A drama, based on Luke 2:8-20 suitable for performing at Christmas, written by Liesl Schultz.
Scene 1
(Sandra and Hugh sit behind the news desk of 'Judea Tonight')
Sandra: ...and Emperor Augustus says he is most pleased with the progress
of the census.
Hugh: and now to an amazing story from Bethlehem. A group
of shepherds are reported to be making their way from the county in order to
worship a baby. They say they were told of the birth by a host of angles. Sarah
Uzziah reports.
Scene 2
(Shepherds are milling about behind Sarah
as she speaks)
Sarah: I'm here on the outskirts of Bethlehem where I'm
joined by a group of shepherds who have traveled many miles tonight. Lets speak
to them to find out why they are here. (To
the first shepherd) Excuse me, where are
you heading?
Shepherd 1: We're going to Bethlehem.
Sarah: And why are you going there?
Shepherd 2: To worship the saviour.
Shepherd 3: He was born in a stable, and we are told we'll
find him there, wrapped in strips of cloth.
Shepherd 2: (nudging Shepherd
3) And lying in a manger.
Shepherd 3: Yes, and lying in a manger.
(Shepherds 1, 2 and
3 move off slightly)
Sarah: (to
Frank and his wife) How did you find out about
this birth in Bethlehem?
Frank:
Well, you'd never believe it, but I was out in the field with some of the other
chaps...
Wife: He wasn't even going to look after the sheep tonight,
he's got a bit of a cold you know. But I said frank, I said, go and mind those
sheep, they're all we've got, you know.
Frank: So there we were, sitting watching our flocks, when
all of a sudden, out of nowhere comes this bright light, and a man...
Wife: An angel dear, not a man.
Frank: And an angel tells us how Christ the Lord has been born
in Bethlehem. We were all pretty shocked and scared, to say the least.
Wife: Not Frank though, you weren't scared were you dear!
(Other shepherds
approach)
Sarah: So there was just the one angel then?
Shepherd 5: Oh no, after that there were thousands. They filled
the sky.
Shepherd 6: And they were all singing.
All Shepherds: Glory to God in the Highest!
Shepherd 7: It was beautiful.
Shepherd 8: And then we all said "Let's go to Bethlehem."
Sarah: (to camera) Well,
there you have it Sandra and Hugh. Back to you at the news desk.
Scene 3
(the news desk)
Sandra: Thank you Sarah. We will be following that story later in the bulletin.
But first, these messages.
Scene 4a
(Citizen is standing, filling out form during the voice
over)
Voice over: An important message from Emperor
Augustus. There are only six more days in which you can register for the census.
Everyone must register at the birthplace of their descendants. Fines may apply
for those who do not register.
Citizen: (looking up) I've
registered. Have you?
Voice over: Spoken by A.Citizen
and D.Josiah for Emperor August Caesar.
Scene 4b
(Advertiser stands behind table with good on it. Three
wise men stand to the side, watching eagerly)
Advertiser:
Tired of giving those same, boring old gifts? Why not try Frankincense? This
aromatic gum resin can be burnt just like incense. Prefer a different perfume?
Well you also receive this myrrh - dab it on as a soothing balm. How much would
you expect to pay for these lovely fragrances? Well wait. They also come with
this precious gift of solid gold coins. All three beautifully gift boxed, and
yours for the small price of thirty denarius. Call now on 1800 123 456.
(Wise
men look at each other)
Wise man 1: Maybe we should take
a gift.
Wise man 2: (takes out mobile) I'll
phone.
Scene 5
(the news desk)
Hugh: Welcome back to 'Judea
Tonight'. We cross back now to sarah Uzziah, who is following the story of a
group of shepherds making their way to Bethlehem.
Sandra: Sarah, can you give us an update?
Scene 6
Sarah: Well Hugh, the shepherds
have just finished their meeting with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, whom
they are calling the Saviour. Here they come now.
(Shepherds enter, singing
praise to God)
Sarah: How did it go?
Shepherd 2: It was just as the angels had said!
Sarah: Are you happy you came?
Shepherds 1: Oh yes. We have seen the Lord!
(Shepherds continue
to sing and move off)
Sarah: (holding
ear to hear instructions) I've just been informed that Mary
is available for an interview. (Mary enters) Welcome Mary. Tell me,
how did you receive these visitors?
Mary: Well, we were
quite surprised when they all turned up. We weren't exactly expecting visitors.
However when they began to tell the story of of how the angels had appeared
to them, we were amazed. Of course, I too have been visited by the angel they
spoke of, Gabriel. But a host of angels, well that must have been spectacular.
Sarah: And how does it feel to be the mother of Christ the
Lord?
Mary: I'm overwhelmed - I feel incredible blessed. Especially
when I see the joy and hope it has brought these shepherds. I will be holding
these memories very dear, I assure you.
Sarah: Thanks for taking the time to to talk to us, Mary. (to
camera) Well
it seems a Saviour is born. Not in a palace visited by high priests, but in
a stable visited by shepherds. I'm Sarah Uzziah for 'Judea Tonight'.
Scene 7 (at
the news desk)
Sandra: We cross now to a panel of
experts who are going to discuss tonight's events.
Hugh: Can we put this question to the panel - Why shepherds?
Scene 8 (panelists sitting on lounge chairs)
Panelist 1: It does seem an odd choice doesn't it? Surely
we would expect a far more illustrious reception for our Saviour than a group
of hillbillies with minimal intelligence.
Panelist 2: I disagree. I think God was very pointed in His
choice.
Panelist 3: But who cares what shepherds say? The angels may
as well have appeared to garbologists or tax collectors.
Panelist 2: That's just it. God is saying, "I've sent
a Saviour for all of you."
Panelist 1: You must admit though, that shepherds are an unreliable
source of information. We're talking about the most important birth in the
history of the world. People are bound to find the rantings of a few sheep
carers unbelievable.
Panelist 3: Many may even disregard the news because of the
untrustworthy source. Had the angels appeared to high priests, then there would
have been more chance of people accepting it.
Panelist 2: But isn't that paramount to saying that the saviour
is only for the priests, the literate and the highly respected?
Panelist 1: Exactly. That's how it should be. These are the
men who understand, teach and obey the law.
Panelist 2: Based on the evidence so far, I think we'll discover
that this child born will change all that. He'll be Saviour to priest and shepherds
alike.
Scene 9 (the news desk)
Sandra: We'll have to leave it there. Thanks to the panel for those insightful
words.
Hugh: And that's all we have time for. On this, the 25th of December, goodnight.
© Liesl Schultz
Groups may use this drama without
payment provided Liesl's authorship is acknowledged and that any profits generated
from the production are put back into the community.