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A living room scene. Christmas tree, beautifully decorated, couch, chairs, piano, lamp light, other decor... for the Handel residence. A card table, catalog, packages, wrapping paper, tape, bows and tags. Several boxes should be wrapped for the after shopping scene. Christmas music may be played between scenes or the congregation may sing them. Characters: Father (Paul)... Mother (Cheryl)... teenage girl (Christi)... teenage boy (Jim) Scene 1: The Handel living room. Tree is lit, lamp is on, Christi and Jim are discussing Christmas... loudly. Christi: (disgustedly) Jim, are you about done with that catalog. I want to see it. Jim: No, I’m not. Quit bugging me. Christi: I’m not bugging you but you’ve been hogging that catalog all evening and I want to have a chance to look and see what I want for Christmas too. You already have a list long enough to choke a horse! Jim: Look who’s talking. By the time ... you get done with your list Dad will have to re-mortgage the house! Christi: You’re mean!! (grabs for the catalog) Jim: NOT! (pulling the catalog back out of reach) Christi: You are too! Just because my birthday is two days after Christmas is no sign you need to make ridiculous accusations. I have a right to choose more than you. Besides you’re just jealous! Jim:” Jealous??!! Of a girl? No way!! Christi: Come on, Jim, gim’me that book!! (tries to grab the catalog from Jim’s hand again without success). You’ve had it ever since we got home from school. Jim: No way. I’m not done with it yet. Christi: If you don’t give it to me, I’ll tell Mom. Now hand it over!! Cheryl: (comes into the room and impedes Jim’s exit as he rushes to leave.” Whoa, what’s the rush? What’s all the noise in here? Where are you going, Jim, in such a big hurry? (Christi sets down and buries her nose in the catalog while Jim plops down in a chair looking like a martyr.) Cheryl: (Silence reigns for a few moments then...) I think I ask some questions? I’d like an answer, please. Jim...? Christi..? Jim and Christi: (Jim scuffs his feet on the carpet. Christi doesn’t look up.. Then both start to talk at once:) Jim: She won’t share. I’ve got a right to the Christmas catalog too. Christi: He always tries to hog the catalog. Cheryl: Whoa! That’s enough! Christi: Mom, (trying to change the subject) have you and Dad decided how much you’re gonna spend on us this year. It sure would help to know. I need a bunch of stuff. Jim: (sarcastically) Oh, sure she does. She always gets more than anybody! Cheryl: (sternly) That will be quite enough out of both of you. It seems to me you’ve both forgotten what Christmas is all about. Cheryl: Christi, I need some help in the kitchen. Jim, you need to get on your homework. To answer your question, Christi, No, your Dad and I haven’t decided what we intend to spend. The way you two have been going at each other, I wonder if we ought to spend anything this year. However, we will talk tonight after the two of you have gone to your rooms and try to make some kind of decision. Christi: I’m sorry, Mom. It’s just that he.. Oh, never mind. (As Christi and Cheryl exit... Jim makes a face behind Christi’s back then exits behind them.) Scene 2: (Cheryl and Paul are seated on the couch together. Paul is reading the paper and Cheryl is reading a book.) Cheryl: (looks up from her book) How was your day, Dear? Paul: (lowering his paper) About the same as usual I’m afraid. We still haven’t found a suitable replacement for Harrison Brown. Since he fell and got hurt I’m having a hard time keeping things together. He always had such good business sense and was a real friend as well. If it wasn’t for the Lord I’m afraid I’d make some rather bad decisions. Cheryl:” I know you miss him. How is he doing anyway? Have you heard? Paul: Not too well, I’m afraid. You know his lungs were punctured from those broken ribs of his when he fell off that ladder, besides breaking his arm and leg. And as I understand it he has had a severe case of pneumonia recently as well. I believe he is home now but still not fully recovered. Since he was hurt at home and our company doesn’t furnish health insurance, they are having a pretty rough time. I don’t think they had any personal insurance either and Alice has had to stay home to care for him. Because of that they have no income at all. If they have any savings at all, I’m sure most of