Back to Bethlehem

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Back to Bethlehem

A puppet script for Zeek and Friends Puppet Ministry

Christmas 2009


Description and Characters:

The setting is a diner (The Bethlehem Diner) on Christmas Eve, 1958, as introduced in the present by Zeek and Friends regular Leon P. Fussbudget III, while he recalls for his granddaughter Anna a particularly memorable Christmas at the diner where he used to work as a young man in a little town called Bethlehem, USA.

Much of the music accompanying the script is provided by One Way Street, a Christian puppetry resource. The Let It Snow/Jingle Bells Medley is mixed off of an album from Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.

Characters in the present:

  • Leon P Fussbudget III (Grandpa) (played by Fussbudget)
Our friend Leon returns for a cameo to share a Christmas Eve memory from 1958
  • Anna (Leon's granddaughter) (played by Anna)
Leon's granddaughter, Anna, also returns to assist in story telling
  • Radio Announcer
Voice over, no puppet

Characters in 1958:

  • Claire Innkeep (played by Claire)
The owner of the Bethlehem Diner, and a devoted Christian, working to share the good news of Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve
  • Leon Fussbudget as a young man (played by Zeek)
One of "the soda jerks", the men working at the diner in 1950's diner attire
  • Lumiere (played by Lumiere) (NOT SPEAKING)
Another "soda jerk"
  • Joe (played by Joe) (NOT SPEAKING; part removed for video filming; Joe played the policeman)
Another "soda jerk"
  • Josiah (played by Josiah) (NOT SPEAKING)
Another "soda jerk"
  • CJ (played by CJ) (NOT SPEAKING)
The resident musician who likes to hang out at Bethlehem Diner
Not all that much unlike the CJ who hung out at the Hard Rock Cafe in the present time during the show "Standing on the Rock" (Zeek Summer 2009)
  • Farmer John (played by "Pastor John")
The local farmer who gets stranded near the diner; comes with donkey
  • Noah Mack (played by Noah)
The regional truck driver who must get off the interstate and take a detour that brings him to the diner; comes with sheep
  • Paul T. Arsus (played by Paul) (during taping became a NON-SPEAKING part)
A professor and resident skeptic at the state college over in the next town; on his way to a very important gathering of intellectuals; gets detoured to the diner
  • Reginald P. Hamer (played by "Mini-Hamer") (NOT SPEAKING; during taping became a speaking part for 'Paul')
A professor colleague of Paul's, travelling with him
  • Eugene R. Nerdnoggin (played by Eugene) (NOT SPEAKING)
Another professor colleague of Paul's; sings surprisingly low bass
  • Pastor Matthew Brown (played by Josiah, dressed up differently in video) (aka "Pastor Brown" to his congregation)
The pastor of Claire's local church; offers an invitation to the travellers to come worship Jesus near the end of the script
  • Saxman (played by alternate "Mini-Hamer")
This is the unamed spokesman for the band used in the first video scene
  • Policeman (officer Goode) (played by Joe)
A local policeman who brings warning of the winter conditions and the road closing

The Band, playing in 1958 (mostly non-speaking, except for Saxman above):

  • Eric Miles ("Eric" puppet), lead singer
  • Ty, on trumpet
  • Saxman (alternate "Mini-Hamer") (also above), on sax
  • Emily, on piano
  • Orchid, on drums


(At start, preshow lighting fades to black; maybe an old-time radio on stage lights up)

Radio Intro:

(Voice over in all black)

Good evening all you cool cats, and welcome back to Christmas Tunez on WZEK. Maybe some of you are decorating a tree, maybe some are cozied up by the fire, with maybe some chestnuts roasting on there... Well, we here at Z-99, WZEK, are bringing you the best of holiday cheer. Now here's a classic from 1958, recorded by Teddy Rocklen. He called it, Christmastime Blues...


