Christmas Dramas
Christ Was Born for This  

The Sunday before Christmas
By Darlene Swanson Malmo

(Darlene Swanson Malmo is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Washington and has been an active member of a drama group in that congregation.)

CHARACTERS:

Jerry Salem:
Age 50. Tries to be upbeat and hopeful, but is sad, depressed about his job situation.

Beth Salem:
Married to Jerry.  Fusses around her kids.

Grampa Salem:
70-80 years old. Walks with cane and is a bit feeble physically.

Carol, daughter of Jerry and Beth:
She is a mom and recently separated from her husband, in late 20's.

David, son of Jerry and Beth:
Has been in addiction treatment, in mid 20’s.

Youth, selling door to door:
Energetic, confident.

(Jerry enters with newspaper and sits. Beth enters with wreath, or something.) 

Carolers are heard singing:
Good Christian friends rejoice, with heart and soul and voice,
Now you hear of endless bliss, Jesus Christ was born for...this.
He has opened heaven's door, and we are blessed for evermore.
Christ was born for...THIS.  Christ was born for...THIS."

Jerry:
Oh, sometimes those Christmas carolers can be so irritating!!!  (At the door looking out)

Beth:
They are just trying to get us into the Christmas spirit.

Jerry:
Well, I wish they would go get somebody else in the mood.  Huh - Christ was born for this (sings sarcastically).  For this???  Ha!  What a mess!

Beth:
Come on Scrooge, you o bah humbug.  Will you come and help me with these boxes?  We need to get the tree decorations.

Jerry:
Beth, we need to talk.  You see, the way things are this year, with me out of work and everything, I figured we’d have to cut out some of those unnecessary expenses, you know.  Like the Christmas tree, for example. 

Beth:
Well, I never!

Jerry:
Every little bit helps. 

Beth:
I know money is tight right now, but after all, Jerry, a tree?  We can’t afford a tree?  What’s wrong with you?  Don’t you have any Christmas spirit?

Jerry:
Spirit I got!  (Pulls out empty pocket.)  It’s money I don’t got.  Besides, we don’t really need a tree to celebrate.  We have each other, and we have our home - -

Beth:
That’s not funny.  (Crosses her arms and turns her back to him.)  But it doesn’t help at all to worry about things we can’t control.

Jerry:
You're right, honey.  Until this strike is over there is no point in letting ourselves be dragged down with every worry we can imagine.  We may as well smile a bit.  (coaxing)  It doesn’t cost anything.  (Beth fakes a broad smile.)  Come on, Beth . . . Beth?  (Goes to her as she is looking dejected, her back to him.)  Honey?  What’s wrong?  What’s bothering you?

Beth:
Breaking down)  You know how hard Christmas can be.  There’s so much I have to do, so much that has to be perfect.  The perfect gifts, the perfect meals, the perfect House Beautiful (her arm sweeps the room).  Look at this mess!  And now we have no regular income. I just can’t get in the mood when there is so little money to spend on anything and there is just too much to worry about...with the strike, the kid's problems and everything else (buries her head in his shoulder.)

Jerry:
There, there.

Beth:
Oh, Jerry, how long is it going to last?  (cries quietly)

Jerry:
Who knows?  We just have to look on the bright side of things.  Our children will be with us, and our grandkids will be with us.  Their love means more to us than keeping up with any old Martha Stewart and her perfect house and perfect Christmas decorations.  And my Dad - he’ll be with us and … (looks around) …  Where is Dad anyway?  Haven’t seen him this morning.

Beth:
That’s just another thing to worry about on top of everything else.  Since that doctor’s appointment yesterday, he’s been so quiet.  I don’t think he is telling us the whole truth.

Jerry:
Aw, he’s okay.  He's still on some heart medication.  Maybe a different kind.  Maybe they had to switch things around a bit.  That’s all.

Beth:
That could be the reason for his moodiness, I guess. 

Jerry:
Sure, it takes the body a while to adapt to changes like that.  I’m sure he’s fine.  (David is making his way to the door.)

Beth:
Sure, that’s it.  (David enters.)  David, how wonderful to see you.  What brings you here?

David:
Hi, Mom, Dad (greetings around).  Thought I’d swing by and see if you needed some help setting up your Christmas tree.  (Beth and Jerry look awkwardly at each other.)

Beth:
Well - we were just discussing that! 

Jerry:
Why, yes.  We were thinking that we would just use that little artificial tree that’s in the attic.  Isn’t that right, Beth?

Beth:
(still a bit miffed)  Yeah.  Right!  (David looks back and forth puzzled.)  But anyway,  can you take off your coat and visit for a while?  How about a cup of hot chocolate?

David:
Sure, love it.  (She leaves.)  What’s going on, Dad? 

Jerry:
Nothing serious - really.  We’re just trying to be more fiscally conservative this year.  You know, the dollars are tight.

David:
What?

Jerry:
And besides...we all make such a big fuss over the "incidentals" at Christmas time...we often lose the meaning of it all.

David:
Oh, you’ve decided to simplify everything this year?

