Calvin Synod Herald, 1975 (75. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1975-11-01 / 11-12. szám
4 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD JOSEPH: (to Mary) I wouldn’t care so much for myself, for I could possibly sleep even in some stable. But you need rest and warmth. What shall we do? MARY: If it must be, I shall be content to rest in a stable with you. Let us go, therefore, for I feel that my time is near at hand. (The two exit.) SCENE II. Field Near Bethlehem NARRATOR: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” CHORUS: The first Noel the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! SHEPHERDS (seated around a fire in a field) 1st SHEPHERD: The night is clear and cool. There are millions of stars in the sky. How beautifully David, the great shepherd, had put into words the things he had seen: “The heavens declare the glory of God . . . the moon and stars rule by night . . . He telleth the number of stars; he calleth them all by their names.” — It seems to me that each star has a message it wants to tell us. If we could only hear as well as see! The psalmist said: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people. Surely his salvation is nigh.” 2nd SHEPHERD: Our lives may be simple and unimportant in the life of the world, but I wouldn’t trade my work for any other occupation. Our sheep seem to understand our voice and seem to know that we protect them from the wild beasts. I love them all! My heart almost breaks when we have to sell them to be slaughtered. I can truly understand and appreciate the words of the great prophet Isaiah, who, in speaking of the Lord, said: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” 3rd SHEPHERD: At night, when the sheep are at rest and peaceful, I, too, often think of David, when he was a shepherd boy in these same hills, singing his beautiful psalms. Though I have no voice to sing, I often repeat the 23rd psalm. Whenever I do, I feel peace in my heart and know that my life and the life of my sheep are in the safe-keeping of the Lord God. Wouldn’t you like to say the 23rd psalm with me? THE OTHER SHEPHERDS: We shall be happy to do so! SHEPHERDS TOGETHER: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 4th SHEPHERD: The city yonder is already at rest. During the day there were some children playing in the field. They told me that many strangers were coming into the city from all parts of the country to register for taxation according to the decree of Caesar Augustus. I would like to go to town in the morning to see these people and find out how they live in other parts of the country. If only our nation could be free so that we wouldn’t have to pay taxes to Caesar! 5th SHEPHERD: We all feel the same way as you do! Furthermore, I do hope that the prophecy of Isaiah, concerning the Messiah, will soon be fulfilled! Do you recall this passage? — “For unto us a child is bom, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” 6th SHEPHERD: We all hope and pray for this, but only God knows when it will come to pass. It is now quite late, and I’m tired and sleepy. One of you stay awake and watch the flock, while the rest of us try to get a little sleep. (3rd SHEPHERD stands up, takes a look at the sheep, then comes back and sits by the fire; the rest recline.) CHORUS: Shepherds, shake off your drowsy sleep, Rise and leave your silly sheep; Angels from heav’n around loud singing Tidings of great joy are bringing. Shepherds! the chorus come and swell! Sing Noel, O sing Noel! Cometh at length the age of peace, Strife and sorrow now shall cease; Prophets foretold the wondrous story Of this Heav’n-bom Prince of Glory. Shepherds! the chorus come and swell! Sing Noel, O sing Noel! (Besancon Carol) (The scene becomes light; the shepherds awake, trembling:) NARRATOR: “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them: ANGEL: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
