Description
Starry, Starry Night…
Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linking text as well as the characters in the scene itself.
List of scenes:
A Birth in Bethlehem
Joseph Proposes, Mary is Pregnant
The Shepherds
A Shepherd Tells His Mother
The Wise Men
Simeon and Anna – Jesus is Circumcised
Simeon and Anna – Jesus is Circumcised
When Jesus was eight days old Mary and Joseph took him to the Temple to be circumcised, as was the custom. As they stood in the Temple courts an old man named Simeon approached them, his eyes wide and sparkling with anticipation. He took the child and said,
Simeon: I have waited and waited for this moment. Like a tree growing and twisting, being battered and weathered by the storms of a lifetime – yet this moment makes it all worthwhile. Lord, I can die in peace now, now that I have seen this child. The deliverer – the saviour. Who would have thought that a tiny fragile baby like this could be the salvation for everyone? But my eyes have seen it, and still see it. A living, crying, breathing gift from God.
He held the baby aloft, his old eyes wet with tears, and then he turned to Mary and Joseph.
Simeon: This child will be a mixed blessing to you. Some will love him – others will hate him. And their hatred will be a white-hot blade piercing your souls. But it will all be for the good – no one will be able to stand before this man and pretend. No one. He is the embodiment of truth – and he will be the success and the failure of many. You are blessed.
Joseph: Blessed! Simeon: Oh yes. Mary: But you just predicted trouble for us…
Simeon: Not trouble – conflict – there’s a difference.
At that moment an old prophetess called Anna approached. She had been living in the Temple for decades – fasting and praying.
Anna: Praise God!
Joseph: What now?
Continues ...
Permission is hereby given for this material to be performed before a live non-paying audience or for any non-profit or charitable occasion. This sketch may be printed by the purchaser for use by amateurs within their organisation only on condition that such copies are not given, lent or sold to any other organisation or individual. Reproduction or transmission in any form or by any means other than stated above is forbidden without written permission from the publisher:
Active Media Publishing Ltd, 71 Lowther Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3LN
Tel: 01582 603413 Email: info@ampublishing.net; Website: www.ampublishing.net