Jerry:
Yes, that’s it.  Simplify, simplify.  That's it...But level with me, Dave.  Personal stuff.  How are you doing since your relapse?

David:
Lots better, Dad, really.  But you know what I think I miss even more than the drugs?

Jerry:
No, what’s that?

David:
Friends.  I miss my old friends - the ones who knew me best.  We really did have a lot of fun together.  Finding a new group will take a lot of time, but I must do it.  That old bunch is going nowhere!

Jerry:
Oh?  What do you mean?

David:
The road they are traveling...isn't good.  I guess they think this life is for partying.  But I'm getting better Dad...a lot better.

Jerry:
I am proud of you, Son.

David:
Thanks, Dad.  You know how much I need your support, but I’m not out of the woods yet.  

Jerry:
Is your therapy helping at all?

David:
Yes, of course.  They follow the AA’s 12 steps, you know.  Admitting I’m powerless over drugs, that I can’t get clean without God’s help.

Jerry:
Yes, I’ve read them.

David:
I guess I didn’t really believe that I was powerless. I thought all I had to do was try harder.  I was determined that I could just use a little smoke, some pills now and then.  But I found out the addiction was more powerful than I am.  That’s why I tripped up again...I relapsed.

Jerry:
And now what's happening? 

David:
It’s hard, unbelievably hard.  But I’ve learned that without God, I can’t control this thing.  It would be easy to return to my old habits.  When I’m faced with deadlines, conflicts, trouble at work, I’m  tempted to use it again.....to relieve that pressure.

Jerry:
So how are you dealing with the pressures?

David:
The reality is that the pressures are never going to be gone.  You know that, Dad.  That’s life!  (Beth enters with cocoa)  But I’ve found this serenity inside and I never want to lose it again.  (She hands him the cup.)  Thanks, Mom.

Beth:
Sounds as though I’ve missed out on some good conversation here.  (She takes his chin and strokes his face.)  But I do see peacefulness in your eyes, son.  I want you to know I am praying for you. 

David:
Don’t I know it!  (Gives her a kiss or hug.)  Hey, where is Gramps?

Jerry:
I don’t know.  He’s sleeping in, I guess.  Let’s go roust him out.  (Jerry and David leave.)

David:
Oh, Gramps, Grampa Salem!  (Beth fiddles with the wreath, trying it here and there.  Carol enters from outside.)

Carol:
Hi, Mom.  I was sort of in the neighborhood and needed to stop by and get your chocolatebar recipe.  (hugs)

Beth:
In the neighborhood?  (Then her face falls.)  Oh, that’s right.  It’s Saturday.

Carol:
Oh, Mom, it’s not so bad as that.  When I bring the kids to see their father for a day, it gives me a chance to get some errands done.  (chiding)  And I get to see you.  Now, that’s not so bad, is it?

Beth:
No I love that! But it's so hard to believe that you and Joe are separated. I still don't understand how.

Carol:
Oh, Mom.  Please.  Don’t start on that again.  You know that Joe and I just weren’t getting along at all.  He seems to have no understanding of what I am going through with trying to keep the house, the kids, and my job all going at once.

Beth:
Course not. Most men don’t understand how responsible a mother feels about . . .

Carol:
It’s not just that either.  We got to the place where we can't stand each other anymore - there was no respect either way.  It wasn’t good for the children to see us at each other’s throats...day after day...so we separated.

Beth:
Certainly.  But it isn’t good for the children to be away from either of you.  They need you both!  After all, you made a commitment to those kids by bringing them into this world and the least you can do is try to work it out . . . somehow.

Carol:
I don’t see how we can.

Beth:
Not on your own, probably.  But the two of you could sit down with a good counselor, or the pastor, and try to find the love you used to have.

Carol:
(sarcastically)  Love!  Ha!  We hate each other.

Beth:
Carol, a big part of love is making a decision to act in a loving way, trusting that God will bring a blessing from it.  God always does.  I really believe this.  God will bless your decision...to act in a loving way.

Carol:
You make it sound sooooo simple.  If only life were as simple as you want it, Mom.

Beth:
Isn’t it worth a try?  (Gets up and puts arms around her.)...Now let’s go find that recipe.  (Teasing.)  You know, it isn’t always easy to love your children either.  (Exit stage left while men come in stage right.)

David:
Hey, where did Mom go?

Jerry:
She’s probably in the kitchen.  (Jerry and Grampa sit. David goes to kitchen.)

Grampa:
It’s nice to see David looking so healthy and on top of things.  He’s a good son and grandson and I hated for him to be so troubled. 

Jerry:
Absolutely.  But tell me, Dad, what’s going on with you?  Something seems to be troubling you.

Grampa:
Oh, you know.  I always get emotional around those beautiful grandkids of mine.

Jerry:
It’s more than that, Dad.  I can tell.  Aren’t you feeling well today?

Grampa:
Well - I guess I feel as well as can be expected.  Since this ticker of mine went on the fritz, my body has slowed down a lot.  You know that - you can see that!

Jerry:
But there’s something more.  What else is wrong?  What did the doctor say anyway?

