Joy Cometh in the Morning

Mary's mind was full as she thought of God's son who she carried.

While Mary had both angelic visits and a servant heart, still she had to be sufficiently human to have concerns, even second thoughts.

Cast: 2

• Mary - actress
• Female singer

Bible Reference: Luke 1:46-55
Set:

• If possible, singer should be on an elevated stage at Upper Stage Center.
• Actress performs on the regular (lower) stage level.
• Through the use of black flats, create a feeling of solitude around actor and singer.

Sound: wireless mic
Song:

• see Special Instructions

Lighting:

•  Use a low level of lighting centralized at Center Stage for actress, ensure that she does not walk out of the lighted area.
  
• For singer use a single sharp spot to illuminate only her upper body.

SFX: none
Props: none
Costumes:

• see Special Instructions
• Mary in Part 1 will have period costume.
• In Part 2, (and for singer), contemporary costumes will be used.

Special Instructions:.

• At the conclusion of Part 1 of this monologue a female singer sings Breath of Heaven, (Mary's Song), Words and Music by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant, (Copyright 19692 Closeau Music Ltd. / Age to Age Music, Inc. (ASCAP), adm by Reunion Music Group, Inc. As the song is sung actress moves slowly about Center Stage, reacts to words of the song.
• At the conclusion of the song, actress, while on stage, removes the costume to reveal contemporary apparel. She goes immediately into Part 2 of monologue where she talks about the pressures, concerns and problems of her current day preparation for motherhood.

Time: 18

Sample of script:

Scene: A dimly lit stage. Mary sits alone, deep in thought.

Mary (soliloquy):

It has been a long day, Father. Today I went to the market. I left home with great feelings of love in my heart, so thankful that I might choose the best produce and essentials for my new husband, Joseph. So grateful that You had provided a husband, one who loved me—Mary, the poor peasant girl. So overwhelmed that You had so richly blessed me with this opportunity to give birth to... to Him!

But in the marketplace, my joy soon turned to sorrow and shame. The glances, the whispers rubbed rawness once again. No longer able to endure this thinly veiled feeling of displeasure from my neighbors, with my market basket still half empty, I hurried home—to the one who does not doubt, nor second-guess, nor condemn.

At the gate, I paused to listen to his mallet, a steady cadence, implying certainty as it struck home; to his rasp, a soothing, muted symphony. My husband, the carpenter. A noble profession, a proud profession. But, some said, not the wisest career choice in this land, where trees—and thereby wood—are scarce to the point of rare. No matter; to be a carpenter was my husband's choice, and in his labor I would glory.

Tonight, I lie beside my Joseph and listen to his regular breathing as sleep removes the cares of his busy day. Thank you, dear God, for Joseph—the one who cared, who understood, the one who stood by me when all friends and neighbors berated, or worse, ignored me. Truly, even Joseph had problems comprehending. In my first month, he did turn away from me, he did doubt. But to his credit, he listened as the angel of God brought reassurance.

Now, he sleeps the dark night through while I lie here by his side, my mind spinning as I try to comprehend the magnitude of the blessing—in some ways, the curse—that has been thrust upon my young life.

Now, as the dark and dreary night gives forth its first hint of a new day, I search both my mind and the eastern sky, that somehow I might make sense of this happening. A happening in which I was to play a willing yet somehow unconscious role. It was as though I was sitting back, watching as the role was played out. Me—Mary—a mere bit-part player in the most significant happening in all of history. Central to the event, yet, somehow, a mere observer. Dear Lord, make me worthy of the task which lies ahead for me.

I recall the visit which I made with my cousin, how I learned that in Elizabeth's old age, she was to give birth. I felt the leaping of this son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Now, I feel the movement of my own wee one, and I marvel at the promise that I bear.

I pray, Lord, that You will use this unworthy vessel to bear Your Son into a world which so desperately needs Your healing touch. Bless me and my beloved husband, that we might not be deficient in the task which lies ahead. We have talked, Lord, and we realize that only as a result of Your guiding and power can we be equal to the task.

You have promised to guide, and now, God, I shall hold to Your promise. For as sure as is the weeping of the night, so comes the joy of the morning. Be with me, my God, and be with my husband. Thank You for providing Joseph as the keeper of Your Son.

(Singer performs Breath of Heaven as Mary reacts to the words.)

(At the close of the song, Mary slowly begins to remove her costume, talking and moving about the stage as she does so.)

Modern Woman (reflective):

Jesus, I grow closer to You as I think of Your coming to this earth as a tiny baby. I identify with You and Your dear mother as I too, for the first time, go through the process of becoming a mother. Lord Jesus, today, within my body, there grows a person, a child. A child to be born during the Christmas season. My first child! How exciting! How scary! How new!

And, since it is the Christmas season, I was wondering, dear Lord—wondering about what it was like for Your mother, back before that first Christmas. Am I encountering the same joys and fears and worries and triumphs as did Your mother?

I find myself ill at ease, the nagging doubt that I will be equal to the task of bringing up a child as I must. After all, Jesus, it isn't easy for a kid growing up in today's world.

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