Gaddiel Meets FamilyJewish guide: (Gathers up to 25 guests) Follow me I will take you furher on your journey

Did you enjoy your time in Nazareth? That bread smelled yummy and the apples looked so fresh.I need to stop by the fish monger and pick out one for dinner before I go home tonight. Everyone stay together. Come close.

(a group is escorted by a Jewish woman/man, when a Roman soldier confronts the group)

Centurion One: Show me your travel papers!!!!!

Jewish guide: Here is my passport.

Centurion Two: No!!! Not your passports, I want to see your travel papers!(allow some confusion to take place among the group, as a result of no travel papers)

Jewish guide: This is all we have. Please let us pass. ( looks scared, head bowed)

Centurion One: Then you must stay. You cannot leave!(as confusion continues, Gaddiel walks by and notices the conflict.)

Gaddiel: What, What is the problem sir?

Centurion One: No problem Jew!!! They have no travel papers. No papers. No travel! And, as conquering rulers, we have the authority to require tribute money from you as well. You are prepared, are you not, to make payment for your whole family?

(Gaddiel produces a set of travel papers along with a small purse of coins.)Gaddiel: It is alright sir. This is my family and I have the travel papers, and tribute money.

Here they are.

Centurion One: Very well, you may take your family and leave. Move along quickly now!(Centurion departs. Gaddiel waits until centurion departs and greets his new family.)

Gaddiel: Shalom. I'm sorry that you had to endure the rath of the Romans, they have occupied our land for far too long. For this evening, you will be part of my family. I have paid for your passage tonight through this foreign land.

(Gaddiel looks around concerned for their safety)

Gaddiel: Please follow me to my home. We will be safe there. Come, come with me.(Jewish guide slips off to the left and goes back into the worship center)(Naomi is arranging things and conducting house tasks, as well as instructing her children to help in these tasks). (Rabbi Eleazar is sitting in the background reading.) (Seth and Sarah are doing chores, stacking wood, sweeping, etc)

Gaddiel Meets Family 1

Gaddiel: Naomi, I have brought guests! Please help me make them feel welcome in our home (As the new family settles into chairs provided.)

Gaddiel: Welcome in our home. Please have a seat. Make yourself comfortable (Gaddiel enters the home instructing the new family where to sit. Naomi then reacts and helps direct where the new family should sit, children also welcome new family.)

Naomi: Welcome. Have a seat. Welcome.

(Elizabeth and Seth/Sarah also welcome guests and then step back to listen to their father and the Rabbi)

Gaddiel Meets Family 2

Gaddiel Home

Gaddiel:

Naomi:

(As children are being introduced, they approach and greet the new family)

Children:

Gaddiel:

(Wait for a response from the new family, and Naomi interrupts Gaddiel's greetings)

Naomi: (Rabbi Eleazar steps forward, He and Gaddiel embrace)

Gaddiel:

(Rabbi Eleazar steps forward towards the new family to address them)

Rabbi:

(A loud knocking at the door is immediately heard and a Centurion and Roman soldier enter boldly and pompously. The Centurion is carrying a scroll. Children rush to the side of the Rabbi and Naomi is behind Gaddiel)

Roman Soldier:

Gaddiel:Roman Soldier:

Gaddiel Home 1

Centurion:

Gaddiel:

Centurion:

Roman Soldier:

(Centurion and Roman Soldier stride out of house. Naomi embraces Gaddiel in fear and Rabbi comforts the children)

(Gaddiel faces his new family)

Gaddiel:

Naomi:

Gaddiel:

Naomi:

Rabbi:

Gaddiel:

(Gaddiel, Naomi, and children direct new family out of their home and Gaddiel addresses the new family prior to beginning the trip in the hallway outside of the room)

Naomi:Gaddiel: (Naomi addresses the family quietly, ensuring they have their passports, she has extras)

Gaddiel Home 2

( Be prepared for adlibbing conversations until you approach the other scenes. Suggested conversations:

Gaddiel

Gaddiel Home 3

Gaddiel Home(after family is settled)My name is Gaddiel, which in our Hebrew language means "blessed of God." This is my wife, Naomi, which means "beautiful one."

