Physician Four hundred years since a prophets been here. Four hundred silent years— How the world has changed! But one thing has been the same They were all silent years All other relatives and friends: Four hundred years since a prophet’s been here We thought the Lord was gone And wouldn’t return to redeem and save us And end these silent years. PH: But then an angel came to Zechariah one day Said he’d have a son who’s on the way All: His mercy is clear to this old couple here Barren and old, without hope The Lord’s coming back we’re sure of that (x2) The excitement is building and we are now singing: All: Praise to the Lord, the God who is living! Praise to the Lord, the God who is living! What will this child be, O God who is living? What good news will be, O God who is living? Praise to the Lord, the God who is living! (2 ½) *Music: break in song. Relative 1: here comes Zechariah and Elizabeth with their child. Physician: Shalom and good evening. Family and friends, gather round. Today we welcome a new son into the family of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a most faithful and prayerful priestly family throughout all Judea. And we welcome this child into the family of God’s people. Hello, little Zechariah junior. Zechariah and Elizabeth look frantically at each other. Elizabeth: No! Ph: Oh, have you decided on another name? E: He is to be called John. Relative: What?! But there is no one among your relatives with that name. Since God has shown mercy to you, you should honor your husband’s name. How about Abijah or Aaron after our forefathers? E: No. PH: Someone please give Zechariah his writing tablet. You know, the Lord took his voice away. Z scrambles to get his writing tools and writes out: His name is John. Everyone gasps! Z sings out: “His name is John!” Everyone gasps again but louder. *Music: Song resumes. Z: Praise to the Lord, the God of Israel! Praise to the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come and has redeemed his people He has raised up the power of salvation In the house of his servant David As he said through his holy prophets of long ago Z / All: Salvation (from our enemies)! Mercy (to remember his holy covenant)! To serve him (without fear in holiness and righteousness)! Relative 1: But what will be of your child? All: Yes, what will he do for the Lord? Z: And you my child will be Called a prophet of the Most High Prepare the way before him To give the knowledge of salvation All: Salvation? Z: Forgiveness of sins All: Because of God’s tender mercy The rising sun from heaven will come! To shine on those living In darkness and in death’s shadow! Z: To guide our feet In the path of peace *Music: Song ends. Then the people gather near, the lights go out, and a baby’s cry is heard

Townsperson: Taxes and trophies That's what this means It's good news for Caesar But it’s bad news for me. Taxes and trophies Belonging to Rome So pack up your bags to register at home. Taxes and trophies That's what this means It's good news for Caesar But it’s bad news for me. Taxes and trophies, But what about us? It’s time to show Caesar That we’ve had enough! All: Caesar doesn’t know us He’s sitting on his throne in Rome The only way to show him up Is not to go home! All: Taxes and trophies That's what this means It's good news for Caesar But it’s bad news for me. Taxes and trophies But what about us? It’s time to show Caesar That we’ve had enough! Townsperson: Because of royal blood He sits above you Who made him emperor anyway? (his uncle) All: Doesn’t Judea belong to God Her people chosen ones When will the kingdom come Back to Israel? When will we be set free And live under a king Who knows and cares for us Without the politicians lust? All: Taxes and trophies That's what this means It's good news for Caesar But it’s bad news for me. Taxes and trophies But what about us? It’s time to show Caesar that we’ve had enough. Where’s David’s Son?

All Angels: Glory, glory, glory (x8) To God in the highest All: Glory, glory, glory Main Angel: Glory to God in the highest All: And peace on earth To men on whom his favor rests For Christ the Lord Is born in Bethlehem Savior for the people from our God Glory, glory, glory To God in the highest In a palace, no Nor a great big home But in a manger you will find him Our humble God Has shown mercy to all And come as the lowest among men Glory in the highest Main Angel: Shepherds give your ears Salvation is near And chains will be broken! Rejoice and sing for the coming king! Your sins will be forgotten All: Shepherds give your ears Good news is here! Joy for all the people! Joy for all the people! Glory, glory, glory To God in the highest

Mary: Sings my soul, to glorify the Lord Spirit rejoice, in God my Savior A song of thanks For the love you displayed Joseph: Sing my soul, with humble heart Before your God Leaving your throne and glory above In wonder, you chose, a manger to stay Immanuel, God with us Immanuel, Humble Redeemer Immanuel, Jesus Christ Both: Born as a child, you came to dwell among us Our likeness you shared, to save your people from their sins Good news for all, salvation has come! Both: Your light shines from a manger tonight Heaven foretold our victory cry. Immanuel, God with us Immanuel, Humble Redeemer Immanuel, Jesus Christ

We have heard the news from angels singing, "Glory!" That today a Savior has been born to you He is the Christ the Lord and here's how you will find him Wrapped in cloths and in a manger lying We have seen the glory of the One and Only Who, from the Father, came full of grace and truth To humbly take up all our sins and sorrows The Lord has come sharing our humanity To bind up the brokenhearted To comfort those who mourn To shatter the yoke of slavery The oppressor's rod and shame To be the shepherd of his people To take away their scorn To bring us into God's family And forgive our sins for good We have heard the news from angels singing, "Glory!" That today a Savior has been born to you He is the Christ the Lord and here's how you will find him Wrapped in cloths and in a manger lying We have seen the glory of the One and Only Who, from the Father, came full of grace and truth To humbly take up all our sins and sorrows The Lord has come sharing our humanity Everybody sing, "Glory!" (Glory!) Sing, "Glory!" (Glory!) To our merciful and humble God, Who saves! To uphold justice and righteousness To enable us to serve The time of his favor Is now being shown To call to the captives, "Come out!" And to those in darkness, "Be free!" Death has been conquered The guilty made clean The blind will see Salvation's here A great light has dawned!