The Light in the Darkness

🌟 The Light in the Darkness

Written by: Dave Rush

A Christmas stage and film presentation blending humor, mystery, and Scripture into one story of hope and light.

In this unique production, the timeless story of Jesus’ birth unfolds through two parallel worlds — a modern-day mother and child facing hardship, and the ancient Nativity retold through the eyes of children.

The live stage performance follows a struggling mother visited by a mysterious traveler who quietly reveals that God still enters the most broken places. Between each live scene, filmed segments bring the Nativity to life — shepherds in the fields, angels in the night sky, and wise men following the star — portrayed by the children of the church.

As the story builds, the two worlds begin to intertwine, culminating in a shared moment of worship that bridges heaven and earth — reminding us that the Light that once shone in Bethlehem still shines in every heart willing to receive it.

✨ A story of hope born in ordinary places.

🎭 LIVE SCENE 1 — The Struggle

SETTING:
A small, dimly lit living room. A single string of tangled Christmas lights lies across the floor. A small, fake tree sits undecorated on a table.
A stack of bills and an old coffee mug sit nearby. The scene opens in silence.

(Lights up softly.)
MOM sits at the table, flipping through a pile of bills.

MOM (quietly, muttering):
“Merry Christmas… shut-off notice. Merry Christmas… empty fridge.”

(She picks up a dusty ornament from the table and studies it for a moment.)

MOM (sighing):
“When I was little, Christmas used to mean something. Now it just means debt.”

(A door creaks. A CHILD enters holding a knotted string of lights.)

CHILD (grunting):
“They’re dead.”

MOM (smiles dryly):
“Like everything else around here.” (beat, softens) “Sorry, honey.”

CHILD (teasing):
“Maybe if we plug them in first, they’ll work again.”

MOM (mock offended):
“Smart aleck.” (She can’t help a smile.)

CHILD (grinning):
“See? You’re smiling. That’s a Christmas miracle.”

MOM (chuckles, then grows quiet):
“Even the lights gave up.”

(A moment of silence. MOM rubs her temples. The CHILD quietly untangles the lights, sitting beside her.)

🎬 FILM SCENE 1 — The Bored Shepherds

SETTING:
A chilly open field at night. The grass is frosted, breath visible in the cold. Several children play the shepherds, wrapped in mismatched blankets and scarves. A few wear fuzzy hats with floppy ears. In the background are a few “sheep” — played by smaller kids, or maybe kids in white hoodies and cotton-ball costumes.

[Camera Notes]

• Begin with a wide shot of the field — quiet, pale moonlight.
• Slowly pan in to the shepherds around a small flickering lantern or fake campfire (a battery lantern inside some sticks).
• Add faint wind sound and a bleating “sheep” noise for atmosphere.
• Keep tone funny, endearing, and earthy.

SHEPHERD #1 (shivering):
“Whose idea was it to be a shepherd anyway? It’s freezing.”

SHEPHERD #2 (deadpan):
“Yours. You said, ‘It’ll be peaceful.’”

SHEPHERD #3 (grumpy):
“Yeah, peaceful. Because nothing ever happens here. Ever.”

SHEPHERD #1:
“Well, if you’d stop snoring so loud, maybe we’d at least hear the sheep.”

SHEEP #1 (a little kid bleats loudly):
“Baaa!”

SHEPHERD #2 (pointing):
“See? Even they’re bored.”

(All the shepherds collapse into laughter. One throws a snowball or handful of straw at another.)

SHEPHERD #3:
“Hey, don’t waste the straw! That’s tonight’s pillow.”

(Cut to another “sheep” rolling on the ground.)

SHEEP #2:
“I’m done working for minimum baa-wage!”

(Laughter. One shepherd leans back, looking up at the stars.)

SHEPHERD #1 (softly, sincere):
“Do you think God even sees us way out here?”

(The others grow quiet. A faint wind picks up. They look toward the horizon.)

SHEPHERD #2:
“Sure He does. He just hasn’t said anything yet.”

(Camera pans upward slowly to the star-filled sky. Hold for a few seconds — peaceful, still — before fading to black.)

[Transition Cue]
Fade to black → return to live stage.
Lights rise slowly on Scene #2 — The Stranger Arrives.

🎭 LIVE SCENE 2 — The Stranger Arrives

SETTING:
The same small living room. Early morning light filters through a thin curtain. The child is still trying to untangle the lights.
The mom stands at the table, cradling her empty coffee mug, staring at unpaid bills.

(A gentle knock at the door.)

MOM (sighing):
“Who in the world…?”