Shalom, and welcome to our home. These are our children, Elizabeth and Sarah / Seth. They are a great help to me.

(As children are being introduced, they approach and greet the new family)

Shalom

My friends, Shalom means "Peace. God's peace." It is our greeting to one another, to our people and our friends … BUT (firmly) we will never say "Shalom" to the Romans! They are hated by our people. They TAX us, they BEAT us, and they have KILLED many of our people. No we do not wish them God's peace. But to you our friends, our new family, we gladly say "Shalom"!!!!

Gaddiel, we have an honored guest tonight, our beloved Rabbi Eleazar.

Shalom, old friend. It is good to have you in our home again. It is wonderful that you are here tonight to meet our new "family." Would you share some thoughts, words of wisdom, with our family, Brother Eleazar?

Yes I would. Shalom! Friends, it is good to have you visit our land and our village. We want you to be careful as you travel about. There are people who would take advantage of strangers; not to mention the Roman soldiers that are here to enforce the will of their emperor.We are simple people, shepherds and tradesmen, who are devoted to our families. More important, we are devoted to our God; His laws govern our daily lives and we serve Him only.We have lived in these hills of Galilee for many, many years. We strive to live in peace with God and our fellowman, both Jew and Gentile.But you have come to us at a time when we are very much oppressed. The Roman government controls nearly every part of our lives. In fact, this very day, some of our people have been forced to make a long and dangerous trip to be numbered. But the one thing they cannot do, even with all of their power, is to keep us from worshipping our God. Shalom!

(A loud knocking at the door is immediately heard and a Centurion and Roman soldier enter boldly and pompously. The Centurion is carrying a scroll. Children rush to the side of the Rabbi and Naomi is behind Gaddiel)

Make way! Make way for Caesar's Centurion. (pause) (Gaddiel approaches towards the two men)

What's the meaning of this? You! Stand silent Jew!!

Gaddiel Home 4

(Gadiel backs off slightly and humbles himself to the occupying Romans)(Reading the scroll) I see here, Gaddiel, that you are the family of David. It is Caesar's decree that all must go to their own city to register for a census and pay a tax. You and your family will leave at once for Bethlehem.

But, Centurion, that is a long and dangerous trip.

SILENCE!!! You will obey Caesar's order!(Gaddiel lowers his head, Naomi hides behind Gaddiel)(approaches Gaddiel intimidating and sarcastically)

Have a safe journey; we'll be watching you. (Centurion and Roman Soldier stride out of house. Naomi embraces Gaddiel in fear and Rabbi comforts the children)

Family, we have no choice. We must obey the Romans. We will leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem. It is a long journey but God will see us there safely. We must trust our God, the God of David.(Gaddiel turns to Naomi)Naomi, we must prepare for the journey.(Naomi instructs the children)We should take bread….. and warm bedding…. Gaddiel, here is all of our money. Will it be enough for the trip and taxes?

I do not know Naomi. We must trust God that it will do. I have our travel papers.Elizabeth, come here my child. You will carry the family standard. I am entrusting it to your care.(addresses new family)Family, this is our family standard. Please watch for it on the journey. It will help us stay together.

We are ready, Gaddiel.

God bless you, my children. I will pray for you. Oh, if only the Messiah would come now! Shalom!

Family, we leave now for our journey to Bethlehem.

(Gaddiel, Naomi, and children direct new family out of their home and Gaddiel addresses the new family prior to beginning the trip in the hallway outside of the room)

(Elizabeth stays at the front with Gaddiel and helps him as he walks backwards at times) (Seth/Sarah stays at the back with Naomi)

We are all here Gaddiel (after everyone is in the hall) Check your passports. Does everyone have one?

Gaddiel Home 5

We will be going outside. Stay together and whatever you do, don't talk to the Romans unless you have to. I shall speak for us.

I think we better stop at the carpenter's shop first. Joseph is a good friend and perhaps he can show us the best way to Judea and Bethlehem. He also has family ties there. Please stay close to me. The streets are dark and we must hurry.

( Be prepared for adlibbing conversations until you approach the other scenes. Suggested conversations:

These Roman roads were built on the back of our Jewsish brothers.This hard substance we walk on was invented by a jewish brother, Con,from Crete.

