Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/678672
MAXINE: He had a … mishap … with one of the rams and broke his leg. He's laid up for the rest of the week. But he made me promise to only hire someone with a shepherd's heart. He's listed four requirements. WOLFGANG: Let's see what it says. (reading) Item One: "A shepherd always guides his sheep—to higher ground and greener grass." GABBY: (reading) Item Two: "A shepherd always protects his sheep— from stormy nights and those that wish them harm." HEYWOOD: (reading) Item Three: "A shepherd always loves his God—for as it is written: 'God tends His flock like a shepherd, and carries the lambs close to his heart.' Thus says Isaiah." (looking up) So who is this Isaiah guy? Is he on a shepherd licensing board somewhere? MAXINE: (laughing) Not exactly. Isaiah was a prophet, which means he talked about what was going to happen in the future. There are many prophets who still talk to us today because their words were written down. One of the prophets even talks about this town. WOLFGANG: You mean Bethlehem? What does it say? MAXINE: Just read the fourth job requirement and you'll find out. WOLFGANG: Okay. (reading) Item Four: "You will become a Bethlehem shepherd, and a Bethlehem shepherd is always praying and watching for the coming Messiah—which means, 'God's Chosen One.' The prophet Micah said: 'But you, Bethlehem, out of you will come a ruler over Israel … He will shepherd His flock … and He will be their peace.'" (looking up, quietly) Wow. (music begins to "Here in Bethlehem") MAXINE: Keep reading. Enoch wrote down everything the prophets said about the Messiah. He read them so often, he said they were "written on his heart." (During the song, the Woolton family continues to read the papers in their hands.) SONG: "HERE IN BETHLEHEM" 26 For Preview Only