The Music of Bethlehem tells the story of Mandy, a spunky and imaginative girl who uses a wheelchair and lives with her father, Eric. She loves music, and each time she winds the music box her piano teacher gave her, she imagines what the first Christmas must have been like.

Mandy's dreams are interrupted by carolers, friends from her congregation, who bring gifts and the news of a new wheelchair ramp to be built at Mandy's house. After a conversation about physical and emotional challenges that each person experiences, they sing a song of the ultimate healing of Jesus' love. The carolers leave that night with the joyful surprise that they, too, have received good news. At the conclusion, Mandy invites all the children to join her in singing the music of Bethlehem--the music of praise, hope, celebration, healing, sharing, and love!

The Music of Bethlehem may be adapted to work in both large and small settings. There are speaking and nonspeaking parts, all of which may be condensed or expanded. As Mandy's story unfolds, the Christmas gospel is told, and costumed characters create a living picture of the Nativity. Both traditional and newly composed songs may be sung by church school classes or choirs. The congregation participates in hymn singing, responsive reading, and prayer.