Gaddiel Home 6

Meat Stall (outside) (as Naomi approaches the last door)Naomi: GaddielGaddiel: Yes Naomi?Naomi: There is a meat stall up ahead, do we have time to stop? Gaddiel: I'm afraid not. Our time is limited.

(quietly to all around him) Women, they can shop even at a time like this.)

Naomi: He will regret not stoppingMeat Vendor Here, try a sample. It is wise to prepare for your journey.

( Be prepared for adlibbing conversations until you approach the carpenter's shop. 1. Weather, if a clear night, discuss a bright star in distance2. Children ask how much longer until they get there3. Gaddiel ensure that Naomi is okay with the family and children and staying together4. Make reference to the carpenter's shop is just ahead

Blacksmith: You would be wise to purchase my wares for your journey.

Gaddiel: I'll look into it when we return, it's dark and we need to keep going

Gaddiel: Family we are leaving the roads built by Jews and entering those built by the Romans. It is un-improved so watch your step.

Zacheus scene (Gaddiel slows his pace as he walks up to the tree)Gaddiel: Oh, look. Zacheus is up in a tree again. He has been nothing but

trouble for his mother. Poor woman. Naomi: Zacheus, mind your mother. It is good for children to obey their

parents, it is written in the scriptures. (family continues to walk by)

Zacheus' mom Zacheus, come down from that tree, you are going to break your neck.

Zacheus But mom I can see so much better up hereZacheus' mom Come down now, dinner is almost readyZacheus But mom…

1

Carpenter's Shop(As Gaddiel approaches the Carpenter's shop, Aaron and Joshua are busy working on a project. Joshua sees Gaddiel and meets him just outside the shop. As the greeting with Gaddiel takes place, Joshua will motion and usher the group into places. Gaddiel will continue into the shop to greet Aaron.)

Gaddiel:

Joshua:

Gaddiel:

Aaron:

Naomi:

Gaddiel:

Aaron:

Joshua:

Gaddiel:

(Joshua finds the map and gives it to Aaron)Aaron:

Elizabeth:

Aaron:

Sarah/Seth:

Aaron:

Gaddiel:

The Carpenter's Shop 1

Aaron:

Naomi:

Aaron:

Gaddiel:

Aaron:

Gaddiel:

(Gaddiel leads the family from the carpenter's shop and proceeds on with journey. Once the family is on their way, Gaddiel begins a conversation with Naomi.)

Gaddiel:

Naomi:

Gaddiel:

(Gaddiel sees Roman soldiers at the camp fire ahead and whispers to family as group nears the Roman checkpoint)

The Carpenter's Shop 2

Carpenter's Shop(As Gaddiel approaches the Carpenter's shop, Aaron and Joshua are busy working on a project. Joshua sees Gaddiel and meets him just outside the shop. As the greeting with Gaddiel takes place, Joshua will motion and usher the group into places. Gaddiel will continue into the shop to greet Aaron.)

(Joshua is standing just before the carpenter shop)Shalom, Joshua. Is all well with you?

Shalom, Gaddiel. Yes it is well. Please come into the shop.(They walk to the carpenter shop and gather the family around)(Gaddiel stands to the left of the table and Naomi to the right)(to Aaron) Shalom, Aaron. Family, Aaron is Joseph's assistant. Aaron Is Joseph here?

Shalom Gaddiel, I'm sorry but Joseph and Mary left a few days ago for Bethlehem because of Caesar's census.

Oh poor Mary, expecting her first child and having to make that journey.

We too have been ordered to Bethlehem for the census. We have come seeking directions from Joseph for our journey. Can you help us?

Joseph has a map here in the shop. I'll get it for you. (He looks for it but cannot find it readily) Now where did I put that map? Joshua, can you find the map that shows the way to Bethlehem?(Aaron is digging through the shop looking for the map)Yes sir.

Oh Aaron, please don't tell me you have lost the map!

Here is the map Gaddiel. You are here at Nazareth. It is about 70 miles south to Bethlehem, but your journey, of course, will be longer.

Why is that, Aaron?

