the dawning light of hope
TRANSCRIPT
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The Dawning Light of HopeA Christmas Drama by Jeff Carter
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*1* EXT. VILLAGE WALL -AN UNEASY PEACE
A woman enters, staggering beneath the weight of the heavy load upon her shoulders. She crosses the
stage. Suddenly she collapses in a heap.
ELISHEBA
(a cry of overwhelming grief)
Aaaaaaaaah!
She lays there sobbing. For several moments there is no one to comfort her. Then MIRA enters
rushing to comfort and help her.
MIRA
Oh, my friend, my dear! What has happened to you?
The sobbing continues
ELISHEBAMy sister in Besara.
MIRA
(Gasp)
No!
ELISHEBA
Yes yes she and her children and Yakov, her husband. All of them, dead
And Yakov among the crucified.
MIRAOh, my sister, my love, my dear
The two women embrace and weep together. YONA enters.
YONA
Mira, Elisheba! What is this?
MIRA
Elishebas received word that her sister is among the dead at Besara.
YONA visibly bristles at this news. He is enraged.
YONA
Murdered by those Roman dogs!
He sputters and fumes for a moment flummoxed by his rage. Then, suddenly, he sets up a pile of
stones downstage, making an impromptu platform.
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YONA
(Shouting)
Cry loudly! Do not hold back! I will raise my voice like a trumpet!
MIRA
What are you doing? Stop that!
YONA
(to MIRA)
I cannot be silent. I will not be silent. No.
(Shouting again)
I will cry loudly. I will not hold back. I will raise my voice like a trumpet.
I will raise my voice like a trumpet to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to
undo the bands of the yoke. TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE!
A crowd is beginning to gather around YONA.
YONAI am not a desperate man. No. I am not a desperate man; I have hope.
But these are desperate times, and the people of God are groaning under
the weight of them.
YONA
Listen! The people are not silent! Elisheba, she weeps for the dead. She
does not leave it for the ground to cry out for them. Listen to her and raise
up your cry with her!
YONA
How long must our children be killed? How long? How long must our sons,and fathers, and brothers be imprisoned, for how long? How long will your
daughters, and sisters, and mothers live in fear? How long?
The crowd is becoming more animated. They punctuate his speech with their own shouts.
YONA
When Pompey led the armies of Rome into Jerusalem twelve thousand
Sons of Abraham were slaughtered to demonstrate their power. And now,
another demonstration of their rule this time in Besara, another demonstration
of their mighty empire.
YONA
But I say: No kingdom but Gods. No Lord but the Lord of Heaven! The Messiah
of God will come and with him, the Revolution. He will break them from the
inside. He will tear them from their thrones. He will crush their skulls with
his iron scepter and bring Justice to this land.
The crowd cheers. But MIRA and ELISHEBA drag YONA down from his platform and
away from the crowd.
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MIRA
Yona! You must stop this.
YONA
I cannot, Mira. For Elisheba, I cannot
ELISHEBA
Please, Yona. I would not have you do this. I would not have you die too. Please.
Just then ROMAN CENTURION and several ROMAN SOLDIERS enter.
ROMAN CENTURION
Disperse now! Disperse peaceably or you will feel our swords.
The crowd scatters in fear.
MIRAQuick now, Yona, Elisheba. We must go now.
ROMAN CENTURION
(to the crowd as they flee and to the audience)
We will subdue this land. You can be sure of that.
END SCENE
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*2* INT. A SMALL HOUSE DAYMARY, MOTHER OF GOD, DAUGHTER OF REVOLUTION
Mary is sewing, patching a torn shirt. She hums a tune as she works.
MARY
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, let all Israel sing,
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, all of our enemies
would have swallowed us alive
She breaks off singing and sewing to look around. She is startledas if shed heard something- but
theres nothing
MARY
all of our enemies would have swallowed us alive, when their
anger was burning against us
There it is again. This time she puts down her sewing and stands. Suddenly there is a bright light and
the sound of birds.
