Thank you for your interest in PraiseGathering Music Group. This

Thank you for your interest in PraiseGathering Music Group.
This portion of the drama is for your perusal only. Should you decide to use this drama in your
production, you may order a copy of the full companion from your favorite music supplier or
Lifeway Worship at 800-436-3869.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't
hesitate to contact me.
Rose Aspinall
PraiseGathering Music Group
praisegathering.com
HOPE is BORN
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Emmanuel
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Drama Companion
written by
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Rose Aspinall
rP
Asher: (pronounced Ash-er) age 11 yrs.
Kaleb: approximately age 8 yrs., lame
Fo
Ephraim: (pronounced EE-fruhm) – Father of Asher and Kaleb, Chief Shepherd of the temple flocks
Anna: (pronounced AN-uh) Mother of Asher and Kaleb
Shimon: (pronounced shee-MOAN) Ephraim’s younger brother, lives in Bethlehem
Avram: (pronounced ah VRAHM) Shepherd, any age
1
Scene 1
Begins after pg. 25 (in between “Glory to God” and “Gloria, He is Born”)
(Narrowed eyes, gaze intense) He was the second son of Abraham you know, not the first!
Abraham became impatient with the Almighty, (admonishing) and impatience with the
Almighty never turns out well! Issac was to be the one sent by Adonai (ä’dō-nī’) to Abraham and Sarah. It was Adonai that did it. It wasn’t Abraham’s place to make it happen!
But, this is not the story I wish to tell. The story you must know, (narrows his eyes and
taps his temple, then waggles his finger at his sons) the story that must make its way to
here (thumps his chest indicating the heart) is this one. Are you ready to hear it? (the boys
eagerly shake their heads) Ahh, but it is late! I’m afraid the story will have to wait.
(Throwing his hands up in the air) Alright, alright! But, we will make it a short one.
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Ephraim:
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Asher and Kaleb register strong protests
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Ephraim:
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It is evening. Ephraim is recounting the story of Abraham and Issac to Asher and Kaleb before
bedtime. Ephraim loves to tell this story. He is dramatic and relishes every detail. As the lights come
up, we see Kaleb leaning on his bedroll. A crutch lays beside him (a sturdy, forked branch with tightly
wrapped cloth on each end of the fork will do.) Asher is seated cross-legged on the floor, his chin is
propped on his elbow. The boys are captivated by their Father’s words. Anna is working while she sits
and listens. There is a stack of herbs in her lap. She is bundling them so they can be hung to dry.
Asher and Kaleb elbow each other and grin.
Young Issac was not much older than you son (indicating Asher) when Adonai spoke to
our Father Abraham. “Take your son, your only son whom you love, and go to the region
of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.”
rP
Fo
Kaleb:No!
Ephraim:
Asher/
Kaleb:
Asher:
(Holding a finger up) Yes, Kaleb, it was the word of Adonai! At first light, Abraham awakened Issac, (Father imitates Issac whispering loudly then switching to Abraham’s voice)
“Come, quickly. We must leave for the North, a journey of some days. Do not awaken
your mother.”
“Yes, Father.”
But Father! Abraham wouldn’t, would he?
2
Ephraim:Asher, Torah commands us, you shall love Adonai your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your might. Father Abraham loved and served Adonai. He did
not question. He cut the wood and laid it upon the little donkey. (Father holds up three
fingers) Three days they traveled and spoke little. Poor Abraham lost in thought. What of
the promises Adonai had made? Would Adonai give a gift only to take it away!? This was
no way to start a great nation!
Asher:
But Father, Adonai promised. Adonai doesn’t break promises!
Asher:
Yes, Father.
Ephraim:
Where was I?
Kaleb:
They traveled three days, Father.
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Ephraim:Son, when Adonai speaks, you listen. When Adonai speaks, you trust. What Adonai asks
of us, is not always easily discerned. You understand?
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Ephraim:Oh, yes, three days. On the third day, as they neared Bethlehem, Abraham could see
Mt. Moriah ahead. Stopping he took the wood from the donkey and placed it on Issac’s
back.
(nodding)Ahhh.
Fo
Asher/
Kaleb:
(tipping his head in acknowlegement) Yes—yes (pause) he must. (continues story)
Then Issac said, “Father?”
