dropping his arms and standing straighter to look. She steps further in the door, and Donald smoothly tries to introduce himself, but she ignores the outstretched hand and walks past him as if not seeing him. This miffs the so-called ladies man, and he crosses his arms as he leans against the door frame. Steven stands as she takes another step closer, and they speak as the narration tells what they are saying.

Narrator Afriel: Just then, a tentative knock at the inner studio door was heard, and Donald said that it was probably his girlfriend, come to spend the final few hours of his shift with him. But when he opened the door, I was as surprised as they were, maybe even more, to see that the visitor was Diane Warren, the first of the listeners I had been assigned to earlier in the evening! Ignoring "the Don's" attempt to charm her with an introduction, she and Steven see each other for the first time in years. As Steven rises in wonderment, he speaks her name with a question in his voice. She tells him "hello," and says that it's been a long time. He agrees, and recalls that they haven't seen each other since right after graduation... when she left their little town for the big city. He wondered what she was doing back in town now. She explained that she had come home for the holidays, alone... and that her husband was now her ex. He told her he was sorry to hear that, and she replied that he shouldn't be, as he was in jail awaiting trial for tax fraud.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Steven offers her a seat, pulling one close to his own office chair, and they both sit down. Donald goes over to the door and puts his hand on the knob but remains to listen in to see what her business there is. Steven and Diane talk as the narration tells what they are saying to each other.

Narrator Afriel: Telling her it was really good to see her again, he pulled up a chair and offered her a seat. He admitted to her that, although he was glad she came, he was curious as to why she was at the station, this late, especially on a Christmas Eve. She replied, with hesitation, that she had some things she wanted to tell him, and a phone call just didn't seem the right way to do it. She confessed that, earlier tonight in her motel room, she was very despondent. She was feeling the lowest in her life, over how her marriage had been violated by her husband, which ended it... also the fact that all her efforts at building a successful life has crumbled around her. She paused, ashamed to tell him, that she was on the verge of calling it "quits" on everything... when something wonderful happened. Steven seemed worried as he listened to her troubles, and prompted her to continue... he was interested to know what had happened that was so wonderful, in the midst of such difficulties.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Diane moves her chair closer to him and leans forward to be nearer. She looks steadily in his eyes as she tells him. We see Donald, at the door, leaning his body further over to be able to hear as he eavesdrops.

Narrator Afriel: Diane surprised him again by saying quietly... "You did." She explained that she had turned on the radio for some company, and he was on the air reading his story. The things in it, and what he said afterward about the true source of joy, and how to have peace in the storm, touched her deeply. She had done as he suggested, and invited the Lord into her heart to save her, and help her make something better out of her life. She wanted him to know that he had made a real difference in her life that night... his story, and words, saved her life.... and gave her a new one. Almost at a loss for words, Steven told her that she had made him happy. He said that he had been wondering if anything he had been doing lately was making any kind of difference.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) She reaches out to take his hand and holds it between hers. In the background, Donald looks amazed at hearing her testimony, then he looks down solemnly, as he quietly opens the door and slips out. Steven looks down at her hands holding his, and his expression shows he is pleasantly amazed to hear this.

Narrator Afriel: Diane also told him that she wanted to apologize for the way she had treated him years ago when she left town suddenly. She realised that she and Steven had something special back then, but she threw it away for a chance for life in the fast lane; but she could see now that he had meaning and purpose, while she had nothing. Steven assured her that he had forgiven her a long time ago for that... he recognized that she had more ambition than he did, and he couldn't hold that against her.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Steven reaches for the binder of his stories, and shows it to Diane, who takes it and thumbs through it as she talks. Steven perks up upon hearing that she could help get it published, and his eyes show excitement.When she asks if he has more, she closes it as it remains on her lap. He looks downcast for a moment again as he tells her he threw away a book's worth of manuscripts.

