The Wonderful Star

By Tracy Sue Gimpel

Summary
A simple play about four wise men who saw the star. One, Claudus, would not
believe it would take them to the promised Messiah and missed out on the birth of
Jesus. Particularly intended for those who are skeptical of the truth of Christ and the
real meaning of Christmas.
Characters
Emaus, Marcus, Benjamin 3 wise men
Claudus wise man that stayed home
Deborah servant girl
King Herod
Herods Servant Girl
Joseph and Mary
Script
Act 1 -Scene 1
(Night background with stars shining)
Emaus (looking out of telescope & talking to self): My, the stars are beautiful
tonight! The sky is crystal clear. Deborah! Come here and take a look!
Deborah (hurrying in): Yes, master, what is it?
Emaus: Take a look at the sky tonight! Isnt it a wonder?
Deborah (looking): Oh, yes, master! It is lovely(pauses)but what is that
especially bright star over towards the west?
Emaus (looking): Let me take a lookhmmmthat IS rather odd looking! I cant
recall the name of a star in that location and shining so brightly. I must add it to my
list of observations for the next couple of nights.
Deborah: Yes, wellgoodnight, master. Is there anything else youll need before I
go to bed?
Emaus (still looking): Hmmm..nothis star is MOST interesting
Deborah: Goodnight, master.
(Deborah leaves.)
Emaus (still looking, talking to self): That IS a rather odd starnot like ANY Ive
seen, in fact! Tomorrow, I must ask Marcus if he has seen it before. But Im too
sleepy to think about it anymore tonight. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow!

Act 1 - Scene 2
(Two wise men, taking turns looking through telescope. Marcus is looking out as
Emaus begins to speak.)
Emaus: Do you see it? Look way over towards the west.
Marcus: Yes, I see it. Ive been watching it the last couple of nights from my
observatory at home. With all my years of study, Ive NEVER seen a star quite like
this one!
Emaus: Neither have I! Ive researched all day, and not a clue! I did run across one
ancient book, however, that may give us a lead
Marcus: What was it?!
Emaus: It was from one of my oldest history books. It said that oftentimes a sign
would be given in the sky to tell the world that a great ruler has been born.
Marcus: Ive never heard of such a thing!
Emaus: I hadnt either, but the book said God lets the world know about important
events through a sign in the heavens.
Marcus: Most interesting!
Emaus: I thought so too. (Looking in telescope.) Its really bright tonight, isnt it?
Marcus: Yes, I just wonder if Benjamin or Claudus have noticed it?
Emaus: We should find out. The more people we have helping us research, the more
information we can find!
Marcus: Yes, let us continue our research tomorrow and maybe well find the answer
to this mysterious star.
Act 1 - Scene 3
(Night scene. Telescope in place. All four kings are present. Emaus & Marcus are
studying a book together and discussing it. Benjamin & Claudus are taking turns
looking at the telescope. Benjamin is looking out)
Benjamin: That is the same star I have been seeing! It has been so bright the last
couple of nightsits absolutely beautiful! The amazing thing is, it seems to shine a
little brighter each night!
Claudus: I dont knowit just looks like an ordinary star to me.
Benjamin: This is a most unusual star - especially its location!
Emaus: Thats exactly what Marcus and I have been discussing! This book tells how
that often a sign would be given when a great leader was born.
Marcus: We have no idea who this leader might be, or where he is, but it could be a
life-changing event!
Benjamin: Yes! Now I remember! My father, a great astronomer, told me years ago
that mysteries in the heavens were often a sign from God. My roots take me back to
the Jewish people, and they follow the commandments of God. That is why my father
called me Benjamin.
Claudus: Personally, I think its just another bright star. You are all getting very

excited about nothing!

