The True Meaning of Christmas
Script
[On stage are many actors and actresses, costumed, mumbling among themselves. Director enters and slowly works her way through the crowd as she speaks.]
Director: OK, everyone, come on! Let's get with it here! This is the last dress rehearsal before the big show tomorrow night. We have to get it right this time. There is no room for error. Remember, this is the Christmas Story. The story of the birth of Jesus. So, it's important! Let's give it our best shot. Remember that ol' stage saying "Break a leg?" Well, if we don't get it right, I just might do that…to all of you!
Joseph: Is that your idea of motivation?
Director: I'm only stressing how important this is. We don't want God to look bad, now do we? [Exits]
Joseph: I think she has herself confused with God.
Mary: I can see where she's coming from. She just wants it to go well.
Joseph: Well, we can only do our best. Do you have all of your lines memorized?
Mary: Yep. How about you?
Joseph: I'm ready. It was tough, but I think I remember them all.
Mary: Me too. I was up late going over them.
Angel #1: Gee, it must be hard playing the lead roles and all. You must be soooo important.
Joseph: Humph! You're just jealous because you have no lines.
Mary: Yeah, you just stand there and flap your cardboard wings. [makes little "flapping" motion with her hands]
Joseph: Maybe, some Christmas, when you're mature like me, and able to handle the responsibility, you'll graduate from lowly, silent angel, and be given a few lines in another role.
Mary: Yeah. Like maybe the Inn Keeper. All he gets to say is "No room!"
Inn Keeper: Hey, that's my part. That's an important role! You can pack a lot of emotion into those two small words.
Joseph: Yeah, right. Like the whole play would fall apart if you didn't have the correct intonation.
Inn Keeper: Hey, mock me all you want. It's my part, and I'm going to do it the best I can. [To Angel #1] And you can't have my part!
Angel #1:...