First Nighter 1948-12-23 Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: First Nighter 1948-12-23 Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
Date: December 24, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode features a classic radio re-broadcast of "Little Town of Bethlehem," originally aired on December 23, 1948, as part of the First Nighter program. The play retells the biblical story of the birth of Christ, focusing on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, the prophecy of a Messiah, and the reactions of the townspeople, shepherds, and King Herod. It delivers a reverent, atmospheric recreation of the Nativity story, reflecting the warmth and community spirit of radio’s Golden Age.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Introduction & Context (01:10–06:03)

• Host's Introduction: The First Nighter's host sets the scene in the "Little Theater off Times Square," highlighting this as an annual Christmas tradition beloved by families and clergy alike (01:11).
• Significance: The performance is dedicated as the "first Peace Christmas since 1940," underscoring the post-war context and its meaning for listeners (03:05).
• Sponsor's Message: Mr. Bilsbury delivers a warm Yuletide greeting from Campana Sales Co., expressing gratitude for customer loyalty during the year (03:56).

2. Act I – The Census and Search for Shelter (06:03–14:06)

• The Roman Census: Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem to enroll for the census. Joseph traces his ancestry to King David, highlighting the town's royal lineage (07:00).
• No Room at the Inn: They struggle to find lodging, reflecting the humility of the scene. The merchant Simon reluctantly offers them shelter in his stable (08:38).
• Prophecy: Simon and the Roman official discuss the prophecy from Micah about a new king arising from Bethlehem, which causes unease due to King Herod's distrust (09:34–10:12).

Notable Quote:

"But thou, Bethlehem, though thou be little among the thousands of Judea, yet out of thee shall come forth he that is to be ruler in Israel."
— Simon quoting Micah’s prophecy (09:36)

3. Act II – The Nativity and Herod’s Suspicion (14:27–21:21)

• Mary and Joseph in the Stable: Joseph tries to make Mary comfortable. A bright star shines over the stable, symbolizing the significance of the birth (15:33, 15:49).
• King Herod’s Arrival: Simon moves Mary and Joseph further into the stable to make space for Herod’s horses, showing the prioritization of earthly power over humility (16:10–16:37).
• Herod’s Distrust: In conversation with the Roman governor Quirinius, Herod expresses his paranoia and suspicion regarding the prophecies of a new king (17:09–18:21).
• The Shepherds’ Visit: Shepherds arrive, sharing their vision of angels and announcing the birth of a savior in a manger, which Simon tries to dismiss to avoid Herod’s wrath (19:19–20:12).

Notable Quote:

"Fear not. I bring you good news, which shall be a joy to all people, for there is born in Bethlehem a saint."
— Shepherds, announcing the Nativity (19:35)

• Herod's Paranoia: After the shepherds leave, Herod learns of their proclamation and becomes more intent on quashing any rivals (20:43–21:21).

4. Act III – Prophecy Fulfilled, Flight into Egypt (23:27–29:18)

• Herod’s Deepening Jealousy: Herod interrogates Simon about the shepherds and reveals that wise men from the East have also arrived, following a star and seeking the newborn king (24:14–24:35).
• Herod’s Sinister Plan: He instructs that he will pay homage to the child but privately reveals his intent to destroy him and any threat to his rule (24:40–25:00).

Notable Quote:

"I would put him to death. I would kill him if I had to make away with all the boys that are two years old in Bethlehem."
— King Herod (24:40)

• Mary and Joseph’s Escape: Joseph, warned in a dream, prepares to flee with Mary and the newborn Jesus to Egypt to protect him from Herod (26:07–27:57).
• Visit of the Wise Men: The Magi arrive, guided by the star, and present gold, frankincense, and myrrh, affirming the prophecy of the new king (27:10–27:19).
• Departure: Mary, Joseph, and the child leave Bethlehem before dawn, aided by the wise men, who are themselves warned not to return to Herod (27:51–28:13).

Notable Quote:

"Let us lay down our gifts before him. Gold as tribute to a king, Frankincense for the priest, and myrrh for the body's belly."
— Joseph, interpreting the gifts of the Magi (27:17–27:19)

5. Conclusion and Reflection (28:21–29:18)

• Final Reflection: The Roman governor speaks to Joseph as they depart, acknowledging the faith of the Jewish people and expressing a hope, tinged with irony, that the child might indeed be the long-awaited savior (28:24–29:15).