Grampa:
It looks as though I’m sort of at the end of my rope with this heart.  It’s worn out, and so am I.

Jerry:
So?  What does he recommend?

Grampa:
It doesn’t matter.  I’m not going to do it anyway.

Jerry:
Do what?

Grampa:
He says I could have a heart transplant.  He says my other organs are pretty good and that I could add years to my life with a new heart.

Jerry:
(Obviously moved)  That’s serious.  I had no idea.  How soon?

Grampa:
You can just forget about it, Jerry.  I’m not going to even consider it.

Jerry:
Are you crazy?  Why not?

Jerry:
But, Dad.  There is still so much to live for.  You can’t just quit.

Grampa:
I’m not just quitting.  It’s my heart that is quitting.  But I don’t mind, Son.  I don’t really mind!  Believe me.

Jerry:
Won’t you even consider the idea of surgery?  Please?

Grampa:
No....I don't want to go through all that.  But hush now, not another word because I hear the others coming back in here.  We’ll talk about it later.  (The three enter.  David and Carol are arm-in-arm, laughing.)

Beth:
Good morning, Dad.  Glad to see you.  (She and Carol hug him.)  You’ll talk about what later?

Grampa:
About making those shelves in the garage.

Beth:
Well, isn’t this nice?  Just the five of us...in a sort of pre-Christmas get together.

Jerry:
Yeah.  This may be as good as it gets this season.

Carol:
That sounds pretty gloomy.  What do you mean, Dad?

Jerry:
Well, look, if we want to be honest with each other, none of us is feeling very merry this Christmas.  The strike...your separation...Dave's relapse...and the other, ah, (looks at Gramps) problems have taken the wind out of my sails.  I fear it's going to be a crummy Christmas because it's been a crummy year.

David:
I know Christmas will be different for me this year (shaking head) in lotza ways.

Carol:
And with Joe and I sharing the kids for the holidays, it just won’t be the same for me either.  But (smiling hopefully) we’ll try to make the best of it.

(Knock at the door.  David goes and invites a young girl or boy in.  She/he has a bag of Christmas wrap.)

Kid:
Hi, Mister.  Does anyone need any Christmas wrapping paper?  I’m selling it for the Youth program at the Downtown Y.  Gotta make some money for Christmas.

Beth:
Okay... maybe I could use some.  (She and Carol walk over to look and each select one.)  Here’s a pretty one.  I’ll get my purse.

Carol:
Come here, David.  You need some too.  Don’t be stingy.  You’ll need some wrapping paper for those wonderful gifts you have hidden away for me this year.  (He gets up and looks too.  They all select and pay, making some small talk.  The kid is exuberant  about the sales.)

Beth:
Come on Gramps.  The child needs to make some money.

Gramps:
Okay.  Okay.

Beth:
Get out of your grumpy mood, Jerry.  The little girl has something to sell.

Jerry:
All right.  (All exchanging money and boxes of wrapping paper.)

Kid:
Wow!  Thanks a lot, everyone.  That really helps.

Jerry:
(Walks over too.)  Is there anything else you need?  Anything we can get you?

Kid:
No, I’m fine.  Don’t need anything.

Gramps:
Are you sure?  It’s nearly Christmas.  Must be something.

Kid:
No, nothing.  I’m cool.

David:
You gonna have a lot of presents?

Kid:
Enough.  My Dad is gonna be with us for Christmas this year and that's what counts.  My family and I are living at the family shelter at the Y.  Dad's been in the hospital and is getting out by Christmas...and now...I have enough money to buy presents for everyone.

All:
That's great.  Terrific.  Good.  (Together, talking on top of each other)

Jerry:
Say...ummmmm...what makes you so happy anyway?

Kid:
Who isn't happy?  It's Christmas.  It's Jesus birthday.  Mom says, "Jesus has always taken good care of us" and Mom's usually right.  Gotta go.  Bye. Thanks.

All:
Bye.

(Pause after she leaves)

Carol
Did I hear her right?  Her family is living in a shelter?

David:
And her dad is getting out of the hospital?

Jerry:
She has all "this"... going on and she has the joy of Christmas?  What's wrong with us?

Gramps:
My.  My.  My.  Visited by a little Christmas angel....Hummmmmmm.  The birth of Jesus.  Yup, grandma understood...really understood....that God always takes care of us...that Christ was born...(gesturing around) for all of this....we've been going through.  And I understand too.

Carolers are heard singing:
"Good Christian friends rejoice, with heart and soul and voice,
Now you hear of endless bliss, Jesus Christ was born for...this.
He has opened heaven's door, and we are blessed for evermore.
Christ was born for...THIS.  Christ was born for...THIS."

David:
Listen, I hear the carolers.  (as carolers begin)

Carol:
I love Christmas...especially the music...especially the carols.

Jerry:
Ohh,  I guess they're not so bad after all ...well now, about time to get the boxes out ofstorage to decorate the tree.

Beth:
We have no tree...

(Carolers finish singing over Jerry's words.  Jerry finishes and then carolers sing last refrain,  "Christ was born for...this."  The timing is important.  The carol and five speeches take 30 seconds.)

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