Narrator Afriel: Another reason she wanted to see him, she said, was to say that she worked at a graphics design company, and had a lot of contacts in the publishing industry. She said she would like to help him submit his manuscripts for publication. She asked if he had more, and he told her that he had a few Christmas stories that he had written recently... and that he had a whole book worth's once, but had thrown it out in a fit of self-doubt and discouragement. He confided that he really regretted doing that now.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Diane stands and picks up the large bag that she had brought in, then brings it over and hands it to the D.J. Also standing, he takes the bag and lifts out of it the small tree that she had been given by her friend. Smiling, he carries it into Studio B and sets it down on the table, and then takes out a small box of ornaments. As he fluffs up the limbs on the small artificial tree, she reaches into the box and brings out the decorations, and together they begin to adorn the tree with them.

Narrator Afriel: Diane reminded him that it was Christmas Eve, and not the time to dwell on regrets and losses, but the blessings that we had now. Retrieving a bag that she had brought in with her, she gives it to Steven as she wishes him "Merry Christmas." She admitted that it was re-gifted, but since she heard him say on the air that he hadn't put up a tree this year, she thought it might be nice to bring to him and decorate together. She didn't want to be alone this evening, and she knew he was alone... and nobody ought to be alone on Christmas.

(Actions during the song that plays.) The Archie Jordan song "Someone" begins as they talk, laugh, and decorate the tree as the lyrics are heard.

Narrator Afriel: As they continued to adorn the tree together, the shared celebration of the season seemed to be melting away the years and the distance that had grown between them. The things they liked about each other were being recalled, and as they talked, they reminisced about Christmases past as they grew up together. A spark of hope had kindled in Steven's heart, even as the spark they once shared rekindled between them.

(Actions as the final verse of the song "Someone" plays:) As both reach for an ornament at the same time, their hands touch and overlap, and they hold the moment as they look at each other with a renewed affection. With warm smiles, they resume decorating as they stand closer together talking, their shoulders touching.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As the song ends, we hear some raised voices outside the door, and then it opens. We see the "Junk Man" trying to push his way into the room, trying to get past Donald, who is holding him by the shoulders, trying to prevent him from getting in. Donald is being pushed backwards into the room as the Junk Man keeps pushing forward. Steven hurries back into the main studio and goes over to separate them, trying to find out what is going on and who the man is. Donald, breathing hard, points at the Junk Man as he tells his side of the story. The Junk Man pokes him in the chest as he retorts. Steven listens to them go back and forth, then introduces himself to the Junk Man and they shake hands. Donald stands with crossed arms as he listens, then drops them when he hears why the Junk Man is there. After telling Steven how much he had been helped, he grabs him in a big bear hug, which amuses Steven, but he accepts it as true thankfulness and smiles. Diane, watching, smiles at this also, and goes to stand beside Steven as they talk, taking his arm in hers.

Narrator Afriel: Both Steven and Diane were roused from their interlude by the sound of angry voices from the hallway outside the door. Just then, they were shocked as Donald came into the door backwards, being pushed by, of all people, the "Junk Man," Andy Freeman, who Donald was trying to keep from barging in. As Steven hurried over to separate them, he tried to get an explanation for the scuffle. Donald angrily accused "this homeless guy" of trespassing, by refusing to leave "when he told him to get lost and look for a handout somewhere else." Indignantly, Mr. Freeman retorted back that he wasn't looking for a handout, but he wanted to see Steven Carter. Steven introduced himself to the poorly-dressed stranger, who told him his name and began to explain why he wanted to see the D.J. He was at home, he stressed in Donald's direction, when he heard the story that Steven had shared a little while ago. He had come to the station to tell Steven how much he appreciated his ministry, and how the Lord had used him greatly to minister to him in a tough time when he needed to forgive himself and begin to reach out to others again. With that, he reached out and grabbed Steven , pulling him into a big bear hug.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) The Junk Man then reaches into the bag and brings out a package, handing it to Steven. As he explains the gift, Steven opens it, and his face shows curiosity as he unwraps a binder filled with pages. He is then shocked when he opens the pages and looks up at the Junk Man in disbelief. He turns to Diane to show it to her as he tells her what it is... his lost manuscript. She is amazed also as she looks it over, and they both look at the Junk Man. Squeezing Steven's arm as she told him it was a miracle. Andy and Donald looked at each other in amazement also, and they all gathered around Steven as he sank into the chair to examine it more closely. He is facing the audience, with the Diane kneeling beside him, and Andy and Donald behind the chair looking over his shoulder with awe. Steven is a little broken up and wipes his eyes as they mist up. As Donald looks on at the miracle, the Junk Man nudges him with his elbow and grins as he nods at the scene to him... And Donald nods his head in reluctant agreement that it is something special.

