FIRST PART (AWAY IN A MANGER- SONG)

(A small Christmas tree is set on a table off to one side, decorated with small toys, candy, and popcorn strings. A chair is set nearby. As the narrators talk, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and several children enter and the parents supervise as the children add ornaments to the Christmas tree.) Narrator One: When we think of Christmas carolers, we often picture men in top hats and overcoats, and women in bonnets and long dresses. Why is this? Narrator Two: In the time leading up to the reign of Queen Victoria, people in England and America didn't celebrate the birth of Christ. But several things suddenly made the celebration of Christmas quite popular. Narrator Three: Prince Albert's marriage to Queen Victoria advanced many German customs, including the Christmas tree, which soon became immensely popular. Narrator Four: A few years later, Christmas cards were sent for the first time. Queen Victoria: Here, Albert, look at this one. (picks up a Victorian-looking card from the table and hands it to Albert.) Prince Albert: Yes, very lovely. (sets the card up on the table.) Narrator Two: With the introduction of the penny postcard in England, Christmas cards soon became common even among the poor. Narrator One: And that same year, Charles Dickens wrote his classic story, "A Christmas Carol." Narrator Three: Queen Victoria enjoyed celebrating the day with a lavish meal, surrounded by her family. (Prince Albert carries off the tree, and the children follow, taking cards, etc. and join the choir. Queen Victoria crosses to the other side of the stage, and a ragged child or two enters.) Narrator Four: She was a devout Christian and became a powerful advocate for the celebration of Christmas. Narrator Two: It was also a time when she gave gifts to the poor, and encouraged others to do so, also. (Queen Victoria takes a coin from a purse and gives to the beggar.) Narrator One: Since England was allianced with her former colonies during Victoria's reign, the United States of America also joined in on many of the Christmas customs. Narrator Three: Listen now as we sing another carol. (all exit to join the choir.)

SECOND PART (JINGLE BELLS SONG)

Narrator One: (raising hands in question) How is it that "Away in a Manger" is attributed to Martin Luther, and yet the carol is virtually unknown in Germany? Martin Luther: I have no idea! Narrator One: It is now generally accepted that this carol was not written by Luther, but it was accredited to him for long afterwards when this carol was published in a book of carols under the title, "Luther's Cradle Hymn." (A manger is set up and the young kids crowd around during the narration, then they sing:)

THIRD PART (SILENT NIGHT- SONG)

Narrator One: In 1642, the traditional folk melody "Greensleeves" was put to words from another carol, "The Old Year Now Away Has Fled." Narrator Two: The current words we most associate with this tune were written by William Dix in 1865.

FOURTH PART (AWAY IN A MANGER- SONG)

(Charles Wesley comes on stage, carrying a paper quill and sits at the table. He "thinks" as he writes.) Narrator One: One favorite carol we sing took many years to come about as we know it today. Narrator Two: (motioning towards Wesley) In 1739, Charles Wesley, who had been inspired by hearing the church bells on Christmas morning, published a poem entitled: Charles Wesley: (Standing up as if he has suddenly thought of the name.) "Hark, How All the Welkin Rings." (He picks up his paper, looks at it thoughtfully, and exits, nodding his head.) Narrator Three: (puzzled) Welkin? Narrator Two: Yes, welkin means "heavens." Narrator One: Fourteen years later, George Whitefield thought he could improve on the lyrics. Narrator Three: (shakes head) No wonder! Narrator Two: In 1760, Martin Madan again changed the lyrics, this time to the words we are familiar with today.

WILLIAM CUMMINGS enters with a piece of paper. Narrator Three: The lyrics were first put to Wesley's Easter song, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." William Cumings: (singing to the tune of "Christ the Lord.") Hark, the herald angels sing. (talking to himself) No, that just doesn't sound quite right. What these lyrics need is something more like, like.(thinking) Narrator One: Sixteen years after Wesley first published his poem, the lyrics and music were put together as we know them. William Cummings had put the lyrics to music written by Felix Mendelsshon to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the printing press. Narrator Two: Ironically, Wesley had thought that any music put to his words should be slow and thoughtful. Narrator Three: And Mendelsshon had thought that his music was not the right type to be put to sacred lyrics. Narrator Four: But today, we find it hard to imagine the song sung any other way! (William Cummings sings a solo on the first line of the song?)