“Yes, my son.”
“The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
(slowly, carefully) “Adonai, will provide...the lamb...for the burnt offering.”
rP
Ephraim:
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Asher:Oh Father, Issac must carry the wood for the sacrifice upon his own back?
Asher:
Yes, yes, the Almighty will provide. This is the lesson then? Abraham knew all along that
Adonai would never go back on his word?
Ephraim:
Do not be so quick my son to put your stamp on this story. The Eternal One is a mystery.
Who can predict His ways?
Asher:
Forgive me Father. I am like our Father Abraham, too impatient.
3
(clearing his throat and resuming) And so, they went to the mount, the place where the
temple now stands and the servants remained behind. There, taking the wood from Issac’s back, Abraham built an altar. Abraham looked with love into the eyes of his son,
his only son and Issac knew. The sacrifice would be his to make as well. The son of the
promise would lay down willingly for the love of the Father.
Asher:
(putting his arm protectively around his younger brother) This is a hard story, Father.
(Kaleb nods)
Ephraim:
You are right, and if the lessons were easy?
Asher:
Then there would be no value?
Ephraim:
Yes, there would be no value. You are correct again.
Asher:
But Father, would Adonai truly ask such a thing?
Ephraim:
(raising an eyebrow) Would you like to know the rest of the story?
Asher:
(meekly) Yes, Father.
Ephraim:
Bound on the altar, Issac closed his eyes to quiet his heart and to spare his father. (Ephraim
demonstrates the action) The hand lifted, the knife poised. And then... the voice, the messenger of the Most High, “Do not harm the boy! Now, I know you fear God because you
have not withheld from Me your only son.”
Asher:
(triumphantly) I knew it, I knew it!
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Kaleb:
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Ephraim:
(excited) And then what Father?
Fo
Ephraim:And then, Adonai provided the sacrifice as promised; a ram in the thicket, caught by
his horns. Adonai, true to His word. Yes, Adonai providing the sacrifice. (a pause) Now,
Asher what is the word of Adonai on this subject?
Asher:Adonai requires our obedience. We must keep covenant with Him.
Ephraim:
Well spoken.
Asher:
But Father. What if the requirements are not...(voice trailing off )
Ephraim:
What?
Asher:
What if they are not... fair?
4
Ephraim:A question for a question, my son.
Asher:
Yes, Father?
Ephraim:Is anything too hard for Adonai?
Asher:No Father, He is the Eternal. He is Adonai Elohim ( ah-do-NIGH, eh-low-heem)
You are a worthy scholor of the Torah. But, studies are barren, if they reside only here.
(taps his temple) Your studies must enter here and travel to here. (placing a fist over his
heart)
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Ephraim:
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Asher:I want them to Father. But, sometimes I don’t understand.
Ephraim:Ah, yes... we all long for undertanding. But, Adonai is a mystery. To serve Adonai means
to accept what we cannot understand.
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Asher:I can’t help it, Papa. I want to undestand.
This is the understanding you must grasp, this and this alone. Adonai provided the sacrifice for Abraham. Adonai provides the sacrifice for us. How He chooses to do it is not
ours to know. Adonai always provides.
Asher:
Yes, Father.
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Ephraim:
rP
Ephraim:Now to bed, both of you. Mother will awaken you early.
Anna rises, brushes off her dress and sets aside her work.
(clucking) Now, go, go, go. (looking at Ephraim accusingly) Papa’s story went long again,
you should be asleep by now.
Fo
Anna:
Both boys scurry, Kaleb limping on his crutch. They unroll their mats and lay on them.
Ephraim:Asher you will accompany me to temple in the morning. Kaleb you will stay and help
Mama.
Kaleb:
But, Papa! Let me come with you and Asher! I can keep up!
Ephraim:No Kaleb, you must stay here. Asher has much to learn. He cannot keep watch over you
tomorrow.
5
(Kaleb groans in disappointment)
Ephraim:Asher is old enough now to begin to learn the duties of a chief shepherd. He will be
a man soon and will take my place as chief shepherd over the temple flock. There are
things he must know.
(dejected) But when can I learn, Father?
Ephraim:
Kaleb, it was not meant to be for you. Mama has need of you here.
Kaleb:
(downcast) Yes, Father.