SONG: CHRISTMASTIME BLUES (tune of Summertime Blues)


Radio Outro:

(Starts as voice over in all black)

And if you have just joined us, you are listening to Christmas Tunez on WZEK, Z-99 on the FM dial. We just heard from Teddy Rocklen, 1958, and a song that reminds us that Jesus Christ is the cure for those Christmastime blues. Now I just got a bulletin in from our Z-Weatherman, Tracker Storm, and he tells us to be on the lookout for quickly falling temperatures and the 90% possibility for some heavy snow accumulation. Looks like a white Christmas is just around the corner. Now I have also just received a request called in from a Leon P. Fussbuget, listening over in Bethel Park, for one of his favorite traditional carols. (lights may begin to fade up on Leon here) So let's cozy up by our fires, or get back to trimming our trees, or making those delicious Christmas cookies, and enjoy an instrumental favorite... (Tunes starts, fades in to background during live puppet open)

-- LIVE PUPPET OPEN --

Grandpa - to himself
Decorating the tree and nostalgic Christmas tunes on the radio, some of my favorite Christmastime things... I'm so glad I no longer suffer from those Christmastime Blues... Yep, Jesus sure was the cure for those Christmastime Blues... Oh, I like this ornament - I think it should go right... up.... here...

Enter Anna

Anna
Grandpa, Grandpa - look! It started to snow outside!
Grandpa
Snow? Well, that is great - I love a white Christmas! Hey, I never did tell you about the big blizzard of 1958, back in Bethlehem - where I grew up...
Anna
Bethlehem, like where Jesus was born?
Grandpa
Well, no, not that Bethlehem. This was just a little town down the interstate from here, you know, Bethelhem, where your aunt Mildred lives. The Bethlehem where Mildred and I grew up was named after the original Bethlehem in Israel where Jesus was born.
Anna
Oh right, now I remember. We visited Aunt Mildred there a year ago.
Grandpa
We even had a big light-up star that was set up around Christmas time, just above the diner where I worked as a young man. -- pauses -- You know, it was during that big blizzard of '58 that our diner decided to invite a band to perform for our patrons on Christmas Eve. We were even decorating a tree in the diner for Christmas Eve, as I recall, (pause) very much like this tree I have here in my study. (pause, thinking) I think the band was getting ready to perform a medley of Jingle Bells and Let it Snow as their last set for the evening. Let's see... I can remember it as if it were just yesterday

(at end of live puppet open, lights fade, video starts; wavy lines and sound effects key in audience to going back in time through Leon's memory)


Vid Scene 1: Backstage

Claire
Okay guys, this is the last set for the evening. Thanks for coming out and sharing your Christmas program with my diner patrons tonight.
Saxman
Hey, we're happy to do it. Eric loves singing Christmas carols, and we all love to play 'em. We'd play all night if we could, but we have to be off to the Bethlehem Star Arena down the road for a big Christmas Eve concert tonight. You know, the big holiday concert held each year by the local radio station.
Claire
Yeah, I remember. I always wondered why they held that on Christmas Eve and not on a different night. I would think more people might be celebrating the arrival of Christmas by going to church on Christmas Eve.
Saxman
Don't know, but the event pays us well.
Claire
(Thinking) I'm sure it does, but it still seems like a shame to miss Christmas Eve services...
Saxman
Hey, looks like it is time for us to get out there and do our final set. It's a snow-themed medley. Seems appropriate with all the snow that's been falling today. Maybe we'll get that big blizzard that all of those weather guys have been going on about.
Claire
Yes, (still pondering) maybe we will...
Announcer (in background)
Ladies and gentlemen, the Bethlehem Diner is proud to present, in the final performance for today, Eric Miles and the Denver Heights Orchestra!
Saxman
That's my cue. See you after the show!

Saxman exits, Claire looks on as the video fades; song performed live in puppet stage


SONG: LET IT SNOW / JINGLE BELLS (Big Band stylings of Denver and the Mile High Orchestra)


At the end of the band's set, the lights flicker, leading to the next scene with Claire outside the diner by the electrical box


Vid Scene 2: Diner Exterior (by power connection/box)

