0His story changed the world: Jesus -- born to Mary and Joseph, worshiped as Savior by the Magi and the shepherds who had found him through divine guidance. We do not dispute the significance of their part in Jesus' story. We marvel at their obedience. We sing songs recounting their trust and their faith.

But if we dare allow ourselves to peer just a bit deeper into the pages of scripture, extending just beyond the edges of the nativity story, we find the embodiment of patience and faithfulness -- Simeon and Anna, a prophet and a prophetess, who waited for the arrival of the Messiah with an unwavering expectation.

It is a story that reminds us that a hope placed in God does not disappoint.

In seven scenes, The Promise Fulfilled presents a simple drama, intertwining the familiar details of the Christmas story with the steadfast hope of Simeon and Anna. Drawing upon the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke and using extended scripture readings, The Promise Fulfilled invites cast and audience members to marvel at the events surrounding Christ's birth, taking us into the expected while challenging us to look beyond the well-told storyline found within the walls of the nativity.

Simple to learn and powerful to present, this short drama will allow youth groups and adult drama teams to develop a rich understanding of the events leading up to Christ's birth. Easily adaptable for Bible studies and children's lessons, The Promise Fulfilled offers a fresh perspective to a story that has been changing hearts for over 2,000 years, ushering us into the Advent season with a subtle and powerful proclamation: a transformed world requires an enduring faithfulness anchored in Christian love. Twelve copies of this play are needed for production and copy privileges are included.

This is David Allison's first book with CSS Publishing. Pastor Allison received his master of ministry degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Currently Allison is head pastor at Havens Corners Church. He has also been bi-vocational and youth pastor at Havens Corners Church. Allison is married to Karla and they have one grown son. Some of David's interests are golf, chess, and landscaping.