The White Christmas and Other Merry Christmas Plays

Prologue

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

The White Christmas.

As the three wise men rode on that first Christmas night to find the manger-cradled Babe of Bethlehem, they bore gifts on their saddle-bows. Gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And so the spirit of Christmas giving crept into the world’s heart. We bring our gifts to the children. Rich children, poor children! The children of the high and the children of the humble! Poor little sick children—and the ragged children of the slums of our cities. Let us remember them all.

So go ye, all of ye, into the highways and byways, and seek out the poor and the distressed, the humble and the afflicted, seek out the ragged children and the outcasts and the aged ones, and in the name of Him who was born on Christmas day, carry some sunshine into their hearts! Give unto the poor and the afflicted, and your hearts shall glow with that inward peace that passeth all understanding.

Then—and then only—will you be able to sing with all the company of Heaven, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward men! And this will be your pure white Christmas. (Exit Prologue at L.)

Soft chimes are heard. The curtains are drawn, disclosing the same scene as before. Deborah sits before her inn, deep in thought.

Deborah (reading a scroll).

This is the ancient prophecy. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Enter Gaspar from behind the inn. He comes down center.

Gaspar.
I pray thee, tell me, Lady Bethlehemite,
If any wonders you have seen this night?

Deborah (rises).
I’ve seen a wondrous silver shaft of light
Come from a star, and blinded is my sight.

Gaspar.
Tell me, for thou art native of this place,
What dost thou know about the King of Grace—
King of the Jews?

Deborah.
Aye, in Jerusalem
He dwells, and not in Bethlehem.
He sits upon his mighty judgment throne,
Cruel and stern, his heart a living stone.

Gaspar.
I mean a new-born King, of love and peace;
His is the star—His reign shall never cease.

Deborah.
All things tonight seem passing strange to me,
I have just read an ancient prophecy
That this, our Bethlehem, King David’s town,
Shall be the birthplace, e’er of great renown,
Of one called Councillor of King David’s line
Whose coming is foretold in words divine.
And now you come with words of mystery!

(Muses.)

Why should thy questions, which are dark to me,
Cause me to think of Him?

Gaspar.
The star! The star!
No more it moves about the heavens afar,
It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray,
For Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born today!

(Hurries out right.)

Deborah.
His words are fraught with mystery; I’ll within
And seek protection in my humble inn.

(Exits right front.)

After a short pause, Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar enter from rear right.

Melchoir.

Three kings came riding from far away,
Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar;
Three wise men out of the east were they,
And they traveled by night and they slept by day,
For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.

Baltasar.

The star was so beautiful, large and clear,
That all other stars of the sky
Became a white mist in the atmosphere;
And by this they knew that the coming was near
Of the Prince foretold in prophecy.

Gaspar.

Of the child that is born, O Baltasar,
I begged a woman to tell us the news;
I said in the east we had seen His star,
And had ridden fast and had ridden far
To find and worship the King of the Jews.
—Adapted from Longfellow.

Melchoir.
Brothers, our quest is ended; see the star
Is standing still over this lowly hut.

Baltasar.
Methinks it is a stable. Knock and see!

Gaspar (knocks on the door of the manger).
What ho, within!

Joseph enters from the L. rear.

Joseph.
Sirs, whom seek ye?

Melchoir.
We have journeyed from afar
Led by the shining of yon splendid star.
We are Gaspar, Melchoir and Baltasar.

Baltasar.
We seek a new-born King,
Gold, frankincense to him we bring.
And many a kingly offering.

Joseph draws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the manger. Mary is seen bending over the crib. The Shepherds are kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance, with faintly chiming bells at intervals.

Gaspar.
Behold, the child is clothed in light!

Melchoir.
Our journey ends, passed is the night.

Baltasar.
Now let us make no more delay,
But worship Him right worthily.

(They enter the manger and kneel.)

Simeon.
Hail, hail, dear child
Of a maiden meek and mild.
See, he merries!
See, he smiles, my sweeting,
I give thee greeting!
Have a bob of cherries.

(Places a spray of cherries on the crib.)

Timothy.
Hail, little One we’ve sought,
See, a bird I’ve brought,
See its feathers gay.
Hail, little One adored,
Hail, blessed King and Lord,
Star of the day!

(Places a bird on the crib.)

Isaac.
Hail, little One, so dear,
My heart is full of cheer,
A little ball I bring,
Reach forth thy fingers gay,
And take the ball and play,
My blessed King.

(Places a ball on the crib.)

Enter all others from the Inn. They kneel outside the manger.

All (sing, with concealed choir).