MARY
Ruach Elohim spirit of God!
ANGEL
(remains unseen)
Do not be afraid, Mary.
The bird sounds get louder. We see MARY speaking to this ANGEL (whom we do not see) but we cannot
hear her. She bows her head, shakes her head in confusion, nods, and finally bows low. The light fades.
The bird sounds cease.
MARY remains motionless until MIRA, ELISHEBA, and YONA rush in.
MARY
Mira! Elisheba! Yona! What is it? What is happening?
MIRA
It was the Romans. We had to run. May we stay here for a while?
MARY
Yes. Yes, of course. Was there violence?
MIRA
No, not here. But Elishebas sister and her family were killed in Besara.
YONA
The blood that theyve shed will come down on them in
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MIRA
Not now, Yona
(to MARY)
He nearly brought the soldiers down on us with his shouting. Thats why we ran.
YONA
These Romans cannot
ELISHEBA takes his hand and YONA stops his rant. She holds him.
MARY
Through it all he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servants
and his mercy is for those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in their
proud thoughts. He will bring down the powerful from their thrones and
will lift up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent
the rich away empty and begging.
MIRA
Gracious! Mary, you sound like Yona. Whats come over you?
MARY
The Ruach Elohim the spirit of God, he has overshadowed me.
ELISHEBA reaches out to place her had gently over MARYs womb, and with her eyes, she asks the
question. MARY nods.
END SCENE
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*3* EXT. VILLAGE WALLJOSEPHS PRAYER
JOSEPH is praying as he walks his prayer shawl is drawn up over his head.
JOSEPH
Oh Lord, spirit of God, I am burdened for your people, your children
who groan under their oppression, your children who have no good news
to comfort them. They are broken-hearted and held captive. They mourn.
They bury their children and they mourn.
JOSEPH
Oh Lord, God of heaven, comfort your children. Give them garlands
of flowers to wear instead of ashes and sackcloth. Make us to be oaks of
Righteousness, planted by streams of water to display your glory. Build
up our ancient ruins, raise up our devastations, repair our ruined cities,
so that strangers from far off will know your glory.
JOSEPHOur shame is too much, our dishonor is overwhelming. But you, Oh Lord,
you love justice. You hate robbery and evil. You despise murder and cruelty.
Give them that do evil their recompense. Proclaim a day of vengeance for
our oppressors. Proclaim a year of Jubilee for your people, a year of your favor.
JOSEPH
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God
for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation; he has covered me with
the robe of righteousness. As a garden grows with flowers of beauty, so the
Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations.
There is a light and the sound of birds. JOSEPH turns toward them.
ANGEL
(remains unseen)
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid
The bird sounds grow louder, drowning out the ANGELs voice. JOSPEH responds to the unseen ANGEL.
END SCENE
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*4* EXT. VILLAGE WALL DAYMORE TROUBLE
A group of ROMAN SOLDIERS is congregating beneath the archway. They are laughing and generally
trying to make the best of an unpleasant duty. A few individuals pass by, going to and from the market.
SOLDIER 1
This heat never ends.
SOLDIER 2
Neither do your complaints. Youve been going on about the heat all morning
Just give it over, will you?
SOLDIER 1
Its just not this hot at home.
SOLDIER 2
But youre not at home, are you? And if youd like to be alive to return home
some day, then keep focused here. These dagger-men of the zealot insurgentsconceal their daggers within their robes.
YONA enters, heading for the archway, but he stops short when he sees the SOLDIERS. He hesitates,
and then decides to proceed. The SOLDIERS have noticed him as well. They are suspicious.
SOLDIER 2
Hold there, Jew!
YONA
What have I done? Im heading to the market. Let me pass.
SOLDIER 2
I said hold there.
(to the other SOLDIERS)
Search him. Careful. He may be concealing a weapon.