(She wipes her eyes, straightens her shirt, and opens the door slowly.)

STRANGER stands in the doorway — wrapped in a heavy, old-fashioned wool coat. His clothes are odd, not shabby, just… timeless. A thick scarf is tucked under his collar. His hair looks windblown from a long walk. He carries no bag, no hat, and no car is visible behind him.

For a moment, neither speaks.

STRANGER (warmly):
“Good morning. Forgive the interruption — I’ve been walking awhile, and your light caught my eye.”

MOM (guarded):
“We don’t really have visitors.”

STRANGER:
“Noted.” (smiles faintly) “I wondered if I might trouble you for a cup of coffee.”

(She looks at him like he’s crazy.)

MOM:
“You picked the wrong house. I’m out of coffee… milk… patience…” (she gestures toward the empty pot) “Take your pick.”

STRANGER (tilting his head, softly):
“May I sit while I warm my hands?”

(She hesitates — looks to the CHILD. The child shrugs with innocent curiosity. The mother exhales.)

MOM:
“Fine. But only for a minute.”

(He steps in quietly, removing his gloves. He looks around the modest home with gentle eyes, not judging — observing.)

STRANGER (nodding toward the tree):
“Christmas coming soon.”

MOM (dryly):
“Yeah, it’s on sale this year. Buy one joy, get one disappointment free.”

CHILD (snickering):
“Mom…”

STRANGER (chuckling):
“That’s one I haven’t heard before.”

(He looks at the coffee pot on the counter.)

STRANGER:
“You sure there’s nothing left in there?”

MOM (holding up the pot):
“Bone dry.”

STRANGER:
“Would you mind checking again?”

(She raises an eyebrow but tips it. Liquid pours out. Steam rises.)

(She freezes.)

CHILD (wide-eyed):
“Whoa… you just—how did—”

STRANGER (smiling calmly):
“Looks like there’s enough for two.”

(He gently takes a seat as she pours a cup, still staring at the pot in disbelief.)

MOM (half whispering):
“I swear it was empty.”

STRANGER:
“I’ve found the smallest kindness is never small. Sometimes, when we give what little we have left… heaven fills the rest.”

(Beat of silence. She studies him more carefully.)

MOM:
“You sound like a preacher.”

STRANGER (grinning slightly):
“Just a traveler. But I’ve seen a lot through the years.”

CHILD:
“Tell us a story!”

STRANGER:
“All right. But it’s not about kings or castles. It’s about shepherds, angels… and a baby who changed everything.”

MOM:
“I think I’ve heard this one before.”

STRANGER:
“Maybe. But some stories aren’t told just to be heard — they’re told to be remembered.”

(He looks toward the audience, eyes distant — as if he’s seeing something far away.)

STRANGER:
“It began on a night like this… cold, quiet, forgotten. But heaven was closer than anyone knew.”

(He sets down his cup. Lights fade on the living room.)

[FREEZE → SCREEN PLAYS]
🎬 FILM SCENE 2 — “The Angels Appear”
The camera shows the shepherd children again — now waking to a burst of light.
An “angel” child stands with arms raised, glowing in the night, while the shepherds tumble and shriek in comic panic before bowing low in awe.

🎬 FILM SCENE 2 — The Angels Appear

SETTING:
The same field from the previous scene. Everything is still and silent — the shepherds are half-asleep, leaning on one another or sitting by the little lantern “fire.” The night is deep blue.
Camera should start close — maybe on a child’s sleepy face — before slowly zooming out.

[Camera Direction]

• Start with total calm.
• A faint sound — a breeze, a hum, a distant choir — begins to build.
• A sudden burst of soft light from behind (a spotlight or hidden LED).
• Reaction shots: each shepherd blinking, gasping, tumbling.
• Let it be funny first, then turn to reverent wonder.

SHEPHERD #1 (half asleep):
“What was that?”

SHEPHERD #2:
“What?”

SHEPHERD #1:
“That! That light! Did you see—”

(A bright flash fills the sky. The “ANGEL” child appears on a small rise — white robe, tinsel halo, flashlight under chin for a glow effect.)

ANGEL:
“FEAR NOT!”

SHEPHERD #3:
“Too late!!” (dives behind another shepherd)

ANGEL (trying not to laugh):
“FOR BEHOLD! I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY—”

SHEPHERD #2:
“Could you maybe whisper the good news?”

ANGEL:
“—FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR—”

SHEPHERD #1:
“A what?”

ANGEL:
“A Savior! Which is Christ the Lord!”

(The music swells softly — “Angels We Have Heard on High” instrumental.)

