Drama - Year A - Christmas Proper III

DRAMA —SERIES A—CHRISTMAS, Proper III

Bible reference - John 1:14

ACCEPT MY GIFT

Subdued lighting with central spotlight would be ideal, although it is not essential. Nine actors are grouped

using various levels, facing the front, forming a frozen picture. The song, ‘Try not to get worried’, from

Jesus Christ Superstar, opens the play, using the first verse or so.

Man 1 abruptly turns, stepping into spot or centre stage, interrupting music.

MAN 1:

What do you mean, everything will ‘be alright’? Turn off that music! I don’t want to hear that any more. It’s just not true! Once I believed it—- sure. Everything would be alright — next year. But it hasn’t been, has it? The economy is wrecked. The politicians can’t fix it. Any new party probably isn’t going to make a difference. We’ve got three kids and two incomes and we can barely manage...

Man 2 turns, Man 1 freezes.

MAN 2:

Barely manage? You’re joking! I haven’t even got a job. Retrenched! After 20 years! I can’t even afford Christmas presents for my kids. I feel like such a failure. It’s so humiliating.

Man 2 walks off into shadow, Person 3 comes to life, Man 2 freezes.

PERSON 3:

At least you’ve had 20 years’ work. I haven’t got a job. Can’t get a job. Never had a job! And don’t you dare call me a dole bludger. How do you think it feels to have spent all of those years at school, only to come out with nothing?

Woman 1 turns, Person 3 freezes.

WOMAN 1:

At least you’ve got nothing to be responsible for! Want to swap? I’ve got two kids who need to be fed and clothed, and a husband stressed out of his brain. I feel as if I spend all my time supporting everyone else — being there — and I feel so empty. I just don’t know how I’m going to cope with Christmas this year.

Person 5, Santa, turns. Woman 1 freezes.

SANTA:

Ho, ho, ho, everyone! Merry Christmas!

Santa looks to frozen figures. There is no response.

Come along! Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmas, everyone!

All turn to stare at Santa.

Lots of goodies for everyone!

All shake their heads in dejection.

Now, now. It can’t be all that bad.

All nod their heads.

Cheer up! Here’s a sweet for each of you.

Each takes a lolly and chews. Their mood does not change, however.

Person 6 turns. It is a young child.

CHILD:

Hey, Santa! I think you had better come with me. I don’t think it’s working this year. Got any more lollies? Come on, Santa! Gimme one! (Freezes)

The final figure who has been central to the group, turns