bs : ~¥ 1. RW, BR. RicuHA+ e - Christmas in the Sunrise Kingdom By ADA BRIGGS WEBBER Literary Supplement AMERICAN BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY, Boston WOMAN’S BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, Boston WOMAN’S BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE WEST Chicago SUGGESTIONS GENERAL. Every part of the program needs careful preparation so that it can be carried through without announce- ment. The promptness with which each part is taken will add to the spontaneity and maintain the interest of the audience and the participants. Characters. PASTOR. ; SUPERINTENDENT. Mr. Brown, the missionary. Miss SMITH, the mission teacher. i ise young Japanese gentlemen. school Jiro SAN Taro SAN O Hana SAN O Natsu SAN ( ) Two young Japanese girls, who attend the mission school. Topa SAN, Superintendent of the Ja- panese Sunday School. The Japanese Sunday School, boys and girls of Sunday school, any number. Setting: Time, evening. Place, a Japan- ese church. Decorations made largely of paper, white and all kinds of bright colors intermingled. Little flags of all kinds made thus very cheaply, each about five or six inches long, are often, in Japan, festooned on strings in all directions overhead. Small paper streamers and little lanterns are also used the same way; also paper chains, each link made of a strip of colored paper, perhaps seven to nine inches long. Strips of fancifully cut tissue papers are not uncommon. Green foliage is used, and mottoes—Chinese characters worked in evergreens or gilt or red paper. Little tinsel stars are often hung around, glass baubles, etc. To make the decorations more effective there should be a little Christmas tree on the left-hand side of the platform, hung with little Japanese lanterns, etc., although the tree may be omitted. The members of the younger departments of the Sunday school may occupy the center of the platform, but seated far enough back to allow the immediate front for the individual participants. Costumes. The children should so far as possible wear the Japanese ki- mono. This is a long, loose garment that reaches from the neck to the feet. It is folded across the breast in front and tied around the waist by a sash or girdle, the girls wearing the sash, the boys the girdle. The sash worn by the girls is about ten feet long and two feet wide and is considered the most impor- tant part of the costume. It is tied in a great bow in the back. The boys’ girdle is much narrower and less con- spicuous. The sleeves are long and full. The ends, which hang down at least to the knees, are sewed up as far as the wrist, leaving room for the hand to slip in and out. If a kimono pattern is desired, one can be obtained from any of the prominent pattern firms. If there is a Japanese store near at hand, a very ef- fective addition to the costume would be the mitten-like Japanese stockings and wooden clogs. The little Japanese girls often have their hair tied up with gold cord on great feast days, with a rather severe pompadour in front and the hair gathered in a soft knot on the top of the head, just as the older girls wear it. Little ones with short hair wear the hair very simply, without im- mense bows. There are so many Ja- panese illustrations in magazines and on postcards that if there is any doubt, it is easy to consult these. Toda San, Jiro San, and Taro San all wear conventional American clothes, as also do Mr. Brown, the mission- ary, and Miss Smith, the mission school- teacher. Japanese Bow. The low Japanese bow should be practised beforehand, as it is rather difficult of accomplishment. The person bowing clasps the hands loosely in front and bends the body un- til he makes a right angle, with the head about on a level with the belt. The Japanese bow is much more pre- meditated than the American. It is a slow and deep inclination full of grace and courtliness. Christmas in the I . Srincinc. (By School.) “Chime the Bells.” II RESPONSIVE EXERCISE (Isaiah 42: I-12). (By Superintendent and School.) III Prayer. (By Pastor.) IV Srncinc. (By School.) “Stars of the Holy Night.” IntRopUCTORY REMARKS. tendent.) A few words of explanation may be necessary before we present our