Narrator Afriel: As he gave the present to Steven, Andy told him that he was sorry, that he didn't have money to buy him something new, but he was giving him one of his most prized possessions... an item that he had found in the junk and trash drop-off where he was the watchman, and about a year ago he had found this collection of type-written stories. They had encouraged him when he felt low, and he wanted Steven to enjoy them now, since it seemed he needed a little pickup. I was intrigued by the look of shock now playing across Steven's face... and I wondered what it was about the gift that could affect him so. As he turned to Diane and showed her the pages, leafing through them, he said in a hushed voice that it was the very manuscript that he had thrown away, and thought was gone forever. Diane breathed that it was a miracle, and Steven shook his head in wonder as he turned the pages. His knees seemingly giving way, he dropped into his chair, and everyone shared his amazement at the incredible string of events that conspired to bring it back to him. Even Donald, looking over his shoulder with Andy, seemed truly affected by it. I was thrilled for Steven, and could see how the plan that Jesus had me take part in, had come together with everything else.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Donald stands, and turns to the Junk Man, taking his hand to shake in both of his own, telling him how much it meant to him. Smiling, the Junk Man and he speak back and forth, until Andy begins to sway unsteadily on his feet. His face shows weariness, and as Steven steadys him, he assures the D.J. that he is okay. Diane leads him to the spare chair and helps him sit down, and gives him a cup of hot chocolate. Donald walks to the door to leave, but when he opens it Mrs. Jolly is there with her arms full. He lets her in, but not helping her... just shaking his head, and Steven hurries over to help her. As they set down the boxes and bags, he helps her with her coat and puts it on a chair. He gives her a hug, and Diane comes over, smiling, to do the same. Mrs. Jolly catches her breath, and Steven asks what all this is for. As she explains about the plates of turkey dinner she brought, we see the Junk Man get a big smile and his eyes brighten with anticipation.

Narrator Afriel: As Steven rose to tell Andy Freeman how much he appreciated the gift, the Junk Man shared that it was tough to give up what he knew was the only copy in existence of the Christian stories that had built his faith and hope. He hadn't known when he gave it that Steven himself had written it. Steven told how it was possible that it might get published, and Andy made him promise to save him an extra copy when it happened. Happily agreeing, Steven realised that the old man was becoming unsteady on his feet. After he almost fell over, Steven and Diane helped him to a seat, as he explained he was just tired. With a lot on his mind, Donald was just leaving to go back to his own studio. But when he put his hand on the doorknob to leave, he opened it to find someone else standing there holding a box, with several bags hanging from her arms. Hurrying to help her, Steven exclaimed his surprised greetings to his old teacher. Mrs. Jolly had been he and Diane's teacher in the small town's school, and they remembered her with much affection. As they both gave her a hug, Steven asked her what brought her to the station away from her family. She explained that her family was not able to be with her tonight, and she wanted to share the turkey dinner that had just come out of the oven. She had put servings of everything on plates and covered them to bring with her for Steven and anyone else that might be here. As Andy the Junk Man sat up with renewed interest, Diane asked how many plates she had brought. "Five," she answered, saying that she had felt impressed to bring more than she thought might be needed, although she didn't know why. Looking around at everyone, she said she was now glad she obeyed the impulse.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) As Diane notices the grin on Andy's face, she goes over to him and puts a hand on his shoulder. She now knows why he was feeling weak. Mrs. Jolly looks at Steven and Diane, approving of their reunion, causing them to glance at each other with a small grin. Mrs. Jolly then shares her scripture with him, to which he nods and smiles meaningfully as it sinks in, just what he needed.