Claire
(looking at box) Well, the flickering is not coming from our connection here. All the connections seem in order. It must be the weather. This snow looks like it is just getting heavier.
Young Leon (Zeek)
What if the power goes out before we close up for the night? Some of our best business is Christmas Eve with folks stopping in for dinner before going to Christmas Eve church services.
Claire
Well, I guess we'll just cross that bridge when we get there.
Young Leon
Maybe I should make sure all of the flashlights are in working order.
Claire
Now that sounds like a very good idea, Leon. But you and the others should probably finish decorating the diner. No reason to stop stringing lights and garland just because we might have a blackout. I want this place looking real festive before dinner shift tonight.
Leon
Okay, we'll get right on it. Electricity or not, we will have a very well-decorated diner.
Claire
(turning back to box, saying to herself) Now, I wonder if that old generator is still hooked up, in case we need it...
Policeman
Um, excuse me, miss...
Claire
(turning back to see officer) Oh, I'm sorry, I was just wondering to myself about our generator. Didn't hear you come up.
Policeman
That's okay, ma'am. Are you the owner of this diner?
Claire
Yes I am. Name's Claire. And I know most of the officers around here; they like to come in for breakfast. Are you new in town?
Policeman
Yes, ma'am. I have heard very good things about this diner. I'll have to try it myself soon. But the reason I came over was to alert you of the ongoing blizzard condition. We are going to have to close the highway beyond this exit, since there has been a large snow drift across the road, and the conditions are still getting worse.
Claire
Oh, dear!
Policeman
The road closure might be sending a lot of stranded motorists your direction. I was wondering how long your diner was going to be open tonight.
Claire
Well, tonight we like to close right after dinner, before most of the area church services start to allow me and my staff and our patrons to get to Christmas Eve service.
Policeman
I was wondering if you might think about staying open a little later tonight. I know it might be an imposition, but we have a lot of traffic heading to that concert at the arena from this direction, and many of them might not make it. We're trying all we can to get this snow cleared out and to get adequate detours set up, but until we do, I really would like to be able to instruct travellers as to where they might go to get warm and find a good bite to eat. And this is the closest spot to the highway exit...
Claire
I understand. Well, I'll tell you what. We'll play it by ear. I'll let the boys on staff know that we might have to be open a little later, but I'll be praying for you and your fellow officers that you might be given the help and wisdom from the Lord to work through this traffic situation.
Policeman
Well that's awfully kind of you, ma'am. We'll keep at it. Thanks for all your help.
Claire
I guess I better get inside and see how things are going with the decorating, and to let the guys know what we might be in for...

Video fades, live action picks up in the stage with decoration and the next song


SONG: O LITTLE TOWN (Bill Haley style tune)


After the singing, the next scene takes place up by the highway


Vid Scene 3: Exit off of Highway

Highway noises, trucks, horns, etc, in background

Farmer John
(To policeman) What do you mean I cannot go beyond this exit? I have milk and eggs, and even a donkey in that old truck that all need to get to the farmer's market in Olivet Hills tonight. The folks up there are expecting my delivery. And I got to tell you, that donkey gets a little anxious riding in the truck. (Donkey noise) The sooner I get him up there, the better we will all be.
Policeman
I am really sorry, sir, but until further notice, we have to close the highway at this exit. You can get off here and drive right down the ramp to that nice little diner beneath the light-up star, and I am sure they can get you some good food and a warm place to wait until either we clear this road or set up some adequate detours. We'll keep an officer posted down there to alert you of our progress.
Farmer
Fine. I just hope you guys can get this all figured out before my donkey gets too ancy. (Donkey noise) Oh, look, another stranded traveler wants some information.
Trucker Noah Mack
(camera pans/cuts over to Farmer and Noah) Hey, what is going on up here? I am trying to get on past Kidron Springs with my shipment of sheep, and they are telling me the road is closing.
Farmer
The officer says there is a big snow drift that is taking a long time to clear, and that the conditions are getting hazardous. It looks like you and I are stranded here for the time being.
Trucker Noah
But what about my sheep? They'll freeze to death out here! Oh, what a disaster! I so hate snow and winter!
Policeman
(cut to, now Claire has joined) Well, I'm sorry sir, but like I was saying to this other gentleman, there is a nice diner just down there where you can get food and warmth. (seeing Claire) Oh, and this young lady here runs the place. She might be able to tell you what she can do for your sheep and your donkey.
Claire
Hello again, officer. I was just coming up here to see how things are going on with this blizzard situation.
Policeman
Well, I have two potential customers for you. But they have some concerns about their freight being stranded out in the cold.
Claire
Well, gentlemen, why don't you just follow me back down toward my diner, and we'll find a place to park your farm truck and your rig, and we'll get you some good food and a place to stay warm. My name's Claire, by the way, and I'll be happy to help you out with whatever you might need this evening, considering the circumstances.
Policeman
Thanks again, ma'am (exits out of frame)
Claire
That reminds me, are either of you familiar with how the shepherds came to see the baby Jesus on that first Christmas?
Farmer
(entering frame with claire) Why, I believe that the angels appeared in the heavens and told the shepherds about Jesus and where they might find him.
Claire
That's right, and those shepherds responded: "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:15 ESV) It seems kind of interesting that I should meet you two gentleman, one of you handling sheep, of all things, on Christmas eve, and be inviting you over to my diner, in a little town called Bethlehem.
Farmer
That is kind of funny how that all sounds, I guess. You know I haven't been to church in so long. I remember growing up though, and singing all of those great Christmas songs, and hearing about the baby Jesus at Christmas.
Claire
Well, maybe your being stranded here tonight will not be a loss after all. You might have an opportunity to get reacquainted with the wonderful good news of what Christmas is all about. We'll be singing carols down in the diner. Come on and join us.
Farmer
Doesn't seem like we can do much else right now. How about you, there, buddy.
Noah
(cut to) Sure, I'll come along. At least I'll get a place to park my rig off of this road for now. Name's Noah, by the way, Noah Mack.
Farmer
(now on scene with Noah) Happy to meet you, Noah. You can call me Farmer John.