FIFTH PART (JINGLE BELLS SONG)

Narrator One: The First Noel. But just what does Noel mean? Narrator Two: I know! Narrator Three: You do? Narrator Two: (confidently) Yep! Narrator One: Then tell us what it means. Narrator Two: It means that there's no L in Christmas! Narrator Three: "No L in Christmas?" (shaking head) Uh, I don't think that's quite right. Narrator One: Then can you tell us what it means? Narrator Three: It means Nativity. Narrator One: But what does Nativity mean? Narrator Three: It means "birth." Like a nativity scene.

Narrator Two: So it means the first Christmas? Narrator One: Yes, it was written to celebrate Christ's birth. Narrator Three: But who wrote it? Narrator One: No one really knows. The song is several hundred years old, at least. Some claim that its origin is French, and others say it came from the English. Narrator Three: Either way, It's one of my favorite carols!

SIXTH PART (SILENT NIGHT- SONG)

(Scrooge enters from one side, and two or three carolers from the other, meeting midstage as the carolers sing "God rest ye merry, Gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay") Scrooge: Bah, humbug! Be gone with ye! (waves carolers away as they run back to their places and he continues across stage) God rest me merry? Bah - Humbug! , (returns to the choir.) Narrator One: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." It must be one of the most popular carols of all times. Narrator Two: And one of the oldest as well, although it wasn't published until the 1800s when it was translated from the Latin. Narrator Three: But I dont get it -Narrator Two: What don't you get? Narrator Three: Why shouldn't merry gentlemen rest easily? And what does that have to do with Christmas? Narrator One: I will now teach you the importance of a comma! Narrators Two & Three: The importance of a comma? Narrator Two: Please. Don't tell me you're going to give us a grammar lesson! Narrator One: Oh, it's simple! In our hymnals today, the song it titled, "God Rest Ye comma - Merry Gentlemen." Narrator Three: Yes, it sounds as if Merry Gentlemen are to rest. Narrator One: But originally, the comma was after the Merry. Narrator Three: (perplexed) Uh, I still dont' get it.

Narrator One: the song was saying that God would rest the gentlemen in a merry manner. Narrator Two: Oh, you mean like, "Gentlemen, may God rest you merry?" Narrator One: Exactly. Narrator Three: That makes more sense - why don't we sing it that way? Narrator Two: I don't think the lyrics would quite fit! Narrator Three: And, it does have a certain ring to it this way. Narrator One: Just remember the comma - and the real meaning when you sing it!

SEVENTH PART (AWAY IN A MANGER- SONG)

Narrator One: Originating mainly as work songs among the American slaves, Negro spirituals often emphasize emotions of joy and happiness, or sorrows and tribulations. Narrator Two: The lyrics are usually from Biblical texts, and often conveyed a message of freedom from slavery and a deep longing for heaven. Narrator One: The songs embodied the dreams and desires of the slaves while offering comfort to them, making their work more tolerable as they sang. Narrator Two: Usually a lead singer would "line" the song for the entire group, and the others would join in on a common line. Narrator One: Listen to this rendition of "Rise Up Shepherds." (sung "lined")

EIGHTH PART (JINGLE BELLS SONG)

(Brooks enters with a book, and sits at the desk, reading. Redner rushes in, waving a piece of sheet music.) Lewis Redner: I've got it! I've got it! Phillip Brooks: (standing excitedly) You've come up with a tune? Lewis Redner: No, I didn't come up with it - I believe the Lord gave it to me. As of last night, I had not come up with a tune that I felt was suitable, and finally went to bed, leaving the task undone. But in the middle of the night, I woke up with such a melody running through my head - I immediately wrote it down. It fits your lyrics perfectly! (hands music to Brooks) I added the harmony just this morning.

Phillip Brooks: Oh, I'm so glad. Now the children will be able to sing this for tonight's program! (looking at the music, he sings as if sight-reading the song) Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Yes, it's just right! Lewis Redner: Oh, but the lyrics - however did you come up with the words? Phillip Brooks: I was thinking back to my trip to the Holy Lands three years ago. I remember standing in the old church in Bethlehem, close to the spot where Jesus was born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with splendid hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the wonderful night of the Savior's birth. Lewis Redner: You've captured your incredible experience in this poem. Phillip Brooks: And now it is a song! We must get the children together quickly to practice for tonight's program! (both exit excitedly)

NINTH PART (SILENT NIGHT- SONG)

Narrator One: Angels From the Realm of Glory is another carol that has gone through many transformations. Narrator Two: Written by James Montgomery, it was first published in 1816 Narrator One: And entitled "Nativity." Narrator Two: Hymnbooks soon included it, having put it to the tune of a French carol. Narrator Three: The original lyrics were changed several times due to doctrinal differences. Narrator Four: And in 1867 Henry Smart, a blind musician, put the popular lyrics to the tune we are now familiar to us.