Well, you must avoid the land of the Samaritans.

I don’t understand.

The Samaritans have turned away from the ways of God and His Word. They are a people who should be despised. We don't have any dealings with them and they have none with us!

We understand, Aaron, but what do you suggest we do?

The Carpenter's Shop 3

Well, you must cross over the Jordan River here; travel around Samaria and re-enter Judea at this point. Cross over the Jordan River, then proceed to Bethlehem.

How long will it take?

(turning to Naomi)Six or seven days if you travel light and make short stops. (turning back to Gaddiel) But you must keep your family together. There are thieves and beggars in the countryside and the Romans.(talking directly to the audience) You must always keep your papers safe and be ready to show them to the Roman soldiers. The Romans will arrest you if you don't have them.

Aaron, thank you for your help. Now, we must go.

Shalom, my friend. May you go with God. Have a safe trip and be careful.

Come family, we have a long journey ahead of us. Say "Shalom" to Aaron and Joshua.

(Gaddiel leads the family from the carpenter's shop and proceeds on with journey. Once the family is on their way, Gaddiel begins a conversation with Naomi.)

What a lovely Jewish Night! Naomi! The bright stars remind me of your beautiful eyes.

Oh Gaddiel, you make me blush.

Pass the word, there are Romans ahead. Be ready to show your passports. (Gaddiel sees Roman soldiers at the camp fire ahead and whispers to family as group nears the Roman checkpoint)

The Carpenter's Shop 4

Roman Checkpoint(Roman soldiers are standing around campfire making conversation and tending to horses. Roman soldier observes Gaddiel family approaching checkpoint and steps out in front of the family to confront them)

Roman Soldier : Halt, who goes there? (Gaddiel motions to his family to stop and he approaches the Roman soldier)

Naomi: What is it Gaddiel? Why are we stopping?

Roman Soldier : (to Naomi) Silence woman!(to Gaddiel) Who are you?

(approaches Gaddiel family circling around them and inspecting them)

Gaddiel: My name is Gaddiel and this is my family. A very large family.

Centurian : Bring them closer. I want to look at them. (Gaddiel motions to his family to come closer)

What are you doing out so late at night?

Gaddiel: We have been ordered to go to Bethlehem without delay for the Roman census and tax.

Centurian: Let me see your papers.

Gaddiel: Here are our travel papers.

Centurian: (to Roman Soldier 3) Let's check their passports and let them go.

Roman Soldier 3: (to group) Hold your passports up so we can see them. Be quick about it. (walking around checking passworts)Hold them up high so we can see them.

(Gaddiel remains beside Roman soldier while passports being inspected)

Centurian You and your family may go, but beware, there are beggars and thieves at large in the area. Watch out for that Barabbas, and his scurvy band of thieves.

(Gaddiel begins walking away)Roman Soldier: Foolish Jew! (to Roman Soldier 4) They are as foolish as those so called

Magi who came by looking for a new king!

Centurian: How are we supposed to protect you when travel like this at night? (Contemptuously) Get on with you!

1

(Gaddiel leads the group away from the Roman checkpoint. Once out of hearing range of the soldiers:)

Gaddiel: Oh family, it is good to be away from those Roman soldiers.

(Gaddiel continues conversation about their experience with the soldiers and what they were warned about until they come up to a shepherd's camp)

Gaddiel: We must stay together and watch for others who would wish toharm us.

2

Shepherd's Cove(The Gaddiel family is talking about their experience with the soldiers and the possibility of thieves and beggars when Gaddiel observes a camp ahead)

(as you pass the last tree)Gaddiel: Here is a shepherds campfire. Maybe we can warm ourselves by their fire

and get some directions.

Gaddiel: Shalom shepherds, may God's peace be with you

Shepherd 1: And with you. Come and warm yourselves by the fire. You must be cold.

Gaddiel: Yes, we are cold. Come on family, gather around the fire. (Give the family time to gather by the fire before continuing)

to Shepherd 1 We have traveled from Nazareth and are on our way to Bethlehem Can you tell us how far is it?

Shepherd 1: Oh, about a half days travel.

Gaddiel: It is good to be nearing the City of David.