The SOLDIERS roughly search YONA and his bag, over his loud protestations.
YONA
I carry no weapons. Ive done nothing. Youve no right
SOLDIER 1
Hes clean.
YONA
Not anymore, Im not. You filthy Romans have made me unclean,
unfit for worship at the Temple.
SOLDIER 1 strikes him across the face. YONA falls to the dust.
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SOLDIER 2
You d do well to keep your rebellious rants to yourself, boy.
Rome is more than strong enough to take care of whelps like you.
YONA
Its you who should watch out. When the Messiah comes he will bring
justice for his people and vengeance for their enemies.
SOLDIER 2
You just dont know whats good for you, do you?
(to the other SOLDIERS)
Take him.
The ROMAN CENTURION enters. The SOLDIERS stand alert and at attention.
CENTURION
Report! What is going on here?
SOLDIER 2
This boy is being detained.
CENTURION
Yes. Ive seen him before, earlier, shouting in thestreet, causing a disturbance.
Youve done well. Take him away.
The SOLDIERS drag YONA away.
END SCENE
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*5* EXT. THE VILLAGE WALLCAESARS DECREE
CENTURION
(reading a proclamation from a scroll)
Be it known by one and all that Providence, which has ordered all
things and is deeply interested in our life, has set everything in most
perfect order by giving us Caesar Augustus, who she filled with virtue
That he might benefit humankind, sending him as a savior, both for us
and for our descendents, that he might end war and arrange all things
for great prosperity.
CENTURION
Thus be it known that Caesar Augustus has issued a decree that a census
shall be taken of those persons residing in the far reaches of his realm.
Everyone everywhere will be registered for purposes of taxation. Those who
refuse to be registered will be subject to his imperial and divine wrath.
The CENTURION nails the proclamation to a pillar for all to see, then exits.
JOSEPH and MARY enter. MARY is visibly pregnant now. They are frightened, but calm. They walk to
the posted proclamation.
MARY
Oh, Joseph
JOSPEH
Mary.
MARYWhat will we do? What will
JOSEPH
We will be registered and we will be taxed, and Rome will rule as Rome
has ruled until the Lord of Heaven is pleased to declare a year of Jubillee
for his people.
MARY
Where will we go?
JOSEPH
To Bethlehem. I have family there.
MARY
Bethlehem. Thats where hell be born, then. Bethlehems not the least
among the rulers of Judah
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JOSEPH
No. Not the least. From Bethlehem comes the shepherd of Israel.
They exit together.
END SCENE
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*6* INT. A DARKENED CELLYONA IN CAPTIVITY
YONA is huddled in a small dark cell. He prays:
YONA
Surely the Lords mercies are not over. Surely his deeds of faithful
love are not exhausted; every morning they are renewed. Great, great
is his faithfulness. The Lord is all I have I say to myself, and so I
shall put my hope in him.
YONA
When the prisoners of a country are crushed underfoot, when human
rights are overridden in defiance of the Most High, when someone is cheated
of Justice, does the Lord not see it?
YONA
Oh Lord, we need your anointed; we need your proclamation to soothe
our heats, and to free the captives. Proclaim the year of your favor,Oh, Lord, to comfort those of us who mourn.
YONA
I will exult for joy in the Lord, my soul will rejoice in my God, for he
has clothed me in garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in a cloak
of saving justice, like a bridegroom wearing his garland, like a bride
adorned with her jewels. For as the earth sends up its shoots
and a garden makes seeds to sprout, so the Lord God makes saving
justice and praise to spring up, even in the sight of the empire.
There is the sudden sound of jangling keys (and, softly, birds) then a light, and the creak of hinges.MIRA enters.
MIRA
Yona Yona! Get up. Youre being released.
YONA
What? Whats going on?
A ROMAN SOLDIER enters, brushing MIRA out of the way.
SOLDIER 1
You heard her! Youre being released. Now get up, get out and
stay out of trouble, or it will be the cross for you.