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Kaleb:
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Lights dim
In the quiet we can hear Kaleb crying. After a moment we hear Asher’s voice. It’s a loud whisper.
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Asher:I’m sorry, Kaleb. Don’t cry. Tomorrow, I’ll ask Father if he might let me bring home one
of the temple lambs. Perhaps he will let you keep it for a pet. One small lamb, that’s not
much right? One that will not have to be sacrificed. Surely they will not miss it.
(sniffling) You think he’ll say yes?
Asher:
Yes, Kaleb. I’ll talk to Papa. You’ll see, the lamb is as good as yours!
Fo
rP
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Kaleb:
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Scene 2
Begins after pg. 41 (In between “Gloria, He is Born” and “Angels from the Realms of Glory”)
It is morning. Asher and Father have already left. As Mama works, Kaleb talks. He is still discouraged
that he was left behind. Mama is busy with her morning chores. Ideas for chores can include preparing
grain for grinding, water jars readied for taking to the well, carding wool for making thread for fabric.
Why can’t I go along? I wouldn’t make them wait for me. Papa thinks I can’t do what
Asher does, but I can, you know!
Anna:
Kaleb, Asher is older than you. It’s his place. You must be patient.
Kaleb:
But, I know Papa thinks I can’t keep up and I can! I don’t want to stay home.
Anna:
(a little harshly) Kaleb, you waste the morning in complaint. Be grateful and make yourself useful!
Kaleb:
(hanging his head) Yes, Mama.
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Kaleb:
Kaleb, I understand, I do!
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Anna:
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He picks up a basket of grain to take outside. Anna looks at him sympathetically and stops him. She lifts
his chin up and looks into his eyes.
Kaleb:
rP
Kaleb:Nobody gives me a chance. I can’t run with the others, so they ALWAYS leave me behind.
Anna:
Did someone tell you that it was supposed to be fair, Kaleb?
Anna:It’s hard to be left out isn’t it?
Fo
(nodding sadly) Mama, why was I born this way. It’s not fair.
Kaleb:No, I just think it.
Anna:
(gently) Then you think incorrectly. It is your thinking that needs to be adjusted.
Kaleb:
But I want to do what Asher does.
Anna:Perhaps you were meant for other things. Perhaps, if all you ever do is wish to be like
Asher, you will miss out on what was meant for you.
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Kaleb:Like what?
Anna:
Think Kaleb. Don’t ask me. What are your strengths? If Adonai did not give you two
strong legs, then what did He give you?
Kaleb:I don’t know Mama. I like helping take care of the sheep.
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Anna:Ahh, yes. You were a great help to Papa during lambing season. It seems you have a sense
of what needs to be done. You’re a natural. Your strong arms serve you well to ease the
ewes. Do you know, Kaleb, that all of our fathers were shepherds? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob?
All shepherds.
Yes, I know.
Anna:
And King David, a shepherd also.
Kaleb:
Yes.
Anna:
He was the smallest of Jesse’s sons, not considered worthy to stand before the prophet.
Not big, not strong, not anything like his brothers. Who was chosen to be king, Kaleb?
Kaleb:
David.
Anna:
Yes, it was David. Remember this Kaleb, one never knows what Adonai has planned. It is
best to keep your eyes wide open.
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Kaleb:
Shimon:
rP
Anna and Kaleb’s discussion is cut short by Shimon’s entrance. He’s been running and is out of breath.
Anna:
(alarmed) Shimon, what’s happened? Why are you not with the flocks in Bethlehem?
Uncle Shimon!
(nodding) Kaleb, Anna! Has Ephraim left for the temple yet?
Fo
Kaleb:
Shimon:It’s Gershon and Eli! They have both fallen ill. I cannot send them. I came to ask Ephraim....
if he might send Asher to help. I know it’s a lot to ask, but if he might spare him for even
a week or two, we just might get through this. My best ewes are lambing. But so many of
the births were difficult last season, I cannot be without strong arms to assist me right
now. Gershon was to go out to the fields to watch the temple flocks while Eli stayed
nearby to assist.
Anna:Shimon, you are Ephraim’s brother. Of course, we’ll help in whatever way we can.
8
Kaleb:Mama?
