The Coming

Alan C Dougall ©2000
Do you have space for Jesus?
The coming of the Messiah (based on Luke 1)

Summary

The scene is set in contemporary society as three zealous "students" argue about the forthcoming Messiah on a global scale.  Initially, the audience wonders Is this about the Second Coming? Subsequently, without many names or towns being mentioned throughout, the birth of "John" (the Baptist) is announced by an angel (Gabriel) to a priest (Zechariah) in the inner sanctuary. The audience then wonders, Is this the Messiah? because they do not hear the child's name until his father recovers form his dumbness. Meanwhile, the priest's relative, a simple carpenter (Joseph) has grave doubts about his inexperienced young wife-to-be (Mary) having a son, "conceived by the Holy Spirit" without him having the honour of playing his part!

Modern dress is worn by the players throughout, and familiar language and natural settings help to draw the audience into the reality of the events as if it were today.  The effect is not to belittle the birth of Christ but to raise a greater sense of awe and mystery within the audience.

• Act 1: No Contest!
  Three students argue: one backs the idea of a superhuman military dictator; the second promotes a great political ruler/benefactor (from Rome/US?); the third predicts the "king" coming as a lowly shepherd (like David) - from Israel?! They mix all sorts of prophecies from OT scripture about the first and second coming, each with an element of truth. The first two achieve a concensus together and then begin to put down the "foolish" member, whose bizarre prophecies become sharper.
• Act 2.1-2: The Prophecy of John
  A very old man, Zechariah, laughs at an angel's prophecy that his wife (also old) is about to have a baby. Zechariah challenges the angel, "You can't be serious!" "I'm not sure if I want a ranting and raving recluse as a son! Why can't he be the real Messiah?" In the end, he wonders whether his son is to be called "Elijah". The angel declares, "No! You will give him the name I give you." and then strikes him dumb for his arguing and incredulity.
• Act 2.3: Zechariah's Song
  After a period of isolation after their son is born, there is an argument amongst the relatives as to what the child will be called. Zechariah scribbles the name down. The name is shown as John (not Jesus, as some may expect!). Then, because he believed, Zechariah is able to speak again. Elizabeth sings Zechariah's song of her son paving the way for the Messiah to come.
  Zechariah uncovers that there have been other mysterious happenings, and Elizabeth reveals what she was told 3 months earlier by her cousin...
• Act 3.1: The Promise of Jesus
  One night (in Nazareth), Mary is approached by the angel (Gabriel), "This is what will happen." "Impossible!" says Mary, "I haven't slept with anyone." She cries in disbelief before finally accepting her destiny. "So, what would I call Him?" "Call Him 'Jesus' (which means salvation), because He will save people from their sins." On Mary's acceptance, conception begins.
• Act 3.2: Joseph's Dream
  On the other side of town, Joseph (in a half-sleep) hears the Lord (as a man) tell him that his wife-to-be is about to have a baby before they got married. Joseph was going to dump her (in the nicest possible way, of course) because it was bad enough him being called a "Cradle-snatcher!" but it would have been totally unbecoming of him to marry a loose young girl. "How can I walk up the aisle with this girl having a bump in front of her?" On realising it is the Lord, Joseph is persuaded to honour Mary as God has honoured her.
• Act 3.3: Mary's Song
  It was just after that time, that Mary went to visit Elizabeth, and her baby (John) leapt in her womb. At first, there is a tinge of jealousy, "Why was I - a priest's wife - not chosen?" But, after being blessed by Elizabeth, Mary sings a (modern) magnificat (mixed with Simeon's declaration?), as she dances(?), Mary praises God for his favour on the humble that through her, the Messiah whom she will see saving the nations. After the marriage (but before Jesus is born), Joseph and Mary must head towards Bethlehem (from Nazareth) "to register to vote". In the end, they wonder where they will stay and (looking to the audience) "Where will 'Jesus' be born?".