Music

(Reading)
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

(ST. MATTHEW l, verses 18-23)
(Sung by children)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. God with us.

(ISAIAH VII, verse 14) Arranged extract from 'Messiah' by George Frederick Handel [1685-1759]
[13 BARS INTERLUDE - RECORDERS]
(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.

(Spoken by Serpent)
I was there from the start and I knew in my heart how it would be.
She fed him her fruit while I hid in the forbidden tree.
I saw the first ever corpse when Cain spilled his brother's blood.
It was clear then and there all you good folk would come to no good.
You were given free will and you blew it with original sin.
You try to put the blame on me - I shrug it off with my skin.
Your first disobedience proved to me the way you all feel.
If you tread on my head I'll sorely bruise your Achilles heel.
I'm the snake-man, the snake. Now hear what I say.
I'm the snake in the grass and I promise you I'm here to stay.

(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.

(Spoken by Serpent)
In the desert I was there when the Baptist cried, "Prepare ye the way".
And from under Herod's chair I saw him lose his head to Salome.
His voice in the wilderness prophesied the coming of Messiah.
Did anybody listen? Poor John, they branded him a liar.
I was there in the manger where strangers came to pay their dues.
Three stargazers travelled from afar having heard the good news.
God's gift to mankind, His only Son, sent to save sinners.
It's the last thing on your minds as you sit and stuff your Christmas dinners.
I'm the snake-man, the snake. Now hear what I say.
I'm the snake forever and I'm never gonna go away.

(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel, EmmanueI, Emmanuel. God with us.

(Spoken by Serpent)
A sole Son, a fish man, gifted for you all to no avail.
A shepherd for the sinners? - I always knew the plan would fail.
I've seen it all before, down the ages, through floods of blood and tears.
In my eyes it's no surprise you're still fighting after all these years.
'Goodwill to all men'? 'Peace on earth'? Oh, don't make me laugh!
I've been watching you forever and, to my mind, you're nothing but chaff.
All you think of is getting and spending. You're driven by greed.
It pleases me no end when you ignore all the poor and in need.
I'm the snake-man, the snake. Now hear what I say.
I'm the snake in your midst and I'm never gonna go away.

(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.

(Spoken by Serpent)
I was at the Last Supper when Jesus broke bread and poured wine.
His disciples were clearly confused as they sat down to dine.
He told them His story. They still couldn't understand why.
And all except Judas kept asking Him, "Lord, is it I?"
Then soon in Gethsemane I smiled as He fell down and prayed.
In no time at all I was able to see Him betrayed.
I was there in the courtroom to watch Pilate hold Him to trial
Just after I'd witnessed and sniggered at Peter's denial.
I'm the snake-man, the snake. Now hear what I say.
I'm the snake from your history and I'm still here to this day.

(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.

(Spoken by Serpent)
Christmas time? Most of you couldn't care less.
Your hypocrisy tickles me to death I have to confess.
Unselfish love is a concept you simply can't see.
The most you can manage is a fairy on a dying tree.
The way you're all living your lives is playing with fire.
How many have even heard of the words of the prophet Isaiah?
I spy on you bending your knees and pretending to pray.
Are you hedging your bets in fear of the judgement day?
I'm the snake-man, the snake. Now hear what I say.
I'm the snake who'll be there to see all of you fading away.

(Sung by children)
God so loved the world,
That he gave his only begotten Son,
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
But have everlasting life.
(ST. JOHN III, verse 16) O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.

(Spoken by a child)
We've heard what you've said Mr Snake Man. You've got it all wrong.
Come down from that pulpit, you fool. It's not where you belong.
We're all looking forward to Christmas with joy in our heart.
It binds us together while you try to tear us apart.
This season of love and goodwill is an uplifting time.
You wouldn't enjoy it. You'd rather be slithering in slime.
We celebrate Jesus' birth so that love can increase.
And so, Mr Snake, will you go now and leave us in peace?
You're the snake man, the snake. Now please go away.
You're the Snake and we'll always despise you. There's no more to say.

(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. God with us.
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.

[4 BARS INTERLUDE - RECORDERS]
(Sung by children)
O, Christmas, come again soon.
Emmanuel. Emmanuel, Emmanuel. God with us.