exer- cise, Christmas in the Sunrise King- dom. Recently our thoughts and inter- est have been directed especially toward the Sunrise Kingdom, and the service of the evening is in line with such thought. The scene is laid in a Japanese church on Christmas night, and the exercise opens with a conversation between a missionary, a mission school teacher, two Japanese girls, and two Japanese young men who are not Christians but are interested enough to seek out the missionary to talk with him on religious matters. The instances of conversion narrated are not imaginary, but actual cases on record in our own mission work. The remainder of the program needs no explanation. VI Exercise. “The Christmas Message.” (Mr. Brown, the missionary, is seen busily putting the finishing touches on the tree, or if the tree is not used, ts hanging a wreath or a motto on the wall. Taro San and Jiro San enter from the right. Mr. Brown hears them approach, turns around and advances toward the center of the platform to meet them.) Misstonary. (Shaking hands cordially.) —Good day, Taro San, good day, Jiro San. I am very glad to see you and wish you both a Happy Christmas. Won’t you sit down? (Takes three chairs from those in the center of the platform, and puts them at the front. Missionary seats himself in chair at the left, the two young men take the other two. Chairs arranged as in ordinary conversation.) Jrro.—Thank you, Mr. Brown. (By Superin- We fear Sunrise Kingdom to intrude on your valuable time, but Taro San and I heard you say that Japan would never reach success until she had a Christmas. We went to your home, and there we were told that we would find you at the church. So we have comie here to ask you what you meant. Missronary.—Yes, I remember: I meant that a nation is a true success only when its people have received God’s Christmas gift. Taro (proudly).—But, Mr. Brown, we think we are a success and all the world says we are a wonderful people. Just look at our magnificent army and navy and think of its victories. Misstonary.—Yes, it is a great military power—but the men, are they nobler characters because they use rifles instead of the old style sword? Taro.—Why, no I suppose not. In truth, to the Samurai the gun seems cowardly. Jiro.—The world praises our wonderful industrial development. We now have great factories, going night and day, in all our cities. Missionary.—Yes, but the thousands on thousands of men and women, of boys and girls, have they become better in heart and life since they left the sim- ple work in their homes, and crowded into the noise and dirt of the factories? Jrro.—Surely they have not. Taro.—I see what you mean. We forget the person in seeking the thing. In education, however, our aim has been to develop character. For over a genera- tion we have looked to our splendid sys- tem of universal education to lead up to the highest manhood. MIssIONARY.—Yes, it is a strong up-to- date system of secular education and it has had a free field. Has it accom- plished its purpose? Let us look for re- sults. That sad list of young men who have committed suicide recently, who are they? Jiro (sadly).— Mostly students — some of the brightest. MissIoNary.—That investigation in re- gard to immorality in high schools and colleges in Tokyo, what was discovered? Jiro.—Please don’t ask—it cannot be mentioned. Taro (after a thoughtful pause).—Mr. Brown, I hesitate to mention anything else, but I must speak of the natural beauty of Japan and the love of the beautiful so characteristic of our peo- ple. Here surely is an elevating in- fluence. Missionary.—We always in thought as- sociate beauty with holiness, but in fact, what do we see? After centuries, amid this marvelous beauty in moun- tain and lake, in tree and flower, is it not true that even going to see the plum or cherry blossoms in their chaste beauty is all too frequently an occasion of debauchery, and that all over the empire tens of thousands of your beauti- ful young women are shamelessly liv- ing lives of shame? Taro.—We cannot deny it. Jiro—Are not the teachings of Con- fucius splendid ethical teachings? Men must be uplifted by studying them. MissIoNaAryY.