THREE WISE MEN Its time for the annual Astrologers Race!

This is the time of year when astrologers the world over race to discover any new stars that appear in the sky and register their findings at the Astrologers Union. The first astrologer to register any given star will have the honor of having it named after him. Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar are three of the astrologers who have spied an extremely bright star shining in the east. They each hop a camel and rush to be the first to claim it, only to find that there are about 150 other astrologers also competing in the mad rush. By chance, these three astrologers take the same shortcut through Bethlehem. As fate would have it, they do not make it to the Astrologers Union as planned. Instead, they find a bigger prize than they could ever have dreamed. Characters: Melchior Gaspar Balthazar Innkeeper/ Town Crier (role is doubled up) Angel/Bystander (role is doubled up) Mary / Bystander (role is doubled up) Joseph/ Bystander/ 2nd Town Crier (role is doubled up) Scene 1 Enter, ANGEL, downstage left. Angel: O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light. The hops and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. (Underscore continues) (to audience) Bethlehem was a quiet little town. Nothing much ever happened there and the townsfolk kept to themselves for the most part. Until one year when several special visitors showed up and changed the world forever. I know all about it because I was there when it happened. Would you like me to tell you the story? (after the audience says yeshopefully) Well, it all began when they announced the Annual Astrologers Race throughout the land of Israel. (Enter Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar from different sides of the stage)

M,G,B: We three kings of orient are Searching for a glittering star. First to claim it, He shall name it Thus we search near and far! Oh-------Star of Wonder, Star of night! Star with royal beauty bright! Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light! (The three kings meet in the middle) Gas: Good day, strangers! Mel and Bal: Good day! Gas: Weve been having most wonderfully clear days and even clearer nights, have we not? Its an astrologers dream, those bright evening skies! Mel: I wouldnt know anything about that Bal: Me neither. Stars.ha! Enter, Town Crier, holding a huge piece of parchment, which he unfurls. A small crowd of people gathers around him, including the three kings. (sound effect: fanfare) TC: (proclamatory) Knoweth ye that it is the time for all learned men of the stars to gather once again in the land we call Bethany for the naming of newly seen celestial bodies Bystander 1: Huh? Whats he saying? Bystander 2: Beats me, he lost me after Knoweth ye (Others nod in agreement) TC: (annoyed but giving up) Fine, fine! The Annual Astrologers Race is now on! First Astrologer to report a sighting of a new star gets that star named after him. So get your equipment out, find a new star and get yourself over to Bethany A.S.A.P! (He exits, flinging the parchment away as he goes. The crowd hurries to grab it and it gets torn in the ensuing confusion. Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar are left onstage grasping the same shred of paper) Mel: Astrologers Race, eh? Silly nonsense. Who has time to go chasing after stars? Im certainly not one of the fools who will hightail it to BethBeth.hey

the rest of the paper is torn off! Gasp: Just as well, youre absolutely right. Only a fool would want to join this race to Beth-wherever-it-is. Bal: Agreed. Good riddance to bad rubbish! (He crumples up the paper and tosses it offstage, much to the alarm of the other two, although they quickly try to disguise their panic). (Two bystanders cross, deep in conversation) Bystander 1: So I figure it should be just a days journey to Bethlehem (Mel, Gasp and Bals faces all light up with recognition) Mel: Well, I cant stand around dawdling all day. People to see, places to go. Gasp: Yes, yes me too. Mel: A busy mans work is never done! (The three bid their goodbyes and walk off in different directions. Each stops at another corner of the stage.) Mel: BETHLEHEM! Gasp: BETHLEHEM! Bal: Yes, it must be BETHLEHEM! Mel: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Ill get to you and soon! A star that Ive discovered will be named for me by noon! Gasp: Ive got to get my camel! And hit the road today! Bal: My name will live forever! Bethlehem, Im on my way! (They rush off, leaving Angel on the stage) And so the astrologers Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar all set out for Bethlehem instead of Bethany. Without knowing it, they had all seen the same curiously bright star shining in the west. They all dreamed of the fame and glory of having this star named after themselves, not knowing that each was fooling the other and pretending to have no interest in the matter whatsoever. And so they set out. (Melchior enters, dressed for a journey, with a small casket in his hand)