YONA and MIRA leave the cell. The SOLDIER exits.
YONA
Mira, thank you. I dont know how you did it, but thank you,
and praise God. Praise God.
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MIRA
Yona, listen to me now. Theres been a decree from Rome
YONA is about to react with anger and outrage, but MIRA interrupts him.
MIRA
Now is not the time, Yona. We are leaving today, traveling with Joseph
and Mary to register for the census.
YONA
(reverently whispering, quoting the prophet)
Hence the Lord will abandon them but only until she who is in labor
gives birth
MIRA
What? Yona, are you listening? Were leaving today.
YONA
Yes. Yes. Bethlehem. Today. Lets be on our way.
They exit.
END SCENE
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*7* EXT. ROADSIDEON THE ROAD
MIRA is helping the CHILDREN to pack. Sounds of travelers, camels, donkeys, etc
MIRA
Hurry now. Well be leaving as soon as the others arrive.
CHILD 1
But why?
CHILD 2
I dont wanna go.
CHILD 1
Me neither.
MIRA
We go to Bethlehem because the Emperor says that we must.
CHILD 1
The Emperor? Whos that?
MIRA
Hes the one whose soldiers march in our streets.
CHILD 1
But why?
MIRAWhat?
CHILD 1
Why?
MIRA
Why what?
CHILD 1
Why do we have to go?
CHILD 2
Because the Emperor said we have to and if we dont hell send
the soldiers after us to kill us!
CHILD 1 cringes in fear.
MIRA
Stop it! Stop it now, both of you.
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MIRA notices that CHILD 3 (RACHEL) has been silent and withdrawn.
MIRA
(to RACHEL)
Rachel? Are you okay, little one?
RACHEL
I suppose.
MIRA
Are you scared of the soldiers?
RACHEL
No. Im sad, I guess.
JOSEPH and MARY arrive with ELISHEBA. The CHILDREN dance and jump in excitement.
MIRA
Joseph, Mary, Elisheba!
MARY
Mira, dear sister.
MIRA
The children are ready. When do we leave?
JOSEPH
We are waiting for Yona, are we not?
ELISHEBA
Yes, Joseph. We wait for Yona.
JOSEPH
(disgruntled)
Yona
MARY
He is my cousin, Joseph. We will wait for him.
JOSEPH
(still disgruntled)
Yona
YONA arrives. The CHILDREN jump and dance again.
CHILDREN
Yona! Yona!
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MIRA
Yona! We were so worried.
MIRA hugs YONA
JOSEPH
(still slightly disgruntled)
Yona it is good to see you. We should be on our way now.
They all gather their packs and exit.
END SCENE
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*8* EXT. ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROADTHE CHILDREN OF THE ROAD
The travelers have been walking for some time now and the CHILDREN are tired.
MARY
Joseph. Joseph. The children are tired.
MIRA
And Elisheba too. We could use a rest.
JOSEPH
(looks at the road ahead)
All right. We can stop here for a while. Yon and I will go a bit further.
Theres a well just there ahead.
MARY
Thank you, Joseph.
ELISHEBA
Yes, thank you, Joseph. You are a good man.
JOSEPH
(nods)
Thank you. Come Yona.
JOSPEH and YONA exit.
MIRA and MARY help to make ELISHEBA comfortable. They spread a blanket for her and lower her
gently to the ground. MIRA then helps the pregnant MARY to sit as well. The CHILDREN flop to theground.
CHILD 1
Are we there yet?
CHILD 2
Im tired. How much longer is it to Bethlehem?
CHILD 1
Im thirsty.
CHILD 2
Joseph and Yona went on up to the well. Theyll bring back some water.
RACHEL
(softly at first)
I waited patiently for the Lord
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MARY
Whats that, Rachel?
RACHEL
(louder now)
I waited patiently for the Lord
ELISHEBA and MIRA have heard her now. They turn to RACHEL.