Notable Quote:

"I even hope perhaps that your son may be the long awaited leader of Israel."
— Roman Governor to Joseph (29:18)

• Curtain Call: The host closes the story, inviting listener feedback and extending warm holiday wishes (29:18–30:52).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 09:36 | Simon | "But thou, Bethlehem, though thou be little among the thousands of Judea, yet out of thee shall come forth he that is to be ruler in Israel." | | 15:49 | Joseph & Mary | Description of the peaceful night and the shining star: "It is cold, But it is a clear, still nightmare. Everything is peaceful. And there's a wonderful star..." | | 19:35 | Shepherds | "Fear not. I bring you good news, which shall be a joy to all people, for there is born in Bethlehem a saint." | | 24:40 | King Herod | "I would put him to death. I would kill him if I had to make away with all the boys that are two years old in Bethlehem." | | 27:17 | Joseph | "Gold as tribute to a king. Frankincense for the priest and myrrh for the body's belly." | | 29:18 | Roman Governor | "I even hope perhaps that your son may be the long awaited leader of Israel." |

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• 01:11: Opening and setting the scene
• 03:05: Introduction to the "Little Town of Bethlehem" and cast
• 06:03: Start of Act I – census, Mary & Joseph's arrival
• 14:27: End of first act/music, bridge to Act II
• 15:33: The Nativity scene, star over Bethlehem
• 19:19: Shepherds visit Simon, announce angelic vision
• 23:27: Act III – Herod’s suspicions, arrival of the Magi
• 24:40: Herod states intent to destroy the child
• 27:10: Wise men present their gifts
• 28:21: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus prepare their departure
• 29:18: Final reflections and curtain call

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a reverent and solemn tone, with dramatic narration and expressive performances by Barbara Luddy, Olin Soule, and supporting cast. The language honors the biblical origins of the story, embracing both poetic speech and heartfelt emotion, fitting the traditions and style of late-1940s radio drama.

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For Listeners

This episode offers a richly atmospheric and traditional retelling of the Nativity, blending biblical text, radio drama performance, and the communal warmth of classic holiday programming. It's an ideal choice for families or individuals seeking spiritual inspiration, nostalgia, or a connection to the Golden Age of Radio during the Christmas season.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Host]

Campana's first nighter program.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

From the Little.

[Narrator/Host]

Theater off Times Square starring Barbarlotti and Olin Soule with an all star cast and sent you by Campana, the quality name in cosmetics. Theater time. And tonight, just ahead of Christmas, the Little theater off Times Square is delighted to comply with the request of thousands of its friends from coast to coast by offering for the ninth time the now famous Christmas play Little Town of Bethlehem. The Bible story of the carpenter and his wife and their baby born in a manger. Among radio listeners, including members of the clergy, the annual presentation of the Little Town of Bethlehem has become an occasion of deep spiritual significance. A time when whole families, young and old, gather at the radio sets to enjoy the inspiration which attends the retelling of those memorable happenings in Bethlehem on a night long ago. The hour of the performance is drawing near. So let me introduce our host for the evening, Mr. First Nighter.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm delighted that you can be with us tonight for the most celebrated performance.

[Joseph]

Of the year in the little theater.

[Narrator/Host]

My cab is waiting.

[Joseph]

Won't you join me?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

All right, driver.

[Narrator/Host]

Hey man, meet all the party here.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Up Broadway and across 42nd Street.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Yes, a great white way.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Looks like one big dazzling Christmas tree tonight. And out just ahead is the little.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Theater off Times Square.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Well, here we are.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Have your tickets ready please. Have your tickets ready please. Good evening, Mr. First Nighter. The usher will show you to your seat.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Thank you. We'll go right in.