it has been eaten up with all the expenses. Cheryl: Oh, Paul. How awful! And right here at the holiday season as well. Is ther anything we can do to help? Paul: Well, most of the office staff has donated some money but I’m sure it isn’t nearly enough. Money’s pretty tight this time of year for everybody with Christmas just around the corner. (Cheryl and Paul both seem deep in thought and for awhile they go back to their reading... then Cheryl looks at Paul.) Cheryl: (laying her book in her lap) Paul, I need to talk to you about something that has been bothering me for awhile and I wonder if the Brown’s plight might not be a solution to our dilemma. Paul: (putting his paper down) What do you mean, Cheryl? Our dilemma? Cheryl: Well, Christi and Jim have been fighting almost every evening after school over who gets the most for Christmas and who’s hogging the Christmas catalog. You should have heard them this afternoon. It was awful. I wonder sometime If they even have any idea how selfish they sound or if they understand at all what Christmas is all about. I know we’ve tried to teach them right and set a good example before them but.... Paul: Seems like that’s a problem in lots of homes. Some of the guys at work complain about their kids too. It’s got to be the spirit of the age. Seems like everybody’s selfish these days. But what has that got to do with the Browns? Cheryl: Well... Paul: Oh, I get it. We need to see so our kids learn what giving is really all about and what it means to share with others instead of thinking about themselves all the time. Cheryl: Exactly. Why can’t we take what we planned to spend on the family and spend it all or at least most of it on the Browns for Christmas? Paul: (goes over to Cheryl, pulls her to her feet, and hugs her). That’s an excellent idea, Sweetheart. Have I ever told you how much I love you and how your eyes sparkle when you have a new idea? Ummmm! You even smell good! Cheryl: (giggling... picks up a pillow and playfully swats at Paul) Paul, be serious! Paul: I am, Sweetheart. Cheryl: Thanks, Paul. I love you too. (Both re-seat themselves on the couch together.) Paul: I really think you have an excellent idea, Cheryl, but how are Christi and Jim going to respond to the idea? Cheryl: Probably not too well at first, I’m afraid, but I think they will come around when they realize why we want to help the Brown’s. I think we could still get them something but I’d like for us not to get each other anything. I don’t want anything for myself at least. Paul: (slipping his arm around Cheryl one more and pulling her close.) That’s why I love you so much Cheryl. You are always so thoughtful. When shall we tell the kids? Cheryl: How about Friday evening when we have family time. Paul: That’s a great idea... Who’s going to get the honor of doing the explaining? Cheryl: I think you should, Dear, since you worked with Harrison. You know the family and their needs better than I do. Paul: That’s true. I tell you what. I’ll do a little inquiring around and find out what they really need most and then I think we should let Jim and Christi help make the plans for carrying out this project. Cheryl: That’s a great idea. Oh! Look at the time. It’s way past bedtime! Paul: That it is but first let’s pray about this matter. We need the Lord to help us present this idea correctly to the children. We also need His help in it being an effective lesson for them. Paul: (Paul and Cheryl both bow their heads to pray) Father, we come to you, as your children, asking that you will help us with this matter concerning our children. They seem to be picking up the spirit of the world around them and we want them to remember that you desire for us to be givers. Give us good insight on how to explain this project to them so that we might have their co-operation. Teach them through it in a way that will begin to help them understand that we need to put into practice the instruction in your word concerning giving as well as talk about it. Grant us your wisdom. Thank you also for my wife. She is a real helpmeet for me, Lord, and a precious treasure. We love you. Amen. Cheryl: Amen. (Head resting on Paul’s shoulder) Paul... thank you for loving me and being such a godly man. I’m so blessed to have you. (Paul kisses Cheryl lightly then helps her up from the couch, turns out the lamp and then they exit. Scene 3: (The family are gathered in the