(The “angel” spreads arms wide as more children dressed as angels appear, forming a glowing semicircle. They twirl or move slowly as if floating. Their voices join together:)

ANGEL CHORUS:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
(Luke 2:10–14)

(The shepherds’ faces change — mouths drop open. They kneel one by one, still blinking in disbelief.)

SHEPHERD #3 (whispering):
“Did… that really just happen?”

SHEPHERD #2:
“I don’t know, but we’re going to Bethlehem before they change their minds!”

(The angels laugh softly and “disappear” as the light dims.)

[Camera Notes for Ending]

• As the angels fade, focus on the shepherds staring upward in silent wonder.
• End with a wide shot: the little group silhouetted against the night sky.
• Fade out as faint choral voices continue the line “Gloria, in excelsis Deo…”

🎭 LIVE SCENE 3 — The Stranger’s Story: When God Fills the Empty

SETTING: Same small living room. The coffee pot still gently steams. The small tree flickers. Soft piano underscore (“What Child Is This”).

MOM (dry humor, still guarded):
“So, what—you just show up, refill people’s coffee, and tell stories?”

STRANGER (grinning):
“Not always in that order.”

(The child giggles. The mom shakes her head, trying not to smile.)

STRANGER:
“You remind me of someone — a widow I once knew. Her jar of oil was empty. Her cupboards bare. But when she poured what little she had left… it never ran out again.”

MOM (half-laugh, half-bitterness):
“Must be nice. Around here, when the jar’s empty, it stays empty.”

STRANGER (glancing toward the coffee pot, gentle smile):
“Does it? Are you sure?”

(She looks at the pot — still full, still steaming. Her face softens.)

STRANGER:
“Maybe you’ve been looking at it the wrong way. Sometimes, God waits for things to be empty before He fills them.”

(He stands slowly, walks a few steps toward the small Christmas tree.)

STRANGER:
“That’s His favorite place to start — with what’s empty.
The widow’s jar.
The manger.
The hearts that have run dry.”

(He turns back toward her, voice lower now, deep and kind.)

STRANGER:
“He fills what’s empty so no one can say they did it themselves. That’s why He came the way He did — no throne, no soldiers, no gold. Just straw, silence, and surrender.”

MOM:
“So that’s it? Empty is good now?”

STRANGER:
“When it’s in His hands — yes. He turns emptiness into invitation.”

(He picks up his mug and holds it out slightly.)

STRANGER:
“This little cup can’t fill itself. It has to stay open to receive. So does a heart.”

(She watches him, thoughtful. The child leans closer, curious.)

STRANGER (continuing, gentle):
“Think about that night in Bethlehem. Doors closed. Rooms full. No one with space to spare. And yet—God chose a place no one wanted… and made it the doorway for everyone.”

CHILD:
“So the angels told the shepherds where to go?”

STRANGER:
“They did. To find a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.”

MOM (softening):
“Why a manger? Why not something… better?”

STRANGER:
“Because love doesn’t force its way in. It comes where it’s welcomed. The manger was empty… and willing.”

(Beat. He looks at her kindly.)

STRANGER:
“You feel forgotten. But heaven hasn’t forgotten you. Your emptiness isn’t the end — it’s an opening.”

(A hush. She swallows, eyes moist.)

MOM:
“You talk like you were there.”

STRANGER (faint smile, eyes distant):
“Maybe I was.”

(He turns slightly toward the audience, then back to the child and mother.)

STRANGER:
“Would you like to see what they saw?”

CHILD (whispering):
“Yes.”

STRANGER:
“Then look closely. Don’t just watch — listen. It still speaks.”

(He raises his hand. Lights on the living room soften; the actors hold still.)

🎬 FILM SCENE 3 — At the Manger: The Promise Revealed

SETTING:
A rustic barn, dimly lit by a lantern.
Mary sits near the manger, the baby already wrapped in cloth. Joseph kneels beside her, one hand on the edge of the manger.
The night is still except for the faint bleating of distant “sheep” (children or sound effect).

MUSIC:
Soft piano or violin — “Silent Night” or “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Keep it gentle and reverent, swelling slightly near the end.

🌟 OPENING MOMENT

[Wide shot]
Mary gazes down at the baby.
Joseph leans closer, quiet awe in his face.

MARY (whispering):
“He’s so small… and yet—” (smiles through tears) “—He’s the One.”

JOSEPH:
“The angel’s words… they were true.” (pauses, voice trembling)
“He shall save His people from their sins.”

MARY:
“Then His name will be Jesus.”

(She looks at Joseph, then down at the baby.)

MARY (softly):
“Jesus… my Lord and my Son.”