[Narrator/Host]

Tonight.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

The sponsor of the first night of program, Campana Sales Co. Together with all of their employees wish to contribute to your enjoyment of the first Peace Christmas since 1940 by the presentation of the sacred story of the birth of Christ in a manger in Bethlehem. We enter eagerly into the opportunity of offering you this evening the Christmas play Little Town of Bethlehem by Anthony Wayne. In tonight's performance, Barbara Luddy will play the part of Mary. Part of Joseph will play be played by Olin Soule. An all star supporting cast including Sydney Elstrom, Hugh Studebaker, Herbert Butterfield, Willard Waterman and Philip Lord will portray the other characters. Since tonight's performance will be interrupted only by music between the acts, here is Mr. Bilsbury with a special Yuletide greeting.

[Narrator/Host]

Thank you and good evening. It is appropriate, I think, and it is heartfelt too, this greeting I want to convey to you. It comes from Campana Sales Company, the sponsor and all of their employees. They join together this evening in wishing you a very Merry Christmas and they want to express with warm gratitude their appreciation of your loyalty to them. During the past year, you and your friends all over the United States and Canada have chosen and used Campana products in ever increasing quantities. And we cannot let this year end pass by without saying thank you. During the past year there became available again some of the ingredients which for a long time had been dedicated wholly to the war effort. As a result, we've been able to again stock the stores nationwide with what many women call their favorite wintertime hand lotion, rich concentrated Original Campana Bomb. We're delighted, as we know you are, that this famous cold weather lotion could be reinstated on the toilets goods counters in time for the winter weather this year. If by chance you've not been aware that Original Campana Bomb is back in circulation again, just ask for it in its sparkling green and white carton at your nearest store. During 1945, we've made countless friends also with the famous Solitaire Cake makeup. Solitaire Cake makeup contains lanolin. And more and more women every day are discovering the sure smooth complexion beauty that solitaire gives them so easily, so quickly and hour after hour without redoing. In the more recent months just passed, countless friends have written us their compliments about the new and exciting Solitaire Fashion Point Lipstick. The lip shaped lipstick, the only stick with a point that is shaped to fit your lips. Such acceptance is more than gratifying to all the workers at Camp Hannah, because we all have a very real pride in producing for you the very finest beauty aids that our hands can fashion. And now, may your Christmas be the merriest on Record and your New Year brighter than ever before.

[Joseph]

The lights are out and the curtain.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Rises on the first act of Little town of Bethlehem. What is your name? Josiah. Son of Obed, son of Asa, the son of Zacharias, the son of old Caesar. Does not ask who your ancestors were. Give me only your name. Josiah of Bethlehem. The name of your wife?

[Joseph]

Leah.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Your trade in the number of your children? I am a shepherd with seven children. My flocks in the hills nearby.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Enough.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

How much property do you own? My house and 50 sheep. That is all. Who is the next? And what is your name?

[Joseph]

Joseph. The son of Jacob. The son of Mattan. The son of Eliezer.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Hold, hold.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Must every Jew who registers recite his lineage to me? Did you not hear me say that All I wanted was your name?

[Joseph]

But I am descended from the kings of Judea. From the great King David.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I know, I know. So is everyone in Bethlehem. But the Roman Emperor cares nothing about that. This is a Roman census.

[Joseph]

I'm sorry.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I could have been through the enrollment by now if you Jews were not so garrulous.

[Joseph]

Come.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Is this your wife?

[Mary]

My name is Mary. I too am of the line of David.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Your voice sounds tired. Have you come far?

[Mary]

From the town of Nazareth in Galilee.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Sit down on that bench and rest a moment.

[Mary]

Thank you.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Now, Joseph, what is your trade? How many children and how much property?

[Joseph]

I am a carpenter. I have no property except my tools and the animal on which my wife has written. From Nazareth. There are no children as yet.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Very well. That is all.

[Joseph]

Pardon, my lord, but we have no place to sleep. There was no room at the inn. Can you help me?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

The town is filled with those who return for the enrollment. I can do nothing.

[Joseph]

Who?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Wait. You see that man talking with the soldier at the roadside? That is Simon, a rich merchant. He has a large house. He may have room for him.

[Joseph]

Thank you. Come, Mary.

[Mary]

You have found a place for us to rest.

[Joseph]

We will ask for a place to rest. Pardon, sir. You are the merchant Simon?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Yes.

[Narrator/Host]

What do you want?