Narrator Afriel: Looking affably at Steven and Diane standing shoulder to shoulder, she pronounced her approval of their reunion. They always did make a cute couple, she said. She then had a word encouragement for Steven... she said that a scripture came to mind for him... 1 Corinthians 15:58, which said "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." I could tell from Steven's expression that he needed to hear that and be reminded of that strengthening truth.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Affected by everything he had seen, Donald addresses them all, his hands clasped in front of him humbly. When he is done, Mrs. Jolly smacks her hands together, and waves him over to help her. Together they carry the box and bags into Studio B (the center of the stage where the table is with the decorated tree), followed by Steven, Diane and Andy, who Diane is helping. The angel narrator Afriel walks into the room behind them, and stands behind them watching as they set the table as he narrates. Laying out the covered plates and arranging the chairs for each of them, they are all smiling and chatting, full of Christmas cheer. Mrs. Jolly pours out some tea into paper cups she has brought for each. Once that is done, Diane helps Andy to a chair, and Donald seats Mrs. Jolly next to him. Steven seats Diane, then he sits down beside her, and lastly Donald sits down. The angel stands behind them with arms folded, looking down at them with a satisfied smile.

Narrator Afriel: With all eyes upon him, Donald Shanker told them all that he had been giving Steven a hard time, discouraging him by telling him that his work was accomplishing nothing. But he had seen proof tonight that he was making a huge difference in the lives of people... something he had never done. He admitted that he had been given a lot to think about, and he is seeing Christmas, and Christians, differently for the first time. With a clap of her hands, Mrs. Jolly tells him to give her a hand setting out the food. Together they carry the box and bag into the adjoining studio B and begin setting the table, joined by everyone else. I also joined them, invisibly as always, of course... but as much a part of the celebration as any of them. It was obvious that each of these people had provided something that the others needed. I think that Steven had leaned that lesson well, and that was confirmed by his words as he took a moment to reflect on the evening's events.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) After all are seated, Steven, in the middle of the table, motions for quiet, and begins to speak. As they agreed with him, each speaking briefly in turn, until he suggests they they pray and they bow their heads. As they do the angel lifts his hands behind them, spreading his arms out and his hands extended palms down over them, in blessing.

Narrator Afriel: Christmas, he began, has always been associated with miracles because it was the miracle of Christ's virgin birth that started the celebration. In recent years he had lost some of his hope for miracles in his life, as things had not went as he had hoped or planned. But with the amazing events that had brought them together, he had to acknowledge that miracles do still happen, and that he had learned one lesson from it all...that, when things look the darkest, we who know the Lord are never truly alone. And, that He is making all things work together for our good. Donald suggested that they pray and thank the Lord for it all, and all bowed their heads, "The Don" included, as he led.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) With all heads bowed, Steven leads in the prayer. We see Diane take his hand, and Mrs. Jolly reaches over to take Andy by the hand as well. As he prays, from the back of the center aisle, the Lord comes down to the front of the stage, coming up on it to join the angel behind them as they wish Him "Happy Birthday." He greets the angel with a smile and a touch on the shoulder as Afriel kneels with bowed head. Afriel rises and stands beside Him, and Jesus places his hand on Steven's shoulder as the lyrics to the song "He's The Hand On My Shoulder" plays again.