Mel: Im quite sure Ill get there ahead of everyone else and be able to claim that star as my own. But just in case things go awry, this gift of gold I bring may swing things in my favor. Im sure the Astrologers Union could use a little extra in their treasury (Balthazar enters, carrying with him a small jar) Bal: While I am entirely sure of my own skill and merit, it cant hurt to bring along some of this frankincense for the temple at the Astrologers Union. (Gaspar enters, carrying with him a small jar) Gaspar: Myrrh! The finest in the land! A scent fit for kings and princes! Certainly a boon of a present for the astrologers over at the union. Not that I need to give them anythingIm quite sure that stars got my name on it already! (confidently, all three set out. They travel in a circle around the stage. Each not seeing the other) M,G,B; We three kings of orient are! Bearing gifts, we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star! Oh star of wonder, star of night! Star with royal beauty bright! Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us with thy perfect light! (they exit) (The Angel enters, singing, as the scene changes into the Inn and manger. Meanwhile, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar also approach the inn from different areas of the audience.) ALL: Behold the star! Behold the star up yonder. Behold the star! It is the star of Bethlehem. Angel: A star has risen clear and bright! All: Behold the star of Bethlehem. Angel: A radiant star with perfect Light! All: Behold the star of Bethlehem. Angel: Westward race the men to fame! All: Behold the star of Bethlehem. Angel: And soon the star will bear a name! All: Behold the star of Bethlehem.

ALL: Behold the star! Behold the star up yonder. Behold the star! It is the star of Bethlehem. (By the time the song ends, the 3 kings have made it to the stage, each approaching the inn from another direction, each with their backs toward each other. They bump into each other at the entrance to the inn with a crash. Lots of confused sounds: Ouch!, Hey watch it! etc. and then it dawns on all of them) M,G,B: YOU!!!!! Mel: Well of all the nerve! Gas: You should talke! Bal: You said you werent interested in astrology! (The innkeeper opens the door) Ink: Whats all the ruckus?!? Gas:Id like a room,please! Mel: Hey I was here first! Bal: I dont think so, buddy! (Argument ensues, but the innkeeper shushes them.) Ink: All right, all right! It really doesnt matter because Ive only got one room left and Ive just promised it to this couple who Mel: Ive got gold! I can pay! Bal: Oh yeah? Well, Ive got frankincense, its way more valuable! Gas: But not as valuable as myrrh! (More argument. The innkeeper, meanwhile, has let greed get the better of him.) Ink: Wait, wait! Tell you whatIll string up a couple of curtains and turn that one room into three spaces. Its a pretty large room (The three hesitate.) Bal: Well, I can live with that.

Gas: I suppose I can too. Mel: Thats fine with me if its fine with them. Bal: But wait a minute, how about the people you promised this room to? Inn: Ooooohoh thats all right. I suddenly remembered we have ONE more space (he sticks his head in the door and yells )Rebekkaaaa! Clear out one of the mangers in the stable! We got a full house!!!!! (to the 3 men) Follow me, gentlemen! (They enter the inn. After a moment or two to signify passage of time, Town Crier #2 enters with a big scroll labeled Newsparchment. He unrolls it and reads, newscaster style) TC#2: This just in! The Astrologers Race is now concluded! Thats right, folks! Over 200 astrologers rushed to Bethany hoping to be the first to claim newly sighted stars in their name. This year saw foue brand new stars in the firmament, now named Nebuchadnezzar, Zacharias, Josiah and (consults his list) Sparky! Congratulations, gentlemen! See you all next year! Till thenreach for the stars! (The three men come running out of the inn and accost the Town Crier) Bal: HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! TC#2: Hey watch it! This is a brand new robe! Mel: What do you mean concluded? Did I hear you say concluded? TC#2: Thats rightits all over. Done. Kaput. Gas: That cant be right! There havent been any astrologers milling around this sleepy town. Not a single one, let alone 200! TC#2: (with increasing sarcasm) Well, thats probably because theyre all in Bethany attending the Race! (rolls his eyes) Bal: (incredulous) Bethany? Mel: (confused) Bethany? Gas: (enlightened) Bethany! All 3: (anguished and frustrated) WERE IN THE WRONG TOWN! (black out or exit) Angel: And so it came to pass that the three astrologers took rooms at an inn in the wrong town. Once Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar came to terms with the