Naomi: (Naomi lifts the lantern as cue for angel)

(Very bright lights come on IMMEDIATELY as Naomi raises the lantern. The light should highlight the angel and also temporarily blind the shepherds and Gaddiel and his family and they all fall to their knees with hands raised.))

(IMMEDIATELY in a loud clear but calming voice, the angel speaks:)

Angel: Fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you a child is born this day in the city of David. A savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill towards men.(The adult angel choir will sing a song verse)

(The light goes out abruptly)

(Shepherd 2 excitedly stands and speaks. Other shepherds stand looking at each other and place where the angel had been with excited murmurings)

Shepherd 1: We must go to Bethlehem tonight and see this thing which as come to pass which the Lord has made known unto us.

(The shepherds are very excited and shake their heads in agreement)

Shepherd 3: Brothers, you go. I will stay and watch the flock. Hurry brothers! (The shepherds then hurriedly leave except Shepherd 3 who waves farewell to them)

1

Gaddiel: Praise be to God!!! We go now to Bethlehem to find this Christ child!!! (to Shepherd 3) Shalom, shepherd!!!!

Shepherd 3: Shalom friends!

(Gaddiel turns and leads his family towards Bethlehem. Gaddiel, Naomi, and children talk with great excitement about the angel going to Bethlehem … and especially about the Messiah.)

(Once everyone has entered the tree area start this conversation. )

Gaddiel: Naomi, I am getting hungry! Do you have any meat to eat?(pause for the first part of this conversation and turn toward Naomi)Naomi: Gaddiel, we had to leave Nazareth so quickly you told me there was not time

to shop at the meat stall. We only have bread!

Gaddiel: No … Naomi … I want meat! (quietly) Guess I should have let her shop. (shruggs shoulders)

Naomi: Gaddiel, you are always hungry!

Gaddiel: Naomi, perhaps our good friend Rueben who owns the meat stall in Bethlehem will be at his shop! We can get meat there! I understand he has a new creation made with bread and meat! He even named it after himself! He calls it a Rueben Sandwich! I am excited to try it!

Naomi: We will see Gaddiel, we will see.

Gaddiel: If he's not in, maybe his brother Arby will be around.

(other possible lines if there is time…His little brother Jack is always popping up with new food ideas.his sister Wendy is also a great cook. )

2

Wise Men(Gaddiel sees another camp just past /through the bushes)Gaddiel: Family … look, there is a camp ahead. Let me see if we can visit with them

for a while. They may know what's on the road ahead. (The wise men are resting with their servants and engaged in conversation about the new king and looking at scrolls)

(Gaddiel approaches and addresses them)Gaddiel: Shalom, friends.

Caspar: Greetings and peace, friend. I am Caspar. My companions are Melchior and Balthezar. We are Magi from the East. Would you join us for a rest? Where are you from and where do you travel?

Gaddiel: My name is Gaddiel and this is my family. We are from Nazareth in Galilee and have been ordered by he Romans to go to Bethlehem for a census and to pay the Roman tax.

Caspar: Have you heard anything of a new king?

Gaddiel: Even better, an angel told us that the Christ child is to be born soon

Melchior: (looks at other with excitement) Our journey is to Jerusalem., We follow that bright star. (pointing at the star and showing the scrolls) Our studies show that it will lead us to the new King of the Jews.

Gaddiel: Yes! Praise be to God!

Balthezar: The new King of the Jews is going to be born soon and we will keep following that star until we find him.

Caspar: We have been studying your scriptures. In the book of numbers Moses wrote that the Messiah would rise as ruler when the star rose out of the house of Jacob.

Balthezar: We go to Jerusalem first to seek an audience with King Herod. He surely will know where the new king is to be found. We have even brought gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold in preparation for the arrival of the king.

(Balthezar gestures to a servant who displays the gifts to the family)Gaddiel: Such wonderful gifts for our new king. May God's peace be with you.

Caspar: And with you my friend.

Gaddiel: Come, family, bid the Wise Men Shalom!

(Camel jokes allowed here. "kinda skinny" "I heard they spit" )

1

Robber Station (As Gaddiel leads the family away from the wise men, there is a road sign indicating Bethlehem is near. Gaddiel stops and speaks to the family)

Gaddiel: Family, come close to me. Gather around. We are almost to Bethlehem. The road sign tells us that.