IMPORTANT BIBLE CONNECTION; read carefully, with articulation

Claire
(on frame by herself, talking to the men) You know, after visiting with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, the Bible tells us that "the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen". There was much for them to tell to others about the great news of the arrival of Jesus. I'll tell you more on the way. And when we get down there, we'll start the carol sing with "Go Tell It On the Mountain" Seems like that should be appropriate.

Video fades out, we next join the story with the live-action singing (in the stage) of Go Tell It...


SONG: GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN (Beach Boys style tune)


The next scene takes place right outside the diner; the trucks from the previous scene are parked outside...


Vid Scene 4: Diner Exterior with Truck

Leon (outside with Joe)
I wonder if Farmer John's donkey will actually like these scraps he asked us to take out here. And the sheep in Noah's truck, I don't know about what one would normally feed sheep. (over at truck) Let's see, we are just supposed to open this latch, and put the plate in, and... (donkey noises) Whoa, wait, down boy, down boy. Hey! Run away donkey! Run away donkey!
Farmer
(entering scene) What is all the comotion, all you needed to do was place that plate inside the crate and close the latch and...
Leon
I think the donkey wanted out!
Farmer
Oh no, and he's heading over to Noah's truck. I told that officer up on the highway that stranding this donkey out here in the cold was not a good idea!
Leon
What do we do?
Farmer
Just let him run himself out. He won't go too far away from he food. He should be harmless (pauses) unless...
Leon
Unless what?
Farmer
Unless he kicks the latch off the back of Noah's truck! (sheep noises)
Leon
The sheep are out!
Farmer
And they are all heading this way. Boys, we had better get out of the way. (possible noises, maybe some animals going across the screen) They are heading into the diner.
Leon
That could be trouble. (the following goes with alternative transition under '-- OR --' below) Claire is just about to do her yearly Christmas reading from the gospel of Luke! I don't think she was expecting real live animals to accompany the reading!
Farmer
We had better go follow them.

Fade out, the animals are inside, singing Mary's Baby

-- OR --

Cut to live, inside, Claire speaking about the stable; the animals come in and start singing Mary's Baby

Claire
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:4-7 ESV)


SONG: MARY'S BABY (to tune of Sherry, by Four Seasons)


Claire is outside with the Farmer as the animals are being corralled back up


Vid Scene 5: Diner Exterior (with star visible)

Famer
Again, I am so sorry for all of this. I thought your fella there would be able to feed my donkey without any problems. I guess I should have done it myself...
Claire
No, no. I think it was actually kind of funny. I mean, here we have on this snowy Christmas Eve, we have a farmer with a donkey and a trucker hauling sheep, and just as I was reading from Luke's gospel about how there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn, how they had to lay the baby Jesus in a manager, in come the animals, as if to accentuate my reading with some real live visual aids. It was actually pretty amazing.
Farmer
Well, you sure are kind to say so. But I don't suppose the health board would be to happy to find animals hanging out in a diner.
Claire
Well, that is why the large storage shed out back is a better place to house all these animals. It has heat, and they should be comfortable in there until we can get you guys back on the road.
Farmer
You know, I was looking at that star you have up over the diner, and it got me to thinking... If Noah the trucker and I are kind of like the shepherds from Luke's gospel, along with our animals, isn't there also another group of visitors that came to see Jesus?
Claire
Yes, in the gospel of Matthew we read that some learned men from the east, known as the Magi or wise men, came to brings gifts to the baby Jesus of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold. Gifts fit for a king - because Jesus as the Son of God was the King of Kings. His coming fulfilled age-long promises told in the Old Testament of the Bible, and the star was a sign to the travelers about where they would find King Jesus, the one who was born King of the Jews.