[Joseph]

I am Joseph of Nazareth and this is my wife, Mary. The Roman governor said you might have some room in your house where we could sleep.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I have no room. The governor and his men are staying with me.

[Mary]

If you only had some small corner where we could rest.

[Joseph]

My wife is very weary, sir.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I have said that my house is filled. You may sleep in the stable if you wish. That is all I can do for you. The stable?

[Mary]

Let us go there, Joseph. We have tried so many places.

[Joseph]

A stable? Mary, it is not what I would like.

[Mary]

We Must be content. Lift me up to the saddle there. If you lead the way, the little beast will follow.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Oh, Simon, I'm tired of listening to this Babel. Claudius, take my place here.

[Narrator/Host]

I'm going to rest.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Taking the census is an exhausting task, my Lord.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Everyone in Judea must spring from Bethlehem. People have been pouring into the town all day.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Bethlehem is the city of David.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And everyone who is registered here claims descent from him.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

That is true. And the dream of every mother of David's line is that she will bear the king of Micah's prophecy.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Micah's prophecy?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Have you never heard it? But thou, Bethlehem, though thou be little among the thousands of Judea, yet out of thee shall come forth he that is to be ruler in Israel.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

So that's the prophecy you're all waiting for this new king.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Many believe he will come, my lord.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And you, Simon? What about you? Do you believe it?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I? Oh, it is rather the shepherds who talk of me.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I see you're very careful, Simon. Perhaps you fear Herod, your king.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Herod despises the prophecy of Micah. He hates Bethlehem.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

It would be well to keep this legend from him then. But tell me about the carpenter and his wife from Nazareth. Did they find lodging?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I offered them my stable.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Your stable? Was there no room in your house?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

The stable is good enough for such as they. My house is kept for Romans, Milar.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

It's little wonder, Simon, that you were a rich and powerful man in Bethlehem. You have all the necessary qualities.

[Joseph]

Thank you.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

If you are ready now to go to my house.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Oh, not yet. The enrollment will be going on far into the night. Oh, this town of Bethlehem is really beautiful, Simon.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Ah, my lord, in the days of David, Bethlehem was great.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

One can see that. But the sons of David are not the warriors that he was. These crumbling walls, broken battlements, and yet you believe that your next king will come from here.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

That, as I have told you, is but the tale of shepherds a Roman soldier need. Hark.

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[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Who can it be?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

We shall soon see.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Make way for King Herod. It is King Herod. King Herod has come to Bethlehem. I shall have a king, the ruler of Judea, as my guest tonight. Oh, I am the proudest man in the world.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And the curtain comes down on the first act of the little town of Bethlehem.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Sam.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And now, here's the second act of tonight's play. Here, Mary.

[Joseph]

We can clear out this little space and be comfortable. Let me spread the blanket for you.

[Mary]

You are so good to me, Joseph.

[Joseph]

You're tired, Mary. There now, lie down.

[Mary]

Could you not bring the beast in out of the cold?

[Joseph]

It is cold, But it is a clear, still nightmare. Everything is peaceful. And there's a wonderful star over the courtyard. Can you see it through the open door?

[Mary]

Yes, I can see it. All the others are a white mist. Is it standing still? It seems to stand still.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Anyway. Make way. Stand aside.

[Mary]

What is that, Joseph?

[Joseph]

Just someone bringing horses into the stable.

[Mary]

To the merchant himself. Joseph. He is leading the horses over here, I pray.

[Joseph]

Sir, you're frightening my wife.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Oh, the man from there. Sir, I'm sorry, but you will have to Move. King Herod honors my house tonight. These are the horses of his party.

[Joseph]

King Herod.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

But his horses must have the best soul. But what are we to do?

[Joseph]

My wife.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

All my life I prayed that I might be honored by a visit from the king.

[Joseph]

Surely you would not turn us out.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Move down to the other end of the stable, that stall where you see a manger. You can sleep there.

[Mary]

That will do, Joseph. Let us move.

[Joseph]

I'm sorry, Mary. I seem able to do so little for you.

[Mary]

It does not matter. I am supremely happy.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I wish I had a better place to offer you. But one does not often have a visit from a king. He is at supper now with the Roman governor. I must go back to him.

