twas the night of first christmas

This is the play Des wrote for the kids in Hendersonville. I thought it was such a sweet little play. The kids really like it and it's been fun trying to use the most ridiculous things to make them all look like animals. It's the Christmas story as told from the perspective of the animals in the stable the night Jesus was born.
If anyone would like to use it, feel free.

(Kids enter and sing Joy to the World)

'Twas the night of first Christmas long, long ago
and Mary and Joseph had no where to go.
They tried every inn and hotel they could see
but each one was filled to capacity.

Then, at last, one inn keeper had thought to suggest
his stable, out back, for his far travelled guests.
It was not the greatest of suites in the house
but no one was stirring, not even a mouse.

The couple was desperate, and took his best offer
for they both did not want to be known as scoffers.
And so, as the cold of the night settled in
in a stinky, dark stable, our story begins.

This story includes more than Joseph and Mary
more than the Savior - the baby she carried.
For out in that dark little broken down stall
were all of the creatures who witnessed it all.

So here is the tale of the first Christmas night,
not told by the voices of men in their might
But animals lowly, who witnessed first hand
the greatest of gifts ever given to man.

The cow was the elder and thought he'd seen all.
He'd seen kings and queens, take their rises and falls.
Tonight though, was different: a new song filled the air

Cow Speaks

I don't really know what will happen tonight.
I feel really anxious, like we're in for a sight.
This couple has come here in their time of need.
Isn't it odd? I mean, quite strange indeed.

The mother is ready to birth her new child
and she is quite tired for she's come many miles.
But why is she here of so many places?
Why in this stable of so many spaces?

End Cow Speaking

The horse was unhappy, he'd wanted to run.
His master required much work of this one.
So away from this place, the horse wanted to flee
but tonight, he was caught up in the mystery.

Horse Speaks

I don't want to stay here, but I can't run away.
At least not tonight, I just have to stay.
And though my tough master is not very nice
I know that tonight is a great sacrifice.

And so I must stay to see what will happen.
If it wasn't tonight, my hooves would be clappin'.
I would run far away, far into the night
to a much better place with a much better life.

End Horse Speaking

The horse was correct in this good observation.
That night was amazing, beyond expectation.
The animals there, and most people too
would not have imagined what this child would do.

A little brown field mouse sat up, sniffed the air
in searching for food, his search brought him here.
And though he was tiny, indeed he was small
he knew some small things were the greatest of all.

Mouse Speaks

Why is it that people seem to so often think
that things that are bigger are what they should seek?
This child that is soon to be born will be small,
but that will not limit his power at all

End Mouse Speaking

And in those next moments, the child was born.
His mother and father were so very worn
for their trip was so long. But this newborn boy
filled up their hearts and their faces with joy.

(Sing Away In A Manger)

There was another small child that night
a little white lamb clung to his mother tight.
And he was intrigued about what then took place
he turned to his mother and looked in her face.

Lamb Speaks

Who are these people and why are they here?
Who is this child so small and so dear?
Why are their faces so warm and so bright
in this very cold stable on this very dark night?

End Lamb Speaking

Sheep Speaks

My dear little child your questions are real
but it's not always the bad things outside that you feel.
There can be joy in all situations
Throughout all of time, in all generations.

End Sheep Speaking

The little lamb's mother spoke words that were true.
The small little child was God's gift to you.
For even when things are dark, cold, and dim
Joy can be found for those that trust him.

He would grow up, truly blessed in God's sight.
Many would learn trusting Him was the right
thing to do - loving Him and all other as well
is the lesson he would eventually tell.

One other creature was there on that night.
A donkey who had worked for all of it's life.
Serving it's master whatever the task
it did not matter, whatever he'd ask.

Donkey Speaks

It's not always easy in service to man
to do what they're asking, to meet their demands.
But my life of service is quite a reward
just to see joy on the face of my Lord.

End Donkey Speaking

There wasn't much else that happened that night
Some shepherds came by to witness the sight.
Announced by the angels with songs great and loud
not to the masses but to that small crowd.

In the quiet of night, baby sounds filled the air.
In spite of it all, they were glad to be there.
But who was this child, in the stable that night?
These creatures had witnessed a beautiful sight.

Why is it that people seem to so often think
that things that are bigger are what they should seek?
In a manger so stinky, this baby so small
and that will not limit this baby's power at all.

For Jesus grew up in the service of man
and gave up His life to meet our demands.
And our lives of service can be a reward
just to see joy on the face of our Lord.

Christmasses come and Christmasses go
marked by the melting of fresh-fallen snow.
Who are these people? And why are WE here?
Who was this child so small and so dear?

Our lives are not given to live on our own
but after the model that Jesus has shown:
serving mankind and trustung that He
will always provide for the things that we need.

Perhaps on this Christmas it's time for a change.
Allow Jesus Christ to come and rearrange.
He can take all your pain, your struggles and strife
on this, the first Christmas of the rest of your life.

(Sing Oh Come Let Us Adore Him) (Chorus)