Emaus: Theres just something so special about this star that I cant ignore it! I think
we need to continue to observe it over the next week and see what happens.
(Benjamin & Marcus nod heads in agreement.)
Marcus: Lets get together in one week and discuss what weve observed.
(Claudus shrugs shoulders in disgust and leaves alone.Other 3 wise men exit talking
excitedly.)
Act 1 - Scene 4
(One week later. Night scene - telescope in place. Four wise men are present.)
Emaus: I cant believe the star is still shining as brightly as before! In fact, it seems
to be brighter than ever!
Benjamin: I spoke with my brother and he also remembers my father speaking of
some special writings by the Jewish people. We finally found the book today. It
states that a star will come out of Jacob and a scepter will rise out of Israel.
Marcus: That is exactly the area that the star is shining in! Those writings sound like
a great king or prince has been born!
Emaus: The Jewish people serve only one God. Their writings prophesy that a
Messiah will deliver them and reign over His people. This may be what that star is
telling us! This may be the biggest event in world history!
Claudus: Okay, okay, lets not get carried away! Have you forgotten that we are NOT
Jews? We serve our own gods! Those Jews have always separated themselves from
us. They serve only one God, who has supposedly done great miracles for His chosen
people. Its a little far-fetched, if you ask me!
Benjamin: Yes, Claudus, but we cannot deny the sign in the heavens! The evidence
gets stronger every day that a King has been born! In fact, I think we need to go and
see Him for ourselves!
Claudus: Dont be ridiculous!
Emaus: I agree with you, Benjamin! We are all smart enough to know that this is the
chance of a lifetime!
Marcus: Imagine! Us going to see the new king of Israel!
Claudus: And what a long, tiring journey it would be! I still think the whole idea is
absolutely ridiculous!
Benjamin: I dont think so. There is nothing stopping us from seeing this King!
Emaus: All the evidence is before us! Lets do it!
Claudus: Count me out! I wouldnt waste my time or energy on such a senseless
journey!
Marcus: That is your decision to make, Claudus, but I for one would hate to miss out
on this great opportunity.
Claudus: My decision has been made! I think its a worthless journey. You all will
be sorely disappointed, Im sure! Benjamin: Well, count me in! Theres enough

evidence to convince me! When should we leave? Marcus: Right away! (pause)
Wait a minute! We have forgotten something very important! We cannot go to see a
King without a gift for Him!
Emaus: You are right, Marcus! Whatever can we take for a King?
Claudus: Well, Im going home! You can discuss this ridiculous journey all night! I
hope you change your minds before venturing out on this senseless journey!
Benjamin: Goodnight, Claudus! We are going and hope you change your mind!
(Claudus Leaves)
Emaus: Now, about those giftsI think we need to take our very best to this KingI
will take gold for my gift. Thats certainly fit for a king!
Marcus: Frankincense would be a very acceptable gift for a King. Its an incense the
whole world seeks after. Its almost priceless!
Benjamin: Im wondering about the perfume, myrrh, for my gift. Its the best in the
world!
Emaus: Then its settled! What awesome gifts for a King - gold, frankincense and
myrrh! He will be most pleased with us!
Marcus: With that settled, let us plan to leave immediately!
Emaus: I could be ready in two days. How about you others?
Benjamin: My camels will be loaded down and ready for the long journey!
Marcus: This is so exciting! Ill see you in a couple of days and well begin our
journey!
(All exit)
Act 2 Scene 1
(Night Scene- They are on their journey, following the star.)
Emaus: This is quite a journey, my friends! It is hard to pack enough things for a
1,000 mile trip by camel!
Marcus: But we do have that beautiful star shining above to guide our way!
Benjamin: Im so weary! Can we stop here for the night?
Emaus: Yes, lets do that. We have traveled for two months now, and have a long
way still to go!
(Unpack sleeping bags - lie down.)
Marcus: Good night, my friends! We must rise at the crack of dawn to continue our
journey!
Emaus: Yes, Marcus, now lets get some sleep! Morning will be here much too soon!
Act 2 Scene 2
(One year later. The Three Wise Men get up from a nights rest.)
Benjamin: Its time to get up, men! We are getting closer every day to our
destination!
Marcus: Yes, and the star continues to guide our way!
Emaus: Now we know for sure that it is a sign from one of the gods. It has truly been

a miraculous star sent to us!

Benjamin: Let us be on our way. We have already completed the longest part of our
journey!
(ALL LEAVE TO CONTINUE JOURNEY)
Act 3 Scene 1
(The magi are walking towards Herods front door. They are tired, but excited.)
Emaus: Here we finally are in Jerusalem! I was so excited last night that I could not
sleep! It did bother me, though, that the star is no where to be seen!
Marcus: And isnt it strange that no one knows where the newborn King is? The
people actually seem upset about the very idea of another King.
Benjamin: I think we need to go to the King of Israel and ask him where the newborn
King is.
Emaus: If anyone would know, it should be Herod. He is very powerful and has built
a great kingdom here.
Marcus: Here we are.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Servant Girl (opening door and peering out) Yes?
Emaus: We are seeking permission to see King Herod, please miss. We are wise men
who have traveled from the Far East to see the newborn King.
Benjamin: We have followed a star all the way here. We just know that your king
will be able to tell us where He is.
Servant Girl: Well, I dont knowI dont think that King Herod knows about any
other king. He would not like the idea of someone taking his place
Marcus: Oh, come now! Dont your people believe in the coming of a Messiah? We
also want to honor this King weve brought Him costly gifts.
Servant Girl: I just dont knowI will have a message sent to King Herod right
away!
Marcus: Thank you - you are most kind.
(Servant Girl leaves them outside door and departs.)
Emaus: No one seems very excited about this new King. King Herod doesnt sound
like a very likable guy. Maybe we should not have stopped here
ACT 3 Scene 2
(Opens with Herod just having heard the message from the servant girl.)
Herod (furious!) WHAT? A newborn king? Utterly ridiculous! And they want to
pay him honor? What about me? Did they bring me any gifts? I deserve honor - not
some new king!
Servant Girl: Im sorry sir, but they desire to speak with you right away.
Herod: I have heard of other similar rumors around town. Seems that these
(sarcastically) wise men intend to stir up the whole city with their vain babblings!
Servant Girl: What shall I tell them, sir?

