Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: https://read.jwpepper.com/i/519438
De-de-de-de-de-de… Ooooh tiding of comfort and joy, comfort and joy… (turning the page, dramaticallyt) Fall! On your knees…! (quickly reverting to his more reserved self) As you were, Lieutenant. As you were. (sitting, puts the caroling book on the growing stack) At least I'm able to make one contribution to the collection – which is now almost entirely covering my one piece of furniture. (Reaching into the trunk, he extracts an old book with an envelope stuck into it.) This book looks like it's been through a battle or two. (opens the book and reads the title page) The Holy Bible, King James Version; presented to Robert James on his promotion from sixth grade; June 1, 1957. (taking the letter and looking at it) Wait a minute. This letter is addressed to me… (KYLE opens the letter and begins to read aloud. As he does, lights come up on the figure of REV. JAMES; he holds a Bible in his hand. His lines ini- tially overlap with KYLE's, then he speaks on his own.) KYLE: December 24th. Dear Rev. Hargrove. That's right, Lieutenant, (overlapping) (I said Rev. Hargrove. I know you have a semester of seminary left.) REV. JAMES: (I said Rev. Hargrove. I know you have a semester of seminary left.) (now speaking alone) I'm a believer in counting chickens before they're hatched. It's a good rule to live by – especially in the part of the world you're in now. You know, you're a lucky man. KYLE: (to himself) Why do people keep saying that? REV. JAMES: You may wonder why people keep saying that. (KYLE looks up, startled.) They keep saying it because it's true – you are lucky. Back in 1973 I had to wait two years after seminary before I received my assignment. I flew out in December – just like you. And I spent Christmas alone in an empty barracks – just like you. And just 122 For Preview Only