living room. Paul and Cheryl are reading as the night before. The TV (use a Christmas video) is playing Christmas music in the background. Jim and Christi are laying on the floor doing homework... finishing... Christi looks up at her Dad) Christi: Dad....? Paul: (looking over the top of his paper) Hummmm! Christi: Have you and Mom decided what you’re going to spend on us for Christmas/ I really need a bunch of stuff. Jim: (closes his books and looks up at his father as well.) Yeah, Dad, Miss Selfish thinks she needs half the Christmas catalog. Paul: From what I hear, Jim, you and Christi both are being rather selfish and cantankerous. But, to answer your questions, Yes, your Mother and I have discussed Christmas this year. Jim, turn off the TV, will you please? (Jim goes to the TV and turns it off then sits back on the floor. Cheryl closes her book and gives her full attention as well.) Paul: Your Mother and I thought this would be a good year for all of us to learn more about what Christmas really means and so we decided that this year it would be a good idea to give our Christmas away. Christi and Jim together: Give our Christmas away? Jim: What do you mean, Dad, how can we give our Christmas away? Paul: Do you remember a few weeks ago that I mentioned that one of the men from work had fallen and was injured rather seriously?: Jim: Yeah, I remember. He broke a leg and an arm didn’t he? Paul: Yes, and punctured his lung as well with some broken ribs. He is doing fairly well with the broken bones but he has just gotten out of the hospital with a bout of pneumonia on top of everything else. He and his wife have a couple children about the age of you two. His wife has not been able to work. For them, there will be no happy Christmas this year. So... your Mother and I thought we would ask the two of you what you would think about taking the money we normally spend for Christmas and spend it on this family. I ask around some this week and found out they need food especially but the children also need warmer clothing for these winter months. Just like you two, they are in the middle of a growing streak. Christi: (whining) Isn’t there some kind of organization that can help them? Why do we need to give our Christmas away? I mean, I’m sorry for them and all that but I sort of had my heart set on.... Jim: There you go again thinking only of yourself. What Dad is trying to say, Miss Selfish, is that we need to learn to give not just think about what we want all the time. Cheryl: Jim is right, Christi. I’m sure there are organizations that could and will help but that doesn’t help our family understand what Christmas and giving is all about. We hoped that you children would be willing to share this year. You both have plenty of nice warm clothing and plenty of games and as much food as you want. The Brown family doesn’t. I’m sure that you will find this will be your best Christmas ever if yo will put yourself into trying to make someone else happy for a change. The bible tells us to love others as Christ loves us. Christi: (grudgingly) I suppose you’re right. It’s just that it was a very unexpected idea. Jim: I’m sure Mr Brown’s fall was pretty unexpected too. I think it’s a great idea. Of course, I’d sort of planned on a new bike but I can fix the old one up and it’ll be just fine for another year. Paul: (reaching over and tousling Jim’s hair) That’s great son. What about you Christi? Christi: OK. Sure Dad. It is pretty selfish of me just to think about what I want. But what will we do... buy stuff or what? Will we put up any decorations or...? Cheryl: I think we should prepare for Christmas as we usually do as far as decorating and baking etc. I know how much you all enjoy that. Besides we will surely want to give some cookies and candy to the Brown’s as well. Jim: Do you suppose they will have a tree? Paul: Probably not but we could buy them one. Christi: But would they have anything to put on it? Cheryl: I’m sure they would have a few things left from previous years but we could always get a few new things for them. Christi: (jumping up and looking in a drawer for some paper) I think we better write this stuff down or we’ll forget half of it. Paul: Good idea, Christi: Christi: (muttering to herself) Tree... Decorations... Cookies... Candy... What else should we do? Didn’t you say they needed some warm winter clothing? But what about sizes? Paul: I