Gaddiel: (after everyone starts walking again) Naomi?Naomi: Yes my husband.

(walk a short distance then Turn to talk to the family so your back is to the robbers)

Gaddiel: Keep the family close together so no one gets separated or lost. The soldiers warned us there may be thieves and robbers in the area!

( Barrabas comes out of the woods, attacking Gaddiel.)

Barrabas: Hold it right there! Don't move, or your head will become separated from your body! Cephas, check to see what they have (Cephas moves into the group and to Naomi, tugging her basket)

(Naomi yells when the robbers try to take her basket)Naomi: Gaddiel! Help us! (Soldier enters from path)

Centurion: Hold on there (This is directed at Barrabas) You!Stand still or you will be cut in two. Soldier … ensure there are no more of these thieves running around the area. (Soldier leaves to find the other robbers) (Directed to Gaddiel family) Why do you insist on traveling around at night? How do you expect us to protect you? (Gaddiel head down (Directed to soldier) Soldier report!

Roman Soldier: This is all there is Sir! I will take care of them. (The soldier carts the thieves off amid sharp cries for help and pain as if they were being hurt (- down the path towards bethlehem)

Centurion: Keep the family moving! If you want protection, start traveling in the daytime. There isn't as much chance of robbers and thieves during the day. On with you!(Centurion steps next to the fence panel and watches the family pass)

Gaddiel: Come family, and again, stay close to me. (turns toward Naomi) Praise God none of us were hurt or killed and nothing was stolen. Naomi, please keep the family close and keep me in sight! I could not bear it if I lost you or the children.

Naomi: We are right behind you Gaddiel. Thanks be to God that we were kept safe from harm.

1

Gaddiel: Come family

2

Tax Collectors and Census(The distance from the robbers to the tax collector is very short, so there shouldn't be much dialogue said before the tax collector begins speaking)

(Two tax collectors sit at tables, one on each side of the way. Roman soldiers stand on either side of the Chief Tax collector; they are very military in their bearing. Gaddiel halts his family while he approaches the Chief Tax collector)

Chief Tax Collector: (Stands up) Prepare to register for the census and pay your tax.

Roman Soldier: (Directed at Gaddiel) Halt! You … get over here!

(Chief Soldier and two soldiers take Gaddiel and roughly move him to a position to the side of the tax collector. One soldier stays with Gaddiel keeping him in place)

Roman Soldier: (Directed to family) The rest of you … stand where you are and say nothing.

(Two soldiers keep the family standing at a distance from Gaddiel and the Chief Tax Collector. Two soldiers stand by the family to keep them from moving. Two soldiers are now guarding Gaddiel. The chief soldier continues to walk back and forth)

Chief Tax Collector: Let's not have any rowdiness here or the soldiers will arrest you. (to Gaddiel) Who are you? Where are you from? Show me your papers.

Gaddiel: I am Gaddiel of Nazareth in Galilee and this is my family. (Shows papers to the Tax Collector who looks at them with disdain and returns them)

Chief Tax Collector: Why do you come to Bethlehem?

Gaddiel: (sarcastic) As Caesar has ordered, we come to Bethlehem for the census because we are of the House of David.

Chief Tax Collector: Very well. (Directed to the second tax collector) Register these people in the census.

Tax Collector 2: You say that you and your family are from Nazareth of Galilee?

Gaddiel: Yes, that is correct.

Tax Collector 2: (directed to Chief Tax Collector) They are registered sir.

Chief Tax Collector: (directed firmly to Gaddiel) That will be twelve denari.

Gaddiel: Twelve denari! That's outrageous!

1

(Soldiers take menacing step towards Gaddiel)

Roman Soldier: Pay your tax Jew or go to jail!

Chief Tax Collector: You heard the emperor's soldier. Twelve denari! Don't argue or it will be thirteen!

(Gaddiel throws the bag with coins on the table)

Gaddiel: There's your money. Twelve denari. I can't believe you work for the Romans. One of our own people!

Roman Soldier: Hold your tongue. I'll not warn you again.