ELISHEBA
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
CHILDREN, MARY, ELISHEBA, and MIRA
He lifted me up from the pit, up from the miry clay. He placed my feet
upon the rock and made my footsteps firm. I will sing, sing a new song
to the Lord.
There is a pause as they consider the words they have just spoken.
ELISHEBA
Thank you, Rachel.
JOSEPH and YONA enter. They are nervous and jumpy.
JOSPEH
Up. Everyone up. Were going now.
MARY
What is it, Joseph? Joseph?(when he doesnt respond)
Yona? Tell me
YONA
There are soldiers on the road. We should go now. Its best that
we dont linger here.
The band of travelers get up to their feet despite their aches and pains and thirst and continue their
journey. They all exit.
END SCENE
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*9* EXT. NIGHTA NEW SON OF DAVID
The travelers have arrived finally. They are exhausted. They pause before entering the village.
JOSEPH
But you Bethlehem, the least of the clans of Judah, from you will come
the future ruler of Israel.
MARY takes his arm. The CHILDREN gather close.
ELISHEBA
Sing to God and praise his name. Praise the one who rides upon the
heavens. Cry his name into the wind.
MIRA
He cannot be caught. He cannot be fled.
YONAAll the clanking footgear, all the soldiers bloodied armor, will be
burnt; food for the flames. He will extend his dominion in
boundless peace, he will make it secure.
MARY
And this is the name he will be given: Wonder-Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace. Jesus.
JOSEPH
Emmanuel.
There is a pause as they reflect on what is coming.
MIRA
(suddenly)
Mary! You must be exhausted. And Elisheba! Joseph, where will we stay?
JOSEPH
There is a sort of common room. Well go there.
They walk a little ways.
CHILD 1
This is Bethlehem?
JOSEPH
This is Bethlehem.
CHILD 1
I expected more.
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JOSEPH
(chuckles)
Whys that?
CHILD 1
King David came from Bethlehem. But it doesnt look like a kings home.
It looks like every other village weve passed through.
YONA
King David! Were he here, hed do something about the Romans.
MIRA
(exasperated)
Yona! Let it go. At least for a while. Please.
YONA
Its just that we were strong under David, and under his son, Solomon
ELISHEBA
(interrupting)
No. Under Solomon, the people of Israel became weak.
YONA
Thats just not true. Solomon expanded the borders of Israel. He built up an
army of chariots and horses, and he built fortresses. Israel was strong under
King Solomon, stronger than weve been since.
ELISHEBA(interrupting again)
No, and no. How did King Solomon build those fortresses?
YONA
What? How did he build them? What are you talking about?
ELISHEBA
How did King Solomon build those fortresses? Ill tell you. He built them
with the sweat and blood and the tears and groans of slaves.
YONA
Elisheba
ELISHEBA
And where did he get those chariots and horses?
YONA
Elisheba, youre tired
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ELISHEBA
Where did he get those chariots and horses? He got them from Egypt,
the land of our slavery.
ELISHEBA
We were carried out of Egypt and made the people of God to be
something different. And when we entered into the land promised to our
forefathers we became the very things we left behind.
ELISHEBA
What we need is not a return to the riches and power of King Solomon. Those
who trust in chariots and horses shall not stand; they will crumble and fall.
No. What we need is not a return to that son of David, Solomon.
JOSEHPH
A new son of David.
MARYA new son of David, the Son of the Most High, who will be given the
throne of his ancestor David. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever
and his reign will have no end.
CHILD 1
A new son of David from Bethlehem.
JOSEPH
Yes. Bethlehem.
They all exit.
END SCENE
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*10* EXT. THE FIELDS SURROUNDING BETHLEHEMSHEPHERDS AND ANGELS
The SHEPHERDS are standing / sitting together. We hear the quiet noise of their sheep as they sleep
through the night. SHEPHERD 1 is singing softly.