[Mary]

That is true, Simon. One does not often have a visit from the king.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I regret to hear that you have so few about you whom you can trust, King Harry.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

There is no man whom a king can trust. Quirinius.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Those whom I've loved most dearly have betrayed me. My wife.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

One of my sons plotted against me.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

That is very sad.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

And paid with their heads. Now my youngest son, him who I trusted above all others, has turned against me.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And he too has paid with his head.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Not yet. I have but to reach the year of Caesar.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I see.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I see you understand me, Quirinius. Let me tell you this. Great Caesar has no more faithful friend in all Judea than I, Herod.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I'm sure of that.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Ben Close. Quirinius, there is something I would say to you. I suspect there may be treason brewing here in Bethlehem. These men have a myth about their descent from David. They plot continually for a new king. The Messiah will come out of Bethlehem.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I've heard the prophecy.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

But don't you see? They're plotting against me.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

It amounts to little. They've been talking of this for hundreds of years.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I am not so sure. When I called the scribes of the people together and asked them where this child was to be born, they said, in Bethlehem.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Is that why you've come to Bethlehem tonight?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Perhaps. Perhaps I shall stay longer than a night just to make sure these Jews are not plotting. What is that babble outside?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Probably some of your Greek mercenaries gambling with my men.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Simon. Simon, where are you? I am here, O King. Then quiet those brawlers in your courtyard. I shall do so at once.

[Narrator/Host]

Quiet.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Quiet for the king.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

This Roman soldier does not understand a Simon.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I know your faces. You are shepherds from the hills. What you want?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

We bring tidings of great joy, Simon. As we watched our flocks in the fields tonight, an angel of the Lord stood beside us.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Speak softly.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And the bright light shone around us, so that we were afraid. But the angel said, fear not. I bring you good news, which shall be a joy to all people, for there is born in Bethlehem a saint.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

You are mad. You want us all put to the sword?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And this shall be a sign to you. You will find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

In a manger?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And there was a song in the air, a heavenly throng, Simon, singing.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Silence. You are mad. Would the king of Micah's prophecy be born in a manger?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

But we spoke with an angel of the ride.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

You must forget what happened. Go back to your flocks. There is no king born in a manger. Only a carpenter and his wife from Nazareth are resting in the stable.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

We have come to worship the newborn Messiah.

[Narrator/Host]

Be off.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

There is no king but Herod. And if Herod should hear you, it would go hard with all the men of Bethlehem.

[Joseph]

Be off.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Off.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Ah, Simon. Who are your visitors?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Oh.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Quirinius, is it you? You followed me?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Only to help you, if my help were needed. Who were those men?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Just shepherds. Moon crazed shepherds. They told a wild tale of hearing angel voices.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I thought I heard them speak of a messiah. How does it go? But thou, Bethlehem, out of thee shall come he that is to be ruler in Israel.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Milord is pleased to jest, but I pray you will not speak of this. I am so afraid of the king, Me Lord. I beg you not to speak of it to Herod.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I think Herod has already heard. And the curtain comes down on the second act of tonight's play. And here is the last act of Little Town of Bethlehem. Let's go. Simon, I must ask you, those shepherds.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

You are sure they were not conspirators in disguise? No, no, king. They were only shepherds. Where had it been brought me that they sought the King of Israel? They said that as they tended their flocks that night, an angel appeared to announce that the king honored Bethlehem by his presence. An angel announced my presence, sir? Did you hear that, Quirinius? Good omen, is it not?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

It may perhaps mean much to your kingdom.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

All Judea knows your great. But why, Simon? Why did you not bring them to me then? They were but rough men with the smell of their flocks about them. I did not want to disturb you when you were feasting. I see. You were sure it was I they sought? There was no talk of the ruler of Israel who is to come out of Bethlehem?

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Surely Your Majesty does not believe that fantastic prophecy.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I am wary of everything, Corinneus. Today three astrologers from the east came to me and asked for the newborn king of the Jews. They had seen his star rise in the east, they said, and followed it here. You remember the shepherd spoke of that star.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

It is only the old legend.

