In all versions of the Ringing Nativty, you may use the musical selections as suggested, or, substitute other pieces as you wish or as your choir’s skill and rehearsal time demand. For all editions, you will receive a reproducible digital copy of the script and a curated list of music.
This narrative script relies heavily on Scripture to take a congregation through the Christmas story. Requiring just 2 narrators, the script can be read or memorized and is interwoven with musical selections for 2-3 or 3-5 octaves of handbells. Selections include, Savior of the Nations Come, by Cathy Moklebust; Comfort Ye My People, by Kevin McChesney; O Holy Night, by Sandra Eithun; Silent Night by Michael Helman and more.
Digital Script and Curated Music List -- $44.99
2-3 octave music packet (7 copies each) - tbd
3-5 octave music packet (10 copies each) – tbd
While this edition still features two narrators who adhere primarily to scripture, several Biblical characters appear to add dimension. Gabriel makes his own announcement to Mary. Mary’s Magnificat is featured in response. Joseph ponders what he heard from the angels. The Shepherds respond to the Heavenly Host, and a wiseman, from the east, wonders on the star in the sky. The narrators may still read or memorize, but the vignettes require actors/actresses committed to memorization. Available for 2-3 or 3-5 octaves of handbells. Selections include, Savior of the Nations Come, by Cathy Moklebust; Comfort Ye My People, by Kevin McChesney; O Holy Night, by Sandra Eithun; Silent Night by Michael Helman and more.
Digital Script and Curated Music List -- $54.99
2-3 octave music packet (7 copies each) - tbd
3-5 octave music packet (10 copies each) – tbd
Relying primarily on 2 main characters who memorize lines, this version features 2 bell craftsmen who decide to work late into the night to complete a tower-bell for a church who hopes to ring it on Christmas Eve. Their narrative takes us through the story of Bezalel – a goldsmith in 1st century Jerusalem, and tells us how he, and his daughter Miriam, experienced the Christmas Story. Available for 2-3 or 3-5 octaves of handbells. Selections include: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, by Brian Childers; For Unto Us, by Kevin McChesney; O Holy Night by Joel Raney; Joy to the World, by Cynthia Dobrinski and more.
Digital Script and Curated Music List -- $74.99
2-3 octave music packet (7 copies each) - tbd
3-5 octave music packet (10 copies each) – tbd
This fully developed musical drama has a cast of up to 12 characters. Bezalel, an Israelite, a man of God, and a goldsmith in 1st century Jerusalem experiences the Christmas story through the eyes of his daughter, Miriam. Miriam meets Mary in Bethlehem while visiting family, and, later, when a visitor from the east comes to their workshop for a repair on a gift he has brought for the young king, Bezalel and Miriam realize their feelings about Mary and Joseph were correct – their son is the promised Messiah. Available for 3-5 or 5-7 octaves of handbells. Selections include: Savior of the Nations Come by Sandra Eithun; The First Noel, by Cathy Moklebust; Carol of the Wisemen by Fred Gramann; Symphonia on Hyfrydol by Kevin McChesney and more.
Digital Script and Curated Music List -- $124.99
2-3 octave music packet (7 copies each) - tbd
3-5 octave music packet (10 copies each) – tbd