Cut to professors who have walked up

Paul
Excuse me, my two professor colleagues and I were traveling from East University, and we got waylayed by this blizzard. Seeing the star you have up there, we thought we might be able to get some help.
Claire
(cut to Claire, somewhat astonished) You don't say...
Paul
(cut back) We were on our way to Western College for a very important symposium over the holiday break, a meeting of the (emphasizing) great minds of academia, and well, (somewhat deflated) we can't seem to get (EDIT: CUT THIS OUT - NO GPS IN 1958) our GPS to navigate us around this road block.
Claire
(cut to Claire, Farmer has left) I see...
Paul
(coming over to Claire into shot) Perhaps you could give us some assistance...
Claire
(getting over the amazing "coincidence" of the three scholars showing up at that moment) Well, I can invite you in for some warm food and beverages, plus some great fellowship with some of our regular patrons and others who have come in off the road.
Paul
(hesitating) Well, we really do need to find some way around this closed highway to get to our very important meeting of...
Claire
...the great minds of acedemia, yeah I understand.
Paul
Right, we should be getting on our way...
Claire
But the police are still working on setting up a suitable detour, and the road crews are working on the highway. Surely you can wait for a few hours before resuming your travels. And it is Christmas Eve, surely no meeting of academia is more important than celebrating the advent of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as we get together on Christmas Eve.
Paul
The Jesus you speak about. I have heard of him. Christians believe he is the Son of God, and that he was born of a virgin almost 2000 years ago, and that he died, was buried, but then was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. Our University has a few classes offered on Christianity and the Bible.
Claire
Well, I am glad that you know your facts, but do you really know Jesus Christ? He is far more than some facts in a text book. Yes, He was born of a virgin, but He is also the eternal Son of God, no beginning, no end. The virgin birth was His arrival into our world, as he took on human flesh. Yes, He died and was buried, but He also lived a perfect, sinless life, and took upon himself the due penalty for all of our sins and wrongs as human beings. And he did not stay dead, but He miraculously rose from the dead on the third day and then ascended into heaven some 40 days later, showing that all who trust and believe upon him will also be raised from the dead, and will live eternally with Him.
Paul
Yes, I see there are some more details of which you seem to be greatly knowledgeable. But what of this Jesus now? You still celebrate this birth which was almost 2000 years ago?
Claire
Of course! Jesus reigns today in heaven, and has promised to one day return to judge both the living and the dead. So while we celebrate His first advent almost 2000 years ago, we also await His second advent, when He will come on the clouds, a great and terrible day. Only by completely trusting Jesus Christ with a true living faith will those who are His be saved from being judged with eternal punishment on that day. The Bible really spells all of this out. Have you ever read the Bible?
Paul
Well, I have read some passages here and there, and you know, but well, I, really, uhhh... (admitting) No, I guess I really have never read it all.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT BIBLE TEACHING MOMENT; clear, careful articulation, yet still in character

Claire
You really should. You say you and your friends have all of this magnificent academic knowledge, and that can be good, but to not know of God's greatest gift to mankind in Jesus Christ... "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 ESV) (thinking) Look, this is why we are celebrating: because as believers and followers of Jesus, we trust in His righteousness alone to bring us to salvation. He lived the perfect life in the flesh that we could not, and then died in our place to take away our sins. He rose again from the dead, conquering sin and death. This is the good news of the Bible, it is "trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15 ESV) Please, come in, join us, we'll be glad to tell you more inside, out of the cold.
Paul
Okay, fine. You are singing carols tonight?
Claire
Yes
Paul
You know, there was a very favorite carol that I used to love when my grandmother would sing it as I was growing up. I believe it was called, Oh, Holy Night.