(A gentle hush follows. Joseph places his hand over hers. The camera slowly moves in — golden light from the lantern illuminating their faces.)

🕯️ SHEPHERDS ARRIVE

[Camera shifts to barn entrance.]
Children dressed as shepherds approach, hesitant, carrying small stuffed lambs or staffs.
The star outside casts a faint glow through the doorway.

SHEPHERD #1 (softly, in awe):
“The angel said we’d find a baby wrapped in cloth… and lying in a manger.”

SHEPHERD #2:
“A Savior… who is the Messiah, the Christ, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

SHEPHERD #3 (barely whispering):
“This is Him.”

(The shepherds kneel slowly, bowing their heads. One places a small toy lamb near the manger. Mary smiles warmly through tears.)

MARY:
“You’ve come to worship Him.”

SHEPHERD #1:
“He came for us… even for shepherds.”

(Joseph nods solemnly, looking at them and then at the baby.)

JOSEPH:
“For everyone.”

✨ ANGELS ABOVE

[Camera tilt upward — angels (children) stand above or outside the doorway, bathed in soft light.]

ANGEL (Child):
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

(The shepherds and parents bow lower. Soft music swells.)

✨ NARRATOR (STRANGER’S VOICE)

“And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they saw Him, they made known what had been told them concerning this child.” (Luke 2:16–17)

“For generations they had waited — prophets had spoken, kings had longed to see His day.
And here, in the stillness of a stable, the promise was fulfilled.”

(Camera pans slowly across faces — Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels — each illuminated by the gentle light from the manger.)

🌠 THE CRESCENDO

JOSEPH (softly):
“The Messiah has come.”

MARY:
“The Savior of the world.”

SHEPHERD #2:
“The Lord… right here with us.”

(The light grows warmer — a quiet sense of heaven on earth. The music rises into the final chord.)

✨ NARRATOR (STRANGER’S VOICE)

“Heaven touched earth that night.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
The Light entered the darkness,
and the darkness could not overcome it.” (John 1:14–15)

“The world had no room for Him —
yet He made room for us all.”

[Final shot:]
Camera pans slowly upward from the manger to the shining star.
Hold for a few seconds — then fade to black as the final chord of “Silent Night” or “O Holy Night” echoes softly.

🎬 NOTES FOR PRODUCTION

• Tone: Calm, reverent, full of awe.
• Lighting: Warm, golden; center glow on the manger.
• Timing: Approx. 3–4 minutes total.
• Children: Practice kneeling naturally and looking upward toward the “light.”
• Editing: Use crossfades between close-ups for emotional connection — focus on Mary’s face, the baby’s light, and the shepherds’ awe.

🎭 LIVE SCENE 4 — The Mirror Moment

SETTING:
The film has just faded out.
Lights rise softly on the living room again — warm but subdued.
The little tree glows faintly in the background.
The Stranger, Mom, and Child sit quietly — the air feels changed, still, reverent.
A soft instrumental version of “Silent Night” or “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” plays in the background.

MOM (barely above a whisper):
“I’ve seen that story my whole life… but I’ve never felt it like that.”

STRANGER:
“Because this time, you didn’t just watch it. You were in it.”

(She looks at him, startled, unsure what he means.)

STRANGER:
“Every person who feels forgotten… every empty place, every quiet house… that’s where He still comes. Not to the strong or the certain, but to the humble and the tired.”

(He gestures gently toward the small Christmas tree.)

STRANGER:
“The stable isn’t out there somewhere — it’s right here.
Right where you thought He’d never show up.”

(She lowers her eyes. Her voice trembles.)

MOM:
“I’ve felt empty for so long. Like I’m running on nothing.”

STRANGER:
“That’s often where He begins — with nothing.
A manger.
An empty jar.
An empty heart.
That’s His favorite place to start.”

(The Child quietly moves closer, resting against her arm.)

CHILD (softly):
“If He came for them… He can come for us too, right?”

(The Stranger smiles — warm, knowing, but says nothing for a long moment. Then softly:)

STRANGER:
“He already has.”

(He sets his cup down, rises slowly. A faint draft stirs the tree lights. He moves toward the door.)

MOM:
“Wait—who are you?”

(He pauses in the doorway, turns slightly, the light outlining his silhouette. His voice is calm, steady, almost familiar.)

STRANGER:
“Just a traveler. But I know the road well.”

(He steps through the door. A quiet wind moves the curtains. The door drifts closed on its own.)

(Silence — just the music and the glow of the lights.)

CHILD (after a pause):
“Who was he?”