Herod: Tell them to come back tonight. I have some research to do before I meet
with them.
Servant Girl: Yes, sir.
Herod: And summon all of the chief priests and scribes. I must find the answers to
some questions before tonight! This whole thing is an outrage!!
Servant Girl: Yes sir.
(LIGHTS OUT
LIGHTS ON- Magi are waiting. Servant Girl is talking with Herod.)
Servant Girl: The men from the east are back, sir.
Herod: Very well, send them in. I would like to be alone with them.
Servant Girl: Yes, sir.
(LEAVES AND RE-ENTERS WITH MAGI. They bow before Herod. Girl leaves.)
Emaus: Thank you for seeing us, King Herod.
Herod: What has brought you to my great city?
Emaus: We have come to see the newborn King, the Messiah of your people. Do you
know where He is?
Marcus: We want to worship Him and present Him with these fine gifts.
Herod. I seewell, my priests and scribes inform me that the Messiah is to be born
in Bethlehem. Its not too far from here. Will you continue to look for Him?
Marcus: Oh, yes! We feel that this will be a special King!
Benjamin: Thank you so much for your help! How can we repay you?
Herod: There is no need to thank me. I do have one small request to ask of you,
though. When you find this Messiah, let me know where He is so that I can worship
him also.
Emaus: Of course! That is the least we can do. We will not take any more of your
time. We must be on our way to Bethlehem!
Marcus: Again, thank you for your help!
(Magi leave)
Herod: The very nerve! If I DO find that newborn king, I will finish him off! This
country is only big enough for one king, and that king is ME!
(LIGHTS OUT ON HEROD. MAGI ARE SHOWN LEAVING)
Emaus: Well, he seemed nice enough. And I am glad we got the information we
needed. Bethlehem, here we come!!
Marcus: Yes, its been a long journey and we are so close to our destination!
Benjamin: Look! The star! Its back!!
(The men cheer - high fives - great joy!!)
Emaus: We MUST be headed in the right direction! The star will lead us the rest of
the way! Praise be to the King of the Jews!
ACT 4 Scene 1
(Magi are in Bethlehem.)

Emaus: Look! The star seems to be directly over that small house!
Marcus: It has stopped moving and is showing us exactly which home the King is at!
Benjamin: Hurry! After a two-year journey, Im ready to see this important King!
(KNOCK ON DOOR. Joseph answers.)
Joseph: May I help you?
Emaus: Sir, we are here to pay honor to the King who lives here.
Joseph: The king? Well, please do come in. Who are you and where are you from?
Emaus: I am Emaus. These are my friends, Marcus and Benjamin. We are
astronomers from the East. The star shining over your house lead us all the way here.
It has been a very long journey.
Joseph: We are honored to have you all in our humble home.
(Mary enters - is surprised to see strangers.)
Mary: Excuse me! I didnt know we had visitors.
Joseph: Mary, these wise men have traveled thousands of miles from the East to
honor our Son.
Marcus: Yes, and we have brought fine and costly gifts for Him.
Mary: Hes still a very young Child, but the angel DID tell me that He is the
Promised One, and YOU are very wise men to have followed the star to His home.
Joseph: Over here is the Child. His Name is Jesus.
(The three wise men (whispering his name) fall to their knees in reverence and honor
Him. They then take their gifts one by one to Him. Music in background during this
part of scene.)
ACT 4 Scene 2
Emaus: What an exciting journey this has been! We were actually lead to the home
of a King by a star! Its like a dream!
Marcus: It has truly been a miracle. I only wish that Claudus could have believed it
too.
Benjamin: It IS a shame that he didnt come with us. He just couldnt believe itits
too bad
Emaus: I have the feeling that many will not understand this newborn King. Theres
something different about Him. Did you notice it?
Marcus: Oh, yes, I did! It was like being in the very presence of God! I could not
help but worship Him!
Benjamin: We are supposed to let King Herod know about Him, but Im not sure
Emaus: No, we cant do that. An angel spoke to me last night as I was sleeping and
warned me that King Herod wants to bring harm to this new King. In some ways, Im
not surprised
Marcus: Its settled then! Well travel home on another route!
Emaus: You know, it doesnt really matter what way we travel home. I think our
lives have been changed forever after being in the presence of the King. How

honored we have been to behold the Messiah in person! We must tell everyone
about this wonderful news!
(MAGI EXIT EXCITEDLY.)