—With great wisdom Con- fucius and Mencius teach how man should treat man, but the test is their fruit. Look at the Chinese, who, more faithfully than you, have studied these classics for many centuries—are they sympathetic? See the idle curiosity of the crowd at a public execution; see them failing to help famine sufferers in a neighboring province—and actually driving famine refugees away from their cities. Taro.—We must admit that man’s heart is not changed by any of these influences, but do you claim that your Christmas message is powerful enough for even that? Missionary.—How can I best explain Christmas to you? Miss Smith was teaching some of the schoolgirls a hymn which I wish you could hear. I will ask her for it. (Goes to door at left. Returns with Miss Smith and two Japanese girls. The two young men rise, bow (low Japanese bow), and the girls standing modestly, rather in the background, sing) “QO Little Town of Bethlehem.” (Words very distinct, bringing out meaning. ) (Girls bow and retire, the others re- main standing.) Jiro (earnestly).—Miss Smith, does Christ really enter into men’s hearts to- day and drive out sin? Miss SmitH.—The girls who just sang are examples. When O Hana San came to the school she was frivolous, selfish, and disobedient, caring for dress only. She came to know and trust in Christ and is now one of our earnest students and always on the lookout for chances to help others. She is love and sunshine in the school. Taro.—That is interesting, but to care for self and to like ribbons does not make one a great sinner. Miss SmitH.—No? Well, O Natsu San was an unusually bad girl. It seemed nat- ural for her to steal and lie; kind- ness and severity alike were of no ef- fect in awakening her conscience. We were in despair, saying that she must be somehow morally lacking. Then she, too, was remarkably led to see that God loved her and that she was griev- ing him. In tears and penitence she confessed her wickedness and besought God, for Christ’s sake, to forgive her. We can only describe her now as one born anew, a transformed character, loved and trusted by all. Jrro.—That is wonderful, but Miss Smith, they are girls (with slight dis- dain.) MIssIONARY.—Let me sketch the life of Kochi San, an orphan at six, devel- oping in all the wickedness of Tokyo till at eighteen he was condemned to death for a horrible murder — sentence changed to life imprisonment — heard of Bible, day and night for years mem- orizing it—its message reached his heart — the Saviour, welcomed, drove out sin—taught the story of Christ to 300 fellow prisoners — recognized by the jailers as a.power for good—the story of the transformed life reached the ear of the Emperor, who pardoned him after twenty-three years in prison —is now loyally serving his country by pointing sinners to the Saviour — by spe- cial permission of the government is telling his story in all the prisons of the empire with wonderful results in the lives of the men. There is this power in the Christ who came to save his peo- ple from their sins. Jiro (thoughtfully).—We thank you for this strange teaching. When may we hear more? Miss SmitH (hospitably)—We _ are about to have our Sunday school Christ- mas concert. Won’t you both stay for it! Jiro.—Thank you, you are very kind. We will stay. (Exit Miss Smith. Taro and Jiro as- sist Mr. Brown in hanging the few re- maining ornaments on the Christmas tree, or if there is no Christmas tree, in put- ting the last touches on wall decorations). Vil Srncinc. (By School.) Blessed Star!” (Processional. As the music first be- gins to sound from afar, Mr. Brown, Jiro and Taro take seats at the extreme right-hand side of the platform. The singing grows louder and clearer and the children (any number) of all ages to fourteen or fifteen, march in, girls and boys dressed in kimonos if possible. They march, still singing, to the seats in readiness for them in the center of the platform, and remain standing until they finish the song. The Japanese superin- tendent, Toda San, comes in with them. After they are seated, the missionary rises, comes to the front and says) We are now to have the pleasure of at- tending the Christmas exercises in a AM es Wa Allegretio. mf “Shine Out, Oh, 1, All the bells of Christmas Thrill the frost- y air, re (Hao ti - dings, Bringing vis-ions rare. Japanese Sunday school. Let me intro- duce Toda San, who is the superinten- dent. He will take charge of the pro- gram. We count ourselves happy in be- ing permitted to witness such a scene. (He then takes his seat again beside Taro and Jiro, while Toda San assumes the place of presiding officer.) Tova San.