Shimon:
The census is bringing people from everywhere into town. I would not ask but Miriam
has her hands full with the Inn. She is attending to the guests and to Gershon and Eli. She
is already nearly exhausted.
Kaleb:
(urgently) Mama.
(more urgently) Mama!
Anna:
Yes, Kaleb?!
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Kaleb:
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Anna:Of course, Shimon. Wait with us, we’ll get word to Ephraim. He is certain to send Asher
if he can be spared.
Kaleb:Send me too.
(doubtful) Oh Kaleb, I don’t know.
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Anna:
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Anna:Shimon?
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Kaleb:Mama, you said to think about my strengths. I can stay and help with the births while
Asher goes out to the fields. I don’t even need a room. I can stay right there with the
ewes.
rP
Shimon:Anna, I’m sorry, I can’t watch him.
Kaleb:No one has to watch me! If you let me, you won’t be sorry.
Well, he was a great help to Ephraim last season, Shimon.
Fo
Anna:
Shimon:Alright, if Ephraim agrees, we will be most grateful for the extra help.
Anna:
Kaleb, can you go find your Father and Brother?
Kaleb:
(excited) Yes, Mama! Thank you Mama, thank you Uncle Shimon!
Kaleb exits.
Lights out
9
Scene 3
Starts after pg. 65 (In between “Mary’s Hope” and “Hope Is Born”)
It is late evening. Asher and Kaleb are at their Uncle’s place.
Asher:I’m glad Father let us come. With everyone coming into town, there was no one to hire
to watch the flocks. Besides, no one will care for them the way we do.
(excited) Yeah, nobody!
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Kaleb:
Yes! Uncle Shimon will be glad he asked us to come. Mama says I have a sense of what
needs to be done. Don’t worry Asher, I can do this.
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Kaleb:
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Asher:I leave at first light. We still need extra help, so we’ve decided to join Uncle’s flock with
Avram’s. That will give extra security and extra hands to help. You stay here with the
ewes that Uncle has taken off pasture. The Inn is very busy right now, but you can stay
out back in the lambing cave if need be or even in the stable right next to it. It will be
easier to watch them anyway. Do you think you can handle that?
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Asher:I know you can, Kaleb. Uncle couldn’t have found a better apprentice.
(a little embarrassed) Thank you. I’ll do my best. Asher?
Asher:
What?
Kaleb:
Thank you.
rP
Asher:
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Kaleb:
For what?
Fo
Kaleb:I don’t know...you’re just a good brother.
Asher:
(ruffling his brother’s hair) I may not be back here for a few days. If you need something,
Uncle will send word. The pastures are not so far Kaleb.
Kaleb:
Before you leave, will you tell me a story, Asher? One like Papa would tell from the Torah?
Asher:A story, huh? Would you like to hear about Moses and how Adonai used him to deliver
our people from great bondage?
Kaleb:Oh yes!
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Asher:Alright, but just a short one then. It is already late and Avram will expect me early.
Kaleb is delighted to have his brother’s attention. He unrolls his bedroll and lays down. Asher settles in
and begins to tell the story with mystery and intrigue just as his Father would.
Kaleb:
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Asher:A new king called Pharaoh came into power in Egypt. This evil king feared our people
who were living in the land of Egypt because we were great in number. He thought that
the Hebrew people would take over his country, so he enslaved us. But Adonai was looking out for His people as He always does. Adonai was raising up a deliverer. His name
was Moses. This is his story and the story of Adonai’s faithfulness. Moses would lead our
people out of bondage by Adonai’s mighty hand.
(in a sleepy voice) But how Asher? The Pharaoh was very powerful wasn’t he?
O
Asher:Shh, listen, Kaleb, and I will tell you of how the Angel of Death passed over the homes of
our people. I will tell how the people put the lamb’s blood on their doors, so that death
would spare their first born child. (Kaleb’s eyes close and Asher’s voice trails off )
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Lights fade (not to black) Asher exits. This would be a good place to add sound fx of night time sounds,
crickets etc...
Kaleb, wake up! Kaleb!
Kaleb:
Huh? What? What is it Uncle?
Shimon:
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Shimon:
rP
After a moment Uncle Shimon enters. He shakes Kaleb awake urgently.
Come quickly. Two ewes are in labor and in trouble. I need you!
Fo
Kaleb springs out of bed. They both exit quickly.
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