SHEPHERD 2
Whats that youre singing?
SHEPHERD 1
Eh?
SHEPHERD 2
What are you singing?
SHEPHERD 1
Its a song my grandfather taught me when I was young.
They stare out into the night sky
SHEPHERD 1
I wish Id paid more attention to my grandfather. I dont remember all the words.
Its about an old blind shepherd who listens to his sheep, and listens to the wind
on the hills, and listens for the voice that will call him home.
SHEPHERD 1
Then to the hills Ill lift my eyes / no matter though theyre blind
and I will walk behind / till far up in the midnight sky
the light of heaven Ill find.
SHEPHERD 1
And maybe when I am up the hill/ and stand above the steep
Ill turn around to look my fill/ on my old flock of sheep
and Ill leave them lying white and still / there on the quiet hills asleep.
SHEPHERD 3
Thats nice. The music keeps the sheep quiet.
They are silent, watching the sheep. Then suddenly there is a bright light and the sound of bird songs.
The SHEPHERDS cower in fear.
ANGEL
(remains unseen)
Do not be afraid. Do not fear. I bring to you a proclamation of
good news of great joy; a joy to be shared by the whole people.
SHEPHERD 2
(still terrified)
What is this?
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ANGEL
(unseen)
Today in the village of David, a savior has been born; the anticipated
one has been born to you. He is the Christ. He is the Lord. And this will be
a sign for you: you yourselves will find him the baby wrapped in cloths
and laid in a manger.
The light swells in brightness, the bird song is louder.
ANGEL
(unseen)
Glory to God in the highest heaven. Glory to God. And on earth, peace,
for those he favors.
The light fades, the bird song is gone. The SHEPHERDS come out of their cowering.
SHEPHERD 3Bethlehem? The Christ is in Bethlehem?
SHEPHERD 2
We must go to him. If hes come, we must go to him right away.
SHEPHERD 3
Now. Lets go now.
SHEPHERD 1
We cant go. Were shepherds.
SHEPHERD 2
Of course we can go. The sheep can mind themselves for a while. They wont
wander far.
SHEPHERD 1
No. I mean, were shepherds: were unclean. Unwelcome. The family of Gods
messiah will have nothing to do with us. We stink of the sheep we watch.
SHEPHERD 3
But the messengers came to us. God sent them to us. Dont you see?
He has proclaimed the good news to us. His kingdom has come and his heralds
have announced it to his people. We must go see this child. We must.
SHEPHERD 2
Lets go to Bethlehem to see the child, to see the one who brings
the kingdom of God.
SHEPHERD 1
But
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SHEPHERD 3
We will be welcomed there. We will be loved. Come. Lets go.
SHEPHERDS 2 and 3 stand to leave. SHEPHERD 1 hesitates, but then joins them. They all exit.
END SCENE
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*11* INT. A HOUSE IN BETHLEHEM-JOSEPH IS WARNED IN A DREAM
MARY is asleep. JOSEPH paces while holding the infant, Jesus. JOSEPH prays for his son.
JOSEPH
Hes a shoot from the stock of Jesse, Lord; give him the spirit of wisdom
and insight, Lord God. Give him the spirit of counsel and power, the
spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. Let his inspiration lie in fearing you.
Let him judge with integrity and give fair sentence for the weak and humble.|
Let uprightness be the belt around his waist, and constancy to gird his hips.
He places the child in the arms of MARY. Then he prepares himself for sleep. He lies down. Soon he is
asleep as well.
After a moment, a light appears and the sound of birds.
ANGEL
(unseen)Joseph. Joseph. Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape
into Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to return. Herod intends to search for the
child, and will kill him. Get up. Escape into Egypt. I will call him out of Egypt
when it is safe.
The light fades, the bird songs fade. JOSEPH awakes. He sits up suddenly and then rises from the bed.
JOSEPH
Egypt. Mary! Mary! Get up. We must go.
MARYJoseph? Whats wrong? What are you saying?