can ask my secretary to find out for us. Cheryl: That’s a good idea Paul Jim: I wonder if they have plenty of blankets? Cheryl: Why, Jim, what a great thought. I hadn’t even considered that! It is so easy just to take everything for granted. Paul: I think we should get a good book or two for Harrison. Sitting in a wheelchair all day long gives him plenty of time to read. There’s a new devotional type book out by Swindol.... let’s see... What’s the name of that book? Cheryl: Oh, you mean “The Finishing Touch.” Paul: Yes, that’s the one. I haven’t read it but I did look through it the other day at the Christian book store. (Christi continues writing everything down.) Christi: I wonder what his wife would like? Do you know what her name is? Paul: Yes, it is Alice. Cheryl: How about a new skirt and blouse. There is nothing like a new outfit ro raise a woman’s spirits. Jim: You women!!! (Everyone laughs) Paul: I think we should think about something that will help them spiritually as well. Anyone have any suggestions? Cheryl: Your book is a good start, Paul. Perhaps we could get each person a good devotional book. They have some special ones out for women and teens also. Christi: That’s a great idea. I wouldn’t mind having one of those myself. Oooops! There I go thinking about myself again. Sorry! I forgot we aren’t getting Christmas this year. (Paul and Cheryl look at each other. Paul winks at his wife.) Christi: How soon can we go shopping. I‘m getting excited about doing this. Jim: Yeah! Me too. Cheryl: Well, let’s see. I suppose we could go tomorrow. I don’t have anything special planned. Do you, Dear? Paul: No, I don’t think so. Tomorrow sounds fine. We’ve already received our Christmas Club check so we have the finances available. Cheryl: That’s great! Oh, look at the time. We need to get to bed. Paul: Yes, but first let’s ask the Lord to give us the wisdom to buy wisely. He knows what they need most and we need His guidance in our choices. Paul: (all bow their heads while Paul prays) Father, we thank you that you have supplied our needs so abundantly. We ask you to give us wisdom as we purchase things to bless this family that has need at this time of year. Help us to know what colors and styles that would be best. Lead us to the best buys and help us make wise selections. That yo for this opportunity to share our abundance. We thank yo also for this opportunity to learn about giving and sharing in a new ay. Show each of us how to serve you better through this experience. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. (The family turns out the lamp and leaves the room. Scene 4: (sounds of stamping off snow and a noisy entrance into the house is heard off stage. Each family member should be dressed in warm winter coats and scarfs. Each one is laden with sacks of purchased things.) Christi: I don’t think I have ever had so much FUN!!! (Everyone puts their packages down and removes their coats) Jim: Me either. Look at all this stuff. Cheryl: The Lord really answered your prayer, Paul. We found some excellent bargains. Paul: Yes, the Lord is good. I think we need to thank Him. Let’s do it now. (They take hands... Jim acting like he can’t stand to hold a girl’s hand.... but relinquishes .) Father, we give yo honor and praise for the wonderful way you directed our steps and provided so many good buys for us. Thank yo also for a family that is so willing to share with others who have need. Amen. Cheryl: I think we had better tag these things before we forget who they are for. Christi: That’s a good idea Mom. I’ll go get the tags, Jim, why don’t you set up the card table. Jim: OK (Jim gets the card table and sets it up... Dad helps while Mother sits down and kicks off her shoes.) Cheryl: I didn’t know I was so tired. This has been quite a day. Christi: (returning with the tags) Why don’t you read over the list, Mom, and we’ll see so the tags get on the correct package. Cheryl: Why, thank you, Christi. Of course I can do that. Now, where is that list. Jim: I think I stuck it in my coat pocket. (Gets paper out of his coat pocket and hands it to his Mother. Christi writes on tags as Paul and Jim separate packages as Cheryl reads. Cheryl: Let’s see. The big red one is a coat for the daughter, Grace. The large green one is a jacket for the son, Carl. The gold one is the skirt and blouse for Alice. And the blue one is the billfold for Harrison. And