TENTH PART (AWAY IN A MANGER- SONG)

Narrator One: Everyone is familiar with the name "Henry Wadsworth Longfellow." (Longfellow, three girls, and one boy come on stage. Longfellow sits at the table, one older girl looks over his shoulder, two smaller girls play with dolls, and the boy plays with a toy such as a wooden top.) Narrator Two: But few people know the entire story behind his poem entitled, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Narrator Three: Henry and Fanny had a happy home and enjoyed their family.

Narrator Four: But in 1861 tragedy struck their home when Fanny was sealing a lock of her daughters hair in candle wax, and accidentally set her dress afire. Narrator One: On hearing her screams Henry rushed from his study, and wrapping her in a rug, he managed to extinguish the flames. Narrator Two: Alas, he was to late; Fanny died that night of her injuries. Narrator Four: Henry was also severely burned. Narrator Three: He was too ill to attend her funeral three days later. (Dixie is played quietly and slowly in the background. - Harmonica or flute?) Narrator One: That same year, the Civil War broke out. Narrator Two: In 1863 Longfellow's son, Charles, enlisted with the Massachusetts Artillery. He was seventeen years old. Narrator Three: In June of that same year, having contracted malaria and typhoid fever, Charles was sent home to recover. Narrator Four: He returned to his unit in August Narrator One: -having missed the battle of Gettysburg. Older Longfellow daughter: (turning to Longfellow) Father, why are you sad? Is it because Charles has left us again? Longfellow: Yes, I miss him. Older Longfellow daughter: But you weren't this sad when Charles first left us. Longfellow: Daughter, war is hard. And there are many things you do not understand. (thinking) It is nearing Christmas time once again. Younger Daughter one: (looking up from her doll) Christmas? Longfellow: Yes. Younger Daughter two: Oh, goody. Father, I would like a new doll. Son: And I would like Longfellow: (cutting off his son) Christmas is not just a time to receive gifts, children. Older daughter: What do you think of when you think of Christmas, Father?

Longfellow: I think of a time of peace. (almost angrily) But this war- (quieter) This war mocks the angels' telling of peace on earth. Narrator Three: On December 1, the family received the news that Charles had been seriously injured. Narrator Two: During the battle in Virginia, Charley had been shot through the left shoulder, nicking his spine. He returned to his home in Cambridge where he began his slow recovery. Narrator One: The following year, as Longfellow nursed his son back to health, he penned the words to the song we know and love so well. (Longfellow family exits to choir)

ELEVENTH PART (JINGLE BELLS SONG)

Narrator One: Although there is some dispute over the story behind the carol, "Silent Night"Narrator Two: (interrupting) What dispute? I know how it wasNarrator Three: No, you've got it all wrong. Narrator One: As I was saying, there seems to be some dispute over the origin of this song. However, all versions agree that the words were penned by Josef Mohr. One version of the story tells that he was in a meditative mood while making pastoral callsNarrator Two: No, that's not right! Narrator Three: Yes, he was out to visit a family with a newborn baby. Narrator One: This version of the story says that upon being inspired by the birth of this little one, born on Christmas Eve that he hurried home and penned the lines, reflecting on Christ's birth so many years ago. Narrator Two: No, it was after the program. Narrator One: Another version tells of Mohr's inspiration following his attendance of a Christmas dramaNarrator Two: (interrupting) -performed by roving actors who traveled throughout the Austrian Alps. Narrator One: This version of the story says that the drama was held in a local home because the organ of the church was broken. Narrator Three: (nodding) It was! Narrator Two: The church had been too damp and parts had rusted-

Narrator Three: Rust? No, it was the miceNarrator One: One way or the other, the organ was out of use. Still, Mohr took the poem to the church organist, Franz Gruber. (guitar strum) Narrator One: Gruber came up with an appropriate melody, and the song was sung the following evening by the two men, accompanied by the Gruber on the guitar.

TWELFTH PART (SILENT NIGHT- SONG)

Narrator One: During the Victorian age, Christmas Eve was referred to as "waitnight" or "watchnight" in reference to the shepherds guarding their sheep the night of Christ's birth. Narrator Two: On this evening, public singers would sing the favorite carols and would often receive tips from those listening. Narrator Three: Because they only sang on this one evening, they became known as "waits." One of their most popular songs was:

THE END (WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS SONG)

Shake Up Christmas TRAIN (By Teens Students)

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

(Let this song playing after the event)