Tax Collector 2: Throw him in prison! (At this point a Roman Centurion comes up)

Centurion: What is happening here? What is this all about?

Chief Tax Collector: Centurion, this man has insulted me for doing my duty to Rome!

Centurion: Has he paid the taxes and registered for the census?

Chief Tax Collector: Yes he has, but ……

Centurion: (interupt That is enough! If he has paid his taxes and enrolled in the census, let him pass. I don't care what he says about you.

Chief Tax Collector: As you command, Centurion.(arrogantly to the Gaddiel family) Show your passports and have them stamped if you want to enter Bethlehem.(to Tax Collector 2) Make these people show you their passports; stamp them if they are in order, and let them pass.

Gaddiel: Family, I will meet you by the fire when the Romans are finished with you.

(The Roman soldiers form the family into as many lines as there are stamping tables and keeps the lines moving. The two tax collectors and their servants check and stamp the passports)

(Gaddiel goes ahead to the fire near the gate and gather the family members as they leave the tax station)

(Gaddiel gathers the family together for instruction around the fire. Naomi picks up bag of $$)

2

Gaddiel: Thanks be to God we have permission to enter Bethlehem. Family, this is the Prophet Mordecai and his student Samuel. I met them while waiting for you.

Mordecai: Shalom to all of you!

Gaddiel: Rabbi, an angel appeared and told us about a special baby that is to be born in this very city.

Mordecai: We have studied the scriptures and find this is true Gaddiel.

Samuel: The prophet Isaiah said that "He will be born of a virgin"

Mordecai: And that "…. He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace."

Gaddiel: (Gaddiel is excited!!!!) Peace! Brother Mordecai, the Angel tonight also proclaimed peace on earth!

Mordecai: THE NEW RULER OF ISRAEL, OUR MESSIAH… IS TO BE BORN RIGHT THERE IN BETHLEHEM!

Gaddiel: Praise be to God! We will soon be free from the Romans. Thank you and Shalom brother Mordecai and Samuel .We must find a place to rest.

3

Inn #1 Oh, look, No Vacancies, We will keep looking for a place to stay

Inn #2 (knock on door) Shalom. We have come from Nazareth. Do you have room for us?

Innkeeper "No, go away" "I'm trying to rest" (shuts the door)The Inn

(Gaddiel leads the family to the inn and knocks on the door. The Innkeeper's wife opens the door.)

Gaddiel: Shalom. We have come from Nazareth. Do you have room for us?

Innkeeper's Wife: Samuel, do we have any room for another family? A very large family?(Gaddiel tries to pled/interupt between below sentences **)

Innkeeper's Wife: I am sorry, we have no room at all, especially for a large family like yours. (**But, but) Because of the Roman census, we are full. (** Please..) You can't expect us to put people out that are already resting. (**We…) We cannot do that.

Gaddiel: But, we have no place to stay. And we have come such a long way.

Innkeeper's Wife: We have no rooms. We even had to put a young couple in the stable. (point down the road)

Gaddiel: Would there be room in the stable for us too?

Innkeeper's Wife: There are some tents being put up in town and before and after the stable. You may find a place among the tents to stay.

Gaddiel: Thank you. Shalom.

(Walk aroud big tree and toward the beggers)

1

Beggar: Please, food for us. We have not eaten in days.

Gaddiel: Naomi, we must help these people.

Naomi: We do have a small amount of bread left. Here (hands bread to the woman) …. Feed yourselves.

Beggar: May the Lord bless you.

(Gaddiel: Walk toward the manger, point at the tents)

(Gaddiel: looking at the tents set up

Gaddiel: "No room here, These are all occupied"

Gaddiel: "There doesn't appear to be any room for us here, She said there were more past the stable, let's keep going."

1

The Manger (As the family approaches the stable, Mary is sitting by the manger and Joseph is facing her. Gaddiel walks almost past the stable)

Joseph: (surprised to see him) Gaddiel???

Gaddiel: Joseph? Is that you? Shalom my good friend!!! (Joseph gets up and comes to greet Gaddiel and Naomi, Naomi moves near Mary)

Joseph: Shalom, Gaddiel. Shalom, Naomi. It is good to see you. Is all well with you?