As the scene fades out, we join them inside the diner (live) singing O Holy Night


SONG: O HOLY NIGHT (three-part 50s style tune)


The next scene follows in the kitchen, as Pastor Brown comes in to offer an invitation

Farmer represents himself and Trucker Noah, and Paul represents the scholars; Saxman is also there for the band


Vid Scene 6: Diner Kitchen

Maybe some crowd noise coming from the diner out front playing in the background

Saxman
Well, it looks like the boys and I will not be making it to the arena for the concert.
Farmer
And Noah and I won't get our cargo to their destinations tonight, but at least we are all safe.
Paul
Yes, this is true, but my colleagues and I will miss the opening of the symposium, or if this weather lasts, the whole event altogether.
Claire
But with all of this going on, isn't it more important to pause and remember God's great gift in Jesus Christ? Shouldn't we spend this time to honor and worship Him?
Pastor Brown
Well, hello all. Looks like you have quite a crowd here, tonight, Claire.
Claire
Well, good evening Pastor. Yes, the diner out front is getting full, as many travelers are getting pulled off the highway due to the weather. So some of us have come back to the kitchen for a little more quiet conversation. I have been sharing with some of our new friends about the coming of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and how He is the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
Pastor Brown
Well that is great. You know, I want to invite everyone over to our church tonight for Christmas Eve, including all your new friends coming off of the highway. I am going to be preaching on God's good purposes for His people. It might be especially appropriate tonight. I would imagine there are many folks upset that they can't get through on the highway out there, and maybe they are thinking that their Christmas plans are ruined. But God always has good things planned for His people, even if we can't always understand at the time. I am reminded by what the apostle Paul says in Romans, in the eighth chapter, where he writes, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Farmer
Well, I think I have actually enjoyed my time here at the diner, and I will accept your invitation pastor. I haven't been in church for a long time. I reckon it is time to get serious again about following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Saxman
As for the band, I think some of the guys, especially Eric, have had just as much fun sharing in the carol singing with all of the new friends that we made. I don't even know if any of us will really miss not going to our gig at the arena tonight. Maybe you are right, Claire, Christmas Eve is a time to stop all this busy-ness and come to learn of and bend to worship Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Pastor
And not just on Christmas Eve friend, but every Lord's Day, that is Sunday of every week. We'd love to have you join us for church on a regular basis.
Saxman
I just might start coming, pastor.
Pastor
Well that is great, and I want to encourage you, and all of your friends in the band, into weekly attendance.
Paul
I suppose my colleagues and I could join you at Christmas Eve service tonight as well. Claire has shared many things with us from the Bible that I never really knew before. I want to learn more about this Jesus, the King of Kings.
Pastor
Well, reading the Bible is the best place to go to learn more about Jesus. When you stop over tonight for service, I'll be sure that everyone gets a Bible to take home, whoever needs one.
Paul
Well that would be greatly appreciated, Pastor.
Pastor
Okay, well, I have got to go and make my preparations. I'll see you all over at the church in 45 minutes or so?
Claire
I think we will all be there. Looks like I might be able to close up shop after all tonight and even make it to church myself. It is great how the Lord works these things out. Even with this treacherous blizzard tonight, I think this may just be my favorite Christmas to date!
Farmer
Even with our animals barging in?
Claire
Even so - that just makes it all the more memorable. How about one more song before we go. Let's join the rest of the group out in the diner and then let's head over to church!

Fades out, and to the final number, Children Go... live on the stage


SONG: CHILDREN GO WHERE I SEND THEE (tune like 'At the Hop')


-- LIVE PUPPET PROLOGUE --

(at end of video segment, lights fade up to Leon and Anna; as the video ends; wavy lines and sound effects key in audience to returning from back in time to the present day)

Grandpa
And so they went... Off to church that evening, caroling as they traveled, with a new found appreciation for the amazing miracle of the birth of Christ. So, as you can see, what might have been considered a disastrous vacation for those travelers, God turned in to a wonderful opportunity for them to be drawn in closer to Jesus Christ, to come and worship Him on Christmas Eve, reflecting on what God had done almost 2000 years before when He sent His Son, Jesus, Emmanuel, God With Us.
Anna
That is a great story, grandpa! All those people heading off to worship Jesus at church, just like the shepherds and wise men and all those others from the time of Jesus' birth in the first Bethlehem!
Grandpa
Well, Anna, it looks like we need to get going ourselves. Practice for Christmas Eve choir will be starting soon over at the church. And after that, Christmas caroling in the neighborhood.
Anna
I love caroling - to go and share the good news of Jesus Christ, singing all those favorite Christmas carols. -- pause -- Before I forget, I just wanted to tell you: Merry Christmas, grandpa.
Grandpa
And Merry Christmas to you, Anna. (Turning to audience) Merry Christmas to all of you, and may God Bless you richly this Christmas as He draws you closer to Himself through His Son, the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us join the angels in saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (quoted Luke 2:14 ESV)


OPTIONAL SONG: KING OF GLORY (by Denver and the Mile High Orchestra)

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