Narrator Afriel: Steven thanked the Lord for the reality of the first Christmas, when the miraculous broke into the world and changed it forever. He thanked God for the amazing way He had brought them all together, to share what they had with each other, and in so doing accomplish His will. When he had finished the prayer, each one joined in as he wished the Lord a "Happy Birthday." The scripture tells us that where two or three are gathered in His name, He will be in their midst, and true to His word, He had come to be a part of their Christmas gathering. (Song lyrics begin here.)

(Actions during the song lyrics and music.) As they are praying, the Lord keeps his hand on Steven's shoulder. Then the DJ indicates that all should dig in. Each one takes off the cover from their plate, and begins eating. Andy the Junk Man in particular is enjoying his meal, shaking his head in appreciation and delight. We see them talking and laughing as they enjoy the dinner. Donald, acting mischeviously, gets up in a mock sneaky way and tiptoes behind Steven, whom he surprises by putting the Santa hat on his head, then stepping back and motioning toward it with a flourish, as everyone laughs and claps. Steven laughs most of all, and keep it on as they all rejoice in the spirit of the season. Steven raises his glass of tea, and everyone raises theirs toward him in a toast to the holiday happiness.

(Actions during the next paragraph.) Afriel walks off the stage as we hear his final narration, coming down to the front and standing in the middle of the floor as he looks back in happiness. Then, nodding with a smile, he looks down a little as he thinks to himself. As he delivers the line about hardly containing himself, he begins to twist and shuffle in a happy dance, down through the audience and out the back.

Narrator Afriel: I said before that everything begins with Jesus. It also ends with Him. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Sure, He could accomplish His will by Himself, but he delights in using not only we Angels, but redeemed men and women such as yourself to accomplish His purpose and plan, so that we might share in His joy. Seeing that come to pass once again made me happy, and as I left the station, I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself. As you gather with loved ones and friends this holiday season, or make new ones, remember that the joy of Christmas comes not in the abundance of things, but in the love that you show others by giving what the Lord has given you. And if you don't know Him, I encourage you to open up your heart, and recieve what truly is the Ultimate Christmas gift... eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us remember our year-round assignment: not only at Christmas, to spread the good news... and tidings of Comfort And Joy.

(Music comes up and out.)

The End. Written by Fred Passmore, Copyright 2011 Sheep Laughs Publications.

--------------------

(Note: if you would like to have more music in the program, after the drama is over, have the same kids and actors that appeared in the "carolers on the air" scene, come back out and appear to go caroling, this time by walking around in the church, stopping at various places, singing a song, then moving on to another place and singing another one." Perhaps they could carry candles if desired, like some carolers do.)

Rights Of Use
(NOTE: The following terms must be printed out and included with any and all copies of the sketch distributed to performers, director, etc.)

Legal fine print: This and any other skit material on this site is copyrighted by Sheep Laughs Publications. Use of their material is limited by the following terms:

• You may print out and duplicate as many copies as you need to distribute to your performers, but republishing on the Internet, in print, or in any other manner is expressly forbidden.
• You may only print out the document in it's original format, which contains the Sheep Laughs Publications copyright information.
• Recordings of the performance (video or audio) for resale is unlawful. You may videotape the production for your own purposes, however. No broadcast of the performance of this material may be made over television or radio, without special permission. If it is part of a televised church service, permission is usually given, with conditions.
• The right of live performance of this sketch is granted at no charge on the express condition that you inform Sheep Laughs Publications of your intent to do so, via email or other communication. The right of live performance is limited to productions for churches, church events, or ministry teams. It may not be used in any event where there is a charge for viewing or presenting the material, unless special permission is asked and given.
• These terms are not binding upon Sheep Laughs Publications and do not prohibit their future publication of this sketch material in any form. The rights outlined may be withdrawn at any time by Sheep Laughs Publications.

Sheep Laughs Publications is a division of Sheep Laughs Records.

This page is part of the site ChristianSkitScripts.com

If you like reading the scripts on this site, you'll LOVE listening
to them fully produced with music and sound effects on our albums!