—Children, why have we all such shining, joyful faces to-night? CuHILDREN.—Because it is Christmas time. Topa San.—And what does Christmas mean to us? CHILDREN (or one child).—It means that Jesus Christ our Saviour has come to live in our hearts. VIII Srncinc. (By Primary Department.) “All the Bells of Christmas.” Caro. A. Dugan. © CHoRvs.———— Ring - ing, swing - ing, poco rit. (eS al All the bells of Christmas; Swinging, sing - ing, Christ the Lord is born! From “Childhood Songs,” Copyright by American Baptist Publication Society, 2 Lo! the wond’ring shepherds In the early dawn Hear the angels singing— “Joy, the Christ is born!” IX Exercise. “Hear Us, Holy Jesus.” (By five children.) Topa San.—Five of the children will pray to Jesus, and we will all bow our heads reverently. (Children rise, come to front, form semi-circle, fold hands and bend heads.) First CHILD. Jesus, once an infant small, Cradled in the oxen’s stall, Though the God and Lord of all: ALL Hear us, Holy Jesus! SECOND CHILD Once a child so good and fair, Feeling want, and toil, and care, All that we may have to bear, ALL Hear us, Holy Jesus! Tuirp CHILD Be thou with us every day, In our work and in our play, When we learn and when we pray: ALL Hear us, Holy Jesus! FourtH CHILD When we lie asleep at night, Ever may thy angels bright, Keep us safe till morning light. ALL Hear us, Holy Jesus! FirTH CHILD Make us brave without a fear, Make us happy, full of cheer, Sure that thou art always near: ALL Hear us, Holy Jesus! xX Sincine. (By School.) “Father, Lead Thy Little Children.” XI Exercise. “A Christmas Hymn.” (By _ six children from Intermediate Depart- ment. The children rise and come to front. The “first child” stands on ex- 3 “Glory in the highest!” It is Christmas morn! Shout the gladsome tidings, Christ the Lord is born! treme left of the semi-circle and slightly faces the other children.) First CHILD Tell me what is this innumerable throng Singing in the heavens a loud angelic song? SECOND CHILD These are they who come with swift and shining feet From round about the throne of God the Lord of Light to greet. First CHILD Oh, who are these that hasten beneath the starry sky, As if with joyful tidings that through the world shall fly? THIRD CHILD The faithful shepherds these, who greatly were afeared When, as they watched their flocks by night, the heavenly host appeared. First CHILD Who are these that follow across the hills of night A star that westward hurries along the fields of light? Fourth CHitp Three wise men from the East who myrrh and treasure bring To lay them at the feet of Him, their Lord and Christ and King. First CHILD What Babe new-born is this that in a manger cries? Near on her lowly bed His happy mother lies. Oh, see the air is shaken with white and heavenly wings— FirtH CHILD This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the King of Kings. First CHILD Tell me, how may I join in this. holy feast With all the kneeling world, and I of all the least? S1xtH CHILD XII Fear not, O faithful heart, but bring what most is meet: Sincinc. (By Primary Department or Bring love alone, true love alone, and selected voices.) “Ye Shepherds Arise.” lay it at His feet. —RICHARD WATSON GILDER REINECKE. ox. aa a 18 csi ta Reb ba a ie ee 2 BRB ies Bee ° oar ian ee oy Smee, ota ie ae —~@ oi ee Oh 1. Ye shep-herds, a - rise, and shout to the skies! The | # — ren sna Caceres —*— CRA i IM BORE DOP NAS RESORT Fac ate. = Laue LY my 1S a7 Ene amet a ie a ae assur wesc ae | —__-—_—_ = Tie ee sa —— ‘iL a ie een = SS oie oy Saad Sas a oat Sarees ede ae ae ee er Law an- gels are wing-ing their way here and _ sing - ing; —_ goa — EY Tat 5 a SREY PO COT TSE SESE JIN Wee GY SI TOCERY ——— ee ao ec aa a —,+~—}— St FUE: ae ——— =SrSscss =o == SB FeS oe: = Sal - va - tion is near, the Sav - jour is here hack