fact that they had missed the race, there was nothing to do but cut their losses and go to bed. Evening fell, with the star shining brighter than ever as everyone fell asleep. Still, still, still One can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed The world is sleeping Holy Star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still One can hear the falling snow. Sleep, sleep, sleep 'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth. The night is peaceful all around you Close your eyes Let sleep surround you. Sleep, sleep, sleep 'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth. Dream, dream, dream Of the joyous day to come. While guardian angels without number Watch you as you sweetly slumber. Dream, dream, dream Of the joyous day to come. (Angel gives the audience a wink and puts on a plain robe. She picks up a broom and starts cleaning up outside the inn as Balthazar enters) Bal: Boy, that sure is a cramped room! And its hot as an oven in there! And not very fresh smelling either. Angel: (disguising her voice) You think you got it bad? Try bedding down in the stables! Bal: Well, yes thats got to be worse than this.. Angel: You got that right! And that young lady about to give birth too Bal: What? Ive just taken a room from a pregnant lady? Angel: Yep. You have. Bal: Oh but thats terrible! Had I known, Id never have agreed(suddenly has a thought)excuse me, I gotta go(he rushes back into the inn, almost colliding with Melchior who is on the way out) Mel: Whoa! Wheres he going in such a hurry? Its not like its a resort paradise in there. This is a strictly 2-star inn.

Angel: (still in disguise) Id imagine hes going back in there to ask about the baby. Mel: What baby? Angel: The one thats being born in the stable any minute now. Mel: The stable?!?! Thats awful! The conditions at this inn are worse than I thought! Angel: Well, there wasnt really any other room at the innI think the innkeeper kind of overbooked Mel: (Coming to a realization) Oh nothat innkeeperhe didnt. Angel: Im afraid he did. (Gaspar enters from the inn door) Gaspar: Aaah fresh air! (Sees Melchior looking rather perturbed) Whats the crisis? (Melchior pulls him aside and starts explaining the situation. We hear and see Gaspar reacting, saying things like uh-huhmmhmm.yeahWHAT?!?!) Gaspar: Thats terrible! We oughta do something about that! I never meant to put a pregnant lady out. I assumed it would have been another traveler just like us Angel: And that would have made it any better? Gaspar: (Sheepishly) Wellno. I suppose not. Mel: Im afraid weve only been thinking of ourselves, using our wealth and influence to get what we want and not really caring how that might affect other people. Gaspar: I never thought about it like that before. But youre right.. Mel: But you know what? Theres still time to set things right. All we have to do is (A babys cry is heard) Gaspar: Too late! Angel: No, no! Not too late at all!

Mel: (to angel) Youre absolutely right! (to Mel) Come on! Lets find Balthazar, weve got a visit to make! Angel (as she sings, the manger scene characters enter and position themselves): Straw is yellow, straw is soft. Whos that baby lying in the loft? Straw made a bed on the manger floor, The shepherds came to worship and adore. Verse: No room in the inn, the innkeeper said, But Mary and Joseph needed a bed. Go to the stable if youre tired and worn, And there in the Manger baby Christ was born. Chorus: Straw is yellow, straw is soft. Whos that baby lying in the loft? Straw made a bed on the manger floor, The shepherds came to worship and adore. Angel: And so it came to pass that a baby was born in a manger at Bethlehem. This was no ordinary baby, as the world would soon find out. And Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar were among the very first to pay their respects. (The wise men enter with the Innkeeper, who is carrying the gold, frankincense and myrrh. They are crossing to the manger.) Innkeeper: This is highly irregular, gentlemen. Highly irregular. Melchior: So is taking a room from a pregnant lady! Innkeeper: Buterrr..ummLook, I gave them another place to stay! Gaspar: Yes, beside the donkeys and the cows! Balthazar: Nonetheless, it was our fault too. But we are ready to make amends. So well just take our payments back from you and give up our room. Innkeeper: But sir, with all due respect, the only space I can give you at ernon premium rateswould be another stall in the stable. Gaspar: Im sure that will be fine. Innkeeper: But sir (They reach the stable at this point and are all suddenly in awe of the baby before them. They all drop to their knees. The Angel is watching all of this

unfold) Melchior: This baby Joseph : We have named him Yeshua. Angel(to the audience): Which means the Salvation of the Lord. And even without knowing exactly why, everyone who was there that blessed night knew that Yeshuas birth was something special (sings) Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay. The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. And so one by one, Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar went down on their knees and offered the newborn baby gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They had learned something important about gifts that night. That a gift is something you give because your heart wills it, and not because of the advantages you think you will gain from the giving. They happily slept in the stable that night, thankful for their simple beds of straw, the starry night and the miracle of Yeshua, born this day in Bethlehem. Truly, they were three wise men! Angels we have heard on high! Sweetly singing oer the plains! And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains! Glooooria in Excelsis Deo! Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be? Which inspire your heavenly song? Glooooria in Excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King! Glooooria in Excelsis Deo!