Naomi: We're fine Joseph. Tired but well. We’ve traveled such a long way. We’ve been looking for a place to stay.

Joseph: Bethlehem is crowded. You are all welcome to warm yourselves here. But please be quiet. Our new baby is sleeping and Mary is very tired.

Gaddiel: Thank you, Joseph.

(Gaddiel sees the baby and excitedly asks Joseph. Connecting the angel to manger)

Gaddiel: Joseph, tonight... an angel told us about the birth of a special baby... in Bethlehem... who would be found in a manger. This baby will be our new king..., the Messiah. Joseph is THIS that special baby?!

Joseph: It is so, my friend. Come, look, this is our son, Jesus.

Gaddiel: (excited) Family, this is the child … the one the Wise Men seek..., the one the angel spoke of …

(While Gaddiel is speaking, Naomi comes close to Mary. Naomi kneels beside Mary and gazes at the baby. Gaddiel ushers the group closer and to one side; this will allow the shepherds to enter.)

Naomi: Mary, is it well with you? We were so worried about you traveling all that way and expecting your first child.

Mary: Oh yes, Naomi, God has provided for us and our son is well.

Naomi: Blessed are you, Mary, and your son.

Mary: He is a gift of God.

(Shepherds make way through crowd excusing themselves as they push through)

1

Joseph: Yes, what do you want?

Shepherd 3: We have come to see the newborn baby.

Joseph: Mary, there are shepherds here to see the baby. Is that all right?

Mary: Yes, Joseph, let them come.

Shepherd 4: While tending the flock, we were visited by an angel who said tonight in the city of David, a Messiah was born. Is this child the one the angel spoke of, the Messiah?

Joseph: Yes, this is He. Come and see.

(The shepherds come near and kneel before the Christ child. Children choir begin singing)

Gaddiel: (very reverently and with awe) The Messiah. Family, this is the Messiah.

(Joseph goes over to Mary and stands behind her with his hand on her shoulder.)

Mary: His name is Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.(Pause to let it all sink in)

Gaddiel: Come, family, come.Let's let Mary and baby Jesus rest. We must also find a place to rest. (exit down path to the cross)

Gaddiel: From that manger came the Son of God who NOT ONLY taught us a new way of life, but brought us into a new relationship with our creator.

We know from God's word that Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus were told by an angel to flee to Egypt and when they were able to return they settled in Nazareth.

2

Jesus at the Cross/Tomb

Gaddiel: (as you pass the scenes explain that...)

#1 boy in temple Jesus grew up and learned the carpenter trade like my friend Joseph. At twelve years old he was found in the temple speaking wisdom beyond the understanding of the priests there.

#2 jesus baptism

At 30 years old he gathered his disciples and began teaching us all. He taught that it's not just what we do but also how we think.

#3 jesus healing He healed many from all sorts of ailments and even brought somepeople back to life.

#4 sermon on mount He explained to his disciples that he would be leaving but would beback to establish his kingdom. Until then we are to spread His Gospel. He died on the Roman Cross to pay for our sins but rose againon the 3rd day. There were many witnesses.

Tomb

(Walk towards the tomb scene following the solar lights)Mary and Mary (running through the crowd excited)

Have you heard? He is risen. He's not there! He is alive!

Angel Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. They have gone to tell the disciples that He has risen from the dead and is giong ahead of them into Galilee. They will see him there. Now I have told you. (after family has moved closer)

Gaddiel: What an amazing journey we have had! Family let's sit here by the fire. There is room for us to rest here.

Pastor Lee: (will give the gospel as God provides)

(Gaddiel is no longer in character)

Gaddiel: Thank you Pastor Sipe for sharing with us. This way family.

(Naomi and Elizabeth make their way to the front as everyone walks towards the hospitality tent)

Gaddiel: (as you approach the hospitability tent, in your normal voice)

1

There you have it, this is the reason for our journey, from the manger, to the cross, to the tomb, Jesus arose. He is in Heaven making a place for us now.

Thank you for joining us tonight please warm yourself with a cup of hot chocolate, a gift from First Baptist Church of Azle

2