[Narrator/Host]

Perhaps.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

I told the wise men to look diligently for the child and to send me word when the other found him, so that I too might do him homage. Homage? I would put him to death. I would kill him if I had to make away with all the boys that are two years old in Bethlehem.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Spoken like a king, O Heron. But now, if you'll permit me, I'll go to bed. Nine days of feasting find me weary. And tomorrow there's much to do. Good night.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

You move on to Jerusalem tomorrow, Quirinius.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Yes. Will you honor me with your company?

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

We shall ride together.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

I thank you.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Good night.

[Joseph]

Are you resting, Mary? You're quiet.

[Mary]

I think of the shepherds, Joseph. I want to treasure up all they said and ponder it. David's throne and endless rain. The old prophecy coming from their lips. I am the happiest woman in the world tonight.

[Joseph]

He is the most beautiful baby in the world tonight. Mary.

[Mary]

He is saintly. See the even flow of his breath, Joseph. You feel a mingled joy and terror watching it. The joy of life and the terror of death.

[Joseph]

Do not speak of death, Joseph.

[Mary]

You're troubled. You are frightened. What is it?

[Joseph]

It is Herod feasting there in Simon's house. These past days I had a dream. An angel of the Lord came to me and said, arise. Take the child and his mother and flee into Egypt, for Herod will look for the child in order to kill him.

[Mary]

Joseph, what is that?

[Joseph]

I do not know.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Shh.

[Joseph]

Quiet. We seek a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. The Christ Jesus. How did you know his name? Who are you? We are three kings from the East. We have followed his star and ridden fast to find and worship the King of the Jews. The star stood still over Bethlehem. So it is written by the prophets. It Come, wise men. Here is the child. The child who shall be king of the world. His goings forth have been from old, from everlasting. He shall tread upon the high places of the earth.

[Mary]

Joseph, do you hear what they say?

[Joseph]

Yes, Mary.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Let us lay down our gifts before him.

[Mary]

Caskets of gold.

[Joseph]

Gold as tribute to a king. Frankincense for the priest and myrrh for the body's belly.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

We must make haste and ride away.

[Joseph]

We have been warned in a dream to return to our own country, lest Herod destroy us. You hear what he says, Mary? Even as we were warned to flee into Egypt, lest Herod seek the child to destroy him. It is close to morning. Are you equal to leaving at once?

[Mary]

Yes, yes. Let us go. We must not think of ourselves, only of him. Let us go without delay.

[Joseph]

Herod is sleeping now. If you would escape this malice and.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Hatred, we will wait for you at the city gate.

[Joseph]

I have the animal ready, Mary. Come, let me lift you up there and put the child in your arms.

[Mary]

Wait, Joseph. That man outside.

[Joseph]

The Roman governor.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Ah, man of Nazareth. You are leaving before dawn.

[Joseph]

We have obeyed the decree of Caesar Augustus and enrolled. We must now return. We have a long journey before us.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Yes, a long journey. I did not mean to disturb you. I was restless. Listen, could not sleep. Oh, what have we here? So, a new little carpenter.

[Joseph]

Yes, a new little carpenter.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

And like every Jew, I suppose you dream that he will be the prophesied ruler of Israel.

[Joseph]

We have great expectations.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Well, after a stay in this city listening to your prophecies and visions, I only wonder that a new king has not been born. What faith you Jews have?

[Joseph]

You have no fear of our faith. Like Herod.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Romans are soldiers. You Jews dream too much. But go your way, good carpenter. I even hope perhaps that your son may be the long awaited leader of Israel. And so, ladies and gentlemen, we ring down the curtain on our Christmas play in the little theater off Times Square. The audience has responded to the spirit of reverence with which our talented players have portrayed their roles. If you like tonight's performance, a letter from you would be appreciated. Now, the members of the first night of cast and you and your family, their most sincere good wishes for the holiday season.

[Narrator/Host]

Campana's first night of program A copyrighted.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

Radio feature brought you tonight a play.

[Narrator/Host]

Taken from the Bible.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

If you enjoyed the performance, a letter from you would be appreciated. A word from our audience is always appreciated. Saturday night on CBS is the biggest show in town. Listen again for first night or next Saturday at the same time. And stay tuned for the Dick Haynes show which follows immediately over most of these stations.

[Simon / King Herod / Other Male Characters]

Foreign.

[First Nighter (Host/Announcer)]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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