JOSEPH
We must go. Tonight. To Egypt. King Herod is searching to kill the child.
We must go. Gather up what we need. I will tell the others.
JOSEPH exits. MARY gathers up their meager belongings. After a few moments JOSEPH returns
followed by MIRA and YONA.
YONA
Joseph, stop! Tell us whats going on. Youre leaving us in the middle of the
night for Egypt?
JOSEPH
I was warned to flee that Herod is going to kill the child if we stay. In Egypt
we will be safe.
MIRA
Warned? Who warned you?
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JOSEPH
A messenger. We must go. Mary? Are we ready?
MARY
Yes, Joseph. Mira? Yona? Will you come with us?
YONA
I cannot. My place is here, in Israel. I must stay.
MARY
Mira? What of you and ELISHEBA?
MIRA
Elisheba is old. She is tired. The journey here, I think will be here last.
I will stay with her.
MARYOh Mira
They embrace.
MARY
The children Joseph, the children must come with us.
JOSEPH
Yes. The children will be safe with us in Egypt, but we must hurry.
MIRA and MARY exit it wake and gather the children.
YONA
JosephI
JOSEPH
Yona. We must go. We will be safe in Egypt. You must look after Mira
and Elisheba. You must take care of them.
(he pauses)
For their sake, Yona, you must control your anger. If you provoke the
Romans and you are killed, what good will you be to them, then?
YONA
Yes, Joseph. I understand. I will.
MARY and MIRA and the CHILDREN return. They are ready to depart.
JOSEPH
It is time.
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Everyone embraces before JOSEPH, MARY and the CHILDREN ext.
END SCENE
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*12* INT. A DARKENED HOUSESOLDIERS, INFANTS AND ELISHEBA
ELISHEBA is huddled inside the house. She is ill. She hears the noise of the approaching soldiers:
screams, shouts, stomping boots, etc
Suddenly the door bursts open. Two JEWISH SOLDIERS burst through accompanied by the ROMAN
CENTURION.
ELISHEBA
What is the meaning of this?
SOLDIER 1
We have orders from King Herod to search this village for recently born children.
SOLDIER 2
Where are the children?
ELISHEBAThere are not children here. There is only me, an old woman.
SOLDIER 1
We have been informed that a child was born here. Where is the child?
ELISHEBA
There are no children here. But if there were, what would you do? Kill them?
Does Herod the Great order you to kill children, now?
SOLDIER 2
We do as were told.
ELISHEBA
But you are one of us. You are killing you own brothers children. You know
the law of God, what does it say: Thou shalt not kill. No soldier is obliged to
obey an order contrary to the law of God. No one has to obey an immoral law.
Do not do this. I beg you. In the name of God, I beg you. I order you in the name
of God: Stop. DO not do this wicked thing.
The 2 JEWISH SOLDIERS hesitate almost persuaded by her plea.
CENTURION
Do not listen to her.
ELISHEBA
Does the Caser demand these deaths as well? Do these children threaten
his seat in Rome?
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CENTURION
Rome has no stake in this, except to say that those who oppose the of power
Rome and her governors will be cut down. I suggest that you tell us where the
child who was born here is.
ELISHEBA
I will not.
CENTURION
Then you will die as well.
(To the SOLDIERS)
Kill her.
They are reluctant to kill the old woman.
ELISHEBA
A voice is heard in Ramah, lamenting and weeping bitterly;
It is Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comfortedbecause they are no more.
CENTURION
I said, kill her! Do it and lets move on.
They raise their swords. The lights go out. ELISHEBA screams in the darkness.
END SCENE
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*13* BETHLEHEMYONA AFTER THE SLAUGHTER
YONA has procured a sword. He is ranting.
YONA
See how the Lord lays the earth to waste, makes it a desert,
buckles its surface, and scatters its inhabitants. Rise up! Rise up!
I will strike down the enemies of Israel.
