The Last Noel
Opening Song -- Welcome to Bethlehem
Narrator Sophie – Late one starry night, three weary travelers journeyed to Bethlehem: Joseph, his wife, Mary, and their donkey, Jody.
When they finally got to Bethlehem, they were amazed by the crowds of people that had come to be counted in the census. Looking for a place to sleep, they knocked on the door of one inn after another, but all of them were full. Desperate for rest, Donkey Jody began to grumble.
Donkey Jody(Ellie) – Why did we have to walk all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted? We could have been counted at home. Even I can count! One, Two… Many! There are TOO MANY creatures in this town! And we are LAST.
Mary (Lauren) – Joseph, I’m sorry I had to keep stopping to rest. Poor Donkey Jody – that’s a long journey when you’re carrying a heavy bundle.
Joseph(Merrick) – Here’s one more place we can try, and it looks like it’s our LAST resort.
Donkey Jody(Ellie) – The LAST resort! Oh, why didn’t we phone ahead for a reservation?
Joseph(Merrick) – Innkeeper, may we please have a room for the night? As you can see, my wife is about to have a baby.
Innkeeper(Elizabeth Field) – Oh, I’m so sorry, I just gave out the LAST room! But, wait, I’ve got a nice warm spot – just go to the LAST stable on the left.
Joseph (Merrick) – Oh, thank you!
Innkeeper(Elizabeth F.) – Yes, well, I’ll see you there in a few minutes – it’s almost time to feed the animals again.
Narrator Sophie – As Joseph, Mary and Donkey Jody entered the stable, the animals circled around Mary, warming her with their love. At last, Mary gave birth to her Son. She and Joseph named him Jesus, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths.
Song – He Is Born
Narrator Daniel – As the turtle doves cooed a lullaby from the rafters above, all the animals admired the tiny new baby. Then Cowsandra said:
Cowsandra (Isabella) – Oh, He’s so perfect! Little humans are SO cute.
Cowdy (Kate) – Where is she going to put the little guy? Did they bring a cradle, or a bassinet or something?
Cowsandra (Isabella) – What is she Dooing? She can’t lay that brand new baby in the manger with nothing to warm him! Cowdy, help me out here! This is the LAST straw!
Cowdy (Kate) – Oh no – the LAST straw! Attention, Calling all cows! Tell the Innkeeper we need MOOO ore straw!
All Cows – MOOOooo! MOOOooo!
Song – Hurry With the Straw
Narrator Robert – Hearing the animals moo and whinny, the Innkeeper hurried in with a fresh clean bundle of straw. Seeing the baby in the manger, she quietly laid the bundle on the stable floor, then bowed before the Christ Child. Cowsandra picked up some straw and lovingly placed it around Jesus.
Song – Friendly Beast Medley – Isabella Solo
Narrator Robert – As Jesus slept comfortably in the manger, tucked snugly in the soft, warm straw, a heavenly angel choir appeared in the countryside around Bethlehem, singing “Glory to God” and “Noel!” A bright light shone all around, as one of the angels announced the birth of God’s Son in a humble stable in Bethlehem. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see God’s son, Jesus.
Woolian (Elizabeth Kelly) – Pssst! Shiloh! Did you see those really, really, bright creatures with wings up in the sky?
Shiloh (Wes) – Yes, Woolian. They were angels.
Woolian (Elizabeth K) – Well, that’s not something you see everynight!
Shiloh (Wes) – No, Woolian, that was a once-in-a-lifetime -- of – the – Universe – event.
Woolian (Elizabeth K) – Did you hear what they sang? First one Noel, and then another! What exactly does that mean – Noel?
Shiloh (Wes) – Noel means “Christmas,” Woolian. The angels were singing of the birth of Christ, who is God’s Son. So this is Christ’s birthday – Christmas!
Woolian (Elizabeth K) – A brand new Baby – let’s go see! Let’s get the rest of the flock and go to Bethlehem! Let’s follow the shepherds, and -- and SEE this thing which has come to pass!
Shiloh(Wes) – To BAAA-thlehem, Woolian? L-l-leave our field? Do you really think we’d be welcome?
Woolian (Elizabeth K) – Are you kidding? It’s a stable! We’re sheep! Of course we’ll be welcome, every LAST one of us!
Shiloh (Wes) – But…but…
Woolian (Elizabeth K) Shiloh, I’m going, if it’s the LAST thing I do, and I’m gonna need your help to find my way BAAA-ck!
Song – Glorious Noel Medley – Frances Solo
Narrator Daniel – In a distant Orient land, some very wise kings were studying the prophet’s story about the coming Messiah, and hoping for a sign. They had prepared for a long journey and packed up their Camel, Lot, with provisions for the trip and presents for the newborn King.
Camel Lot (Renee) – We have been walking and walking. Are we there yet? These kings could use some divine guidance.
King 1 (Spencer) – I wish the stars would come out… it’s so hard to read by the twighlight’s LAST gleaming.
King 2 (George) – Hmmm. According to this, I’m pretty sure we need to head THIS way (left).
King 3 (Harriman) -- Hmmm. I think we need to head THAT way (right). We need some divine guidance!
Camel Lot (Renee) – A-hem-hem-hem.
King 1 (Spencer) – What’s up Camel Lot? Would you look at that star in the East! I’ve never seen anything like it!
King 2 (George) – I’ve just had an Epiphany! We need to follow that star!
Song – Joy In Our Hearts – Solo Renee
Narrator Sophie – With the arrival of the kings and Camel Lot, the stable in Bethlehem was getting pretty crowded. All of God’s creatures, human and animal, gazed quietly upon the Christ Child until Cowsandra could no longer contain her excitement.
Cowsandra (Ella) – Oh, this is so MOOO-ving! God’s son – right here in OUR stable! This is the LAST place you’d expect the King of kings to be born.Look around! Everyone is welcome here; kings, shepherds, even us! ANY one can worship this heavenly King! God’s Son has come, not just for royalty, but for everyone – rich people, poor people, princes, peasants; folks living today and folks not even born yet!
Woolian (Kathleen) – Shiloh, look at the presents – gold, frankincense, myrrh!!!
Shiloh (Wes) – I’m so glad God laid it on the hearts of those kings to bring gifts. This poor family will need these to provide for the Christ Child.
Woolian (Kathleen) – I’ve got a GREAT idea – we should celebrate with presents every year at this time! Just think of it – we’ll be reminded of this First Noel, and the gifts God gave US when He sent Jesus!
Shiloh (Wes) – Oh, trust me, this Child’s birthday will be remembered and celebrated throughout the years – throughout the universe – throughout eternity! This may be the First Noel, but it certainly won’t be the LAST Noel.
Song – The Last Noel