let’s see... Harrison’s devotional book is gold. Grace’s is green. Alice’s is red and Carl’s is blue. I’m sure glad we had this stuff wrapped at the store!. Cheryl: Ummm... yes, that’s it. Oh, Christi, we are going to need some paper to wrap those blankets and sheets. Would you look in the closet and see if we have some? I think we have plenty. I bought some on sale last year after Christmas. Christi: Sure, Mom. (Paul produces a large box and places it on the table. Christi goes after the paper and returns with a big roll and some scotch tape.) Jim: Good job Christi. We forgot all about needing the tape. (They all try to help wrap the big box, getting in each other’s way but having fun.) Paul: There. That’s finished. (Sits down on the couch) Whew! I’m tired too!.. Jim: What’s the matter, Pop. Getting old or something? Paul: (laughing) Just wait son. Just wait. Your day will arrive. Christi: I’ll put this paper and stuff away and you can take care of the card table, Jim. Jim: (sounding rather short) I know what to do. You don’t always have to boss me around. Christi: You’re always in such a fogg... (drops off the sentence as Paul looks sternly at her.) Sorry, Dad. I guess there is more to the Christmas spirit than shopping, huh? Paul: You are right, Christi. I think it would be nice if you and Jim would try to be a bit more kind to each other. You see, the Christmas spirit is really just good Christian living and it should go on all year long. The Bible tells us in Ephesians to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. Christi: I see what you mean and since I’m the oldest I need to set a better example. I’m sorry, Jim. Jim: Sure, Sis. I need to be more careful too. For a girl, you really are a pretty good sister. Christi: Thanks. (exits to put things away.) Jim: (folds up the card table) Guess I’ll say, goodnight, too. Paul: Goodnight, son, and I want you to know we are proud of you. (Jim exits as Paul looks at Cheryl) Paul: I think we had better call it a day too. Cheryl: Yes, I’m ready. Do you think our experiment is working? Paul: I certainly do. You know, I think it would be fun to sort of surprise them with a few things, don’t you think. Cheryl: Oh, Paul, could we. I mean is there enough money? I don’t want us to go in debt or anything. Paul: Yes, we still have a little left. We can’t afford to buy what we normally would but we should at least get that devotional that Christi ask about. We probably should get one for Jim too. Cheryl: That’s a good idea. How about we get each of them a new outfit for Christmas too. Can we afford that much? Paul: I think so. They have responded so well. I think they are catching the spirit of giving so well that a few things won’t spoil our lesson. Cheryl: (rising and giving her hand to her husband) I love you! Scene 5: The family is returning from delivering the packages. They are heard entering the house as before, off stage, then enter the living room and sit down in various places after removing their coats. Jim: That was FUN!!! Christi: I didn’t know giving could be so much fun. Did you see Grace’s eyes dance when she tried on her new coat... and the way she hugged it around her... like she enjoyed the warmth. Cheryl: Yes, I did notice. And the blouse you picked out for Alice was perfect. You have good taste, Christi. Christi: Thanks, Mom. I love to shop! Jim: Carl liked his jacket too and that Uno game you thought of Dad was a good after thought. They can all enjoy that. Carl and I must have played ten games tonight. Paul: Harrison couldn’t thank us enough. He said he especially like Chuck Swindol’s writings. He even had tears in his eyes as he talked about it. Cheryl: Alice did too. They were so appreciative. I personally think they especially appreciated your prayer for them, Paul. Jim: Dad, can we thank the Lord again for helping us learn about giving. Paul: We surely can, son. (As the family kneels to pray... several small children... dressed appropriately... form a cache scene off to one side as someone sings... O Little Town of Bethlehem.)
Article Source: http://christian-topics.info
Willetta is a former retired pastor and author of three websites. she lives with her husband of 54 years. She teaches the flagship SS class of her local church. Her websites are www.teachmethyways.org/ www.successwithkids.org/ www.theseedsower.org/
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