MIRA enters. She sees the sword that YONA is wielding.
MIRA
What? Are you one of the Dagger-men now? A Zealot like the others?
YONA does not respond
MIRA
Will you use that thing against the Romans? Will you use it againstyour fellow Israelites? The zealots kill anyone who stands in their way, Romans
and Israelites alike. Will you join those murderers?
YONA
I cant do nothing, anymore. The Romans have spoiled our land and
killed our people for too long. And HerodHerod the Great hes a
murderer too. He killed all those children, Mira, and Elisheba! Its time
for us to fight, like the Maccabees who resisted the tyrannies of
Antiochus Epiphanes.
YONAI despise the Romans, Mira, and Ill do whatever I can to rid our
country of them, and of their puppets.
MIRA
All your life, Yona, youve waited for the coming of Gods anointed
servant, the Messiah who is coming to bring the Kingdom of Heaven
into the world.
YONA
And now is the time. The Messiah is coming and we must prepare for war
MIRA
Yona, stop it. You know that when the Messiah has come he will judge
the nations. And the people of his kingdom will hammer their swords
into plows and their spears into pruning hooks. And never again will they
prepare for war.
She grabs him by his shoulders and looks into his eyes.
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MIRA
His kingdom wont be like this. It wont be a kingdom of violence.
If evil always takes some form of violence, then more violence isnt
going to change anything.
(pause)
That sword has no place in his kingdom.
YONA
I know, but its so hard to wait.
MIRA
Then dont just wait. Begin now right now by preparing a place
for the kingdom of God within yourself.
She releases him.
MIRA
Get rid of that thing, Yona.
YONA
Yes.
He throws the sword aside.
MIRA
There is hope, Yona. There is always hope.
YONAHope. Its so hard to see.
MIRA
Mary and Joseph are safe. And the child. He is a light, a great
light for this land of darkness.
YONA
Yes. A dawning light for this land, so long under the shadow of death.
MIRA
He will be our hope and our peace.
They exit together.
END SCENE
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*14* EXT. ALONG THE ROADSIDE- ON THE ROAD TO EGYPT
JOSEPH, MARY (who is carrying the infant) and the CHILDREN have been walking for hours, but they are
still full of energy.
JOSEPH
Egypt.
MARY
Whats that?
JOSEPH
Egypt. Were going to Egypt.
MARY
Yes, Joseph. You said the angel instructed you to take us to Egypt.
JOSEPHIts just that Egypt is the land of our slavery.
CHILD 1
The place where we had to make bricks for Pharaohs monuments.
JOSEPH
Yes. Egypt has always been the enemy of Israel. Yet I know what the prophet
has said about Egypt and Assyria too, that other enemy of Israel. Blessed be
my people, Egypt, Assyria, my creation, and Israel, my heritage. I cant help
but to wonder if someday well be blessing the Babylonians and the Greeks
Child 2
And the Romans!
JOSEPH
Yes, even blessing the Romans.
MARY
This child has been sent to us, Joseph. But he isnt ours alone. Hes come
to restore the people of Israel. But even more than that, hes to be a light
to the Gentiles, drawing them to the Lord God making them beloved children.
CHILD 2
I number Egypt and Babylon among those that acknowledge me,
as well as Tyre, Philista, and Ethiopia.
CHILD 3
But of Zion, it will be said, Everyone was born there.
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CHILD 1
Everyone? Even Egypt?
JOSEPH
Yes. Even Egypt.
They walk a little further.
CHILD 1
How long will we have to stay in Egypt?
JOSEPH
The last time our people went down to Egypt, they ended
up staying for over 400 years.
CHILDREN
400 years?
MARY
Joseph! We wont be in Egypt for 400 years. The Lord will call us
when its safe; he will call his son out of Egypt.
JOSEPH
Then we will take little Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us, with us into
Egypt, and there we will wait.
RACHEL
And those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They all exit.
END SCENE.