(_The three_ KINGS _enter chancel and recite._) KINGS: We come as the wise kings came, they say, Following ever the star-lit way; And we pray The light shine in our hearts this Christmas day. ANGELS (_sing_): Children, 'tis two thousand years Since the kings and shepherd seers Found that Baby sleeping. Where the wise men of to-day? CHOIR _or_ CLASS (_sing answer_): All those who follow in Jesus' way, And that's the way we're seeking, And that's the way we're seeking. (_The five little_ GIRLS _enter chancel._) FIRST LITTLE GIRL (_holding up a stocking filled with toys_): Years ago in a manger bare A Baby lay. He lived a life so wondrous fair, He showed the way. And as he bade, we'd like to give On Christmas day. SECOND LITTLE GIRL (_holding up hood and mittens_): With other children we would share Our Christmas joy. A hood, some mittens too I bear. THIRD LITTLE GIRL (_holding up doll_): I bring a doll. FOURTH LITTLE GIRL (_holding up toy_): I bring a toy. FIFTH LITTLE GIRL (_holding up stocking_): To children who have less than we, We bring these gifts right lovingly. THIRD ANGEL: O little children, if love ye bring, It equals the gift of shepherd or king. So kneel, little children, and humbly pray, Your gifts carry blessing on Christmas day. (_All kneel and sing. Music, "Gaudeamus Igitur." For music see conclusion Noah's Flood._) Father of all children, For all children we would pray: Thou who gave a little child To the world on Christmas day, Grant our gifts may carry gladness, Grant our love may banish sadness. Lead us in the loving way, Lead us in the loving way. (_All rise. The_ CLASS _comes forward and places the stockings in manger. Then all disperse, singing a Christmas carol._) (_At the conclusion, if so desired, a very little child may repeat these lines by_ Christina Rossetti.) "What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb; If I were a wise king, I would do my part. What can I give Him? Give my heart!" THE END. [Transcriber's note Italics are rendered with underscores; e.g. _italics_. Small caps are rendered as ALL CAPS.] End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Shorter Bible Plays, by Rita Benton