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