(The Mom doesn’t answer. She looks toward the coffee pot — still steaming. Her eyes fill with tears. A small, knowing smile spreads across her face.)

(She pulls the child close. The two sit quietly as the lights fade warmer — golden, peaceful.)

The living room remains dim.
The little Christmas tree twinkles softly.
The mother and child are still sitting where the Stranger left them — a still hush over the room.
No sound but faint wind or distant music, like a church choir echoing through time.

(A soft instrumental of “O Holy Night” begins — just piano or violin.)

CHILD (quietly):
“Mom… do you hear that?”

(She tilts her head. A faint melody fills the room — not from the speakers, but as if from somewhere beyond. She stands slowly, drawn toward the sound.)

MOM:
“It sounds like… singing.”

(She walks toward the side of the stage — a curtained “window” or open frame. A faint glow begins to spill through it — gold and white, gentle but growing. The child follows, eyes wide.)

CHILD (whispering):
“It’s coming from outside…”

(She reaches for the curtain, hesitates — then draws it back. A brilliant soft light fills the space. Both freeze in awe.)

🎭 SCENE #5 — The Window of Time / Worship Together

🎬 FILM SCENE — Worship at the Manger

SETTING:
A stable or barn scene.
Soft straw, wooden beams, warm lantern light.
Mary sits holding the baby. Joseph kneels beside her, his arm around her shoulders.

(The camera starts close — the baby’s face in shadow — then pans slowly to reveal Mary and Joseph, weary but radiant.)

MARY (softly):
“His name shall be Jesus… for He will save His people from their sins.”

(Joseph looks at her, emotion in his voice.)

JOSEPH:
“God’s promise kept… right here, in our arms.”

(The camera pans toward the barn door. From outside, a faint rustling — then footsteps. The shepherd children enter slowly with sheep following, clutching toy staffs, eyes wide in wonder.)

SHEPHERD #1 (whispering):
“It’s just like the angel said…”

SHEPHERD #2 (barely breathing):
“A Savior… who is the Messiah… the Christ, the Lord.”

(They kneel near the manger. One gently places a lamb plushie near the baby. Their faces glow in the soft light.)

(Then, from the distance, the soft sound of camel bells or chimes. The camera turns — three “wise men” children approach, carrying simple wrapped boxes or jars. Their robes shimmer faintly under the star.)

WISE MAN #1 (quietly):
“We have followed His star.”

WISE MAN #2:
“It led us here… to the King of kings.”

(They kneel, placing gifts before the manger.)

WISE MAN #3:
“Gold, frankincense, and myrrh — treasures for a child who is greater than all kings.”

(The camera widens to show everyone — Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, wise men — all kneeling in stillness. The manger glows softly. The music swells.)

NARRATOR (voice of the Stranger, calm and reverent):

“And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” (Luke 2:16–17)

“And all who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”

(A pause. Then, gently, the narrator continues with warmth and awe.)

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,
the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

(The camera slowly pans upward to the star glowing above the stable. Fade to soft white light.)

🎭 LIVE STAGE CONTINUES

(The light from the “window” spills into the living room. The mother and child stand gazing toward it, eyes full of tears.)

MOM (softly):
“He’s here… right here.”

(She takes the child’s hand. They walk to the small Christmas tree. She picks up the simple star ornament.)

MOM (with a trembling smile):
“Let’s give Him back the light He gave us.”

(Together, they place the star on the tree. The lights brighten — warm and golden. The faint glow from the manger still lingers.)

CHILD (softly):
“Merry Christmas, Mom.”

MOM (looking upward):
“Merry Christmas… Lord Jesus.”

(The music transitions seamlessly into a full instrumental of “Silent Night.” The house lights across the sanctuary begin to rise, revealing the congregation bathed in warm light.)

NARRATOR (offstage or voice-over):

“The first Christmas wasn’t perfect — but it was holy.
God entered our world in the middle of the ordinary,
to remind us that no heart is too broken,
no home too humble,
no night too dark…
for His light to shine.”

🎶 CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP

(As the narrator’s voice fades, the worship team begins to softly lead the congregation in singing.)

🎵 “Silent Night” — Verse 1
🎵 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” — Verse 1 & Chorus
🎵 Optional: “Joy to the World” — Final Song

(Encourage the children actors to join on stage near the front as the congregation sings — a visual of unity and celebration.)

The lights grow brighter with each verse until the sanctuary is fully aglow — symbolic of the light of Christ filling every heart.

🌟 FINAL MOMENT

As the music swells and ends, the tree’s star glows one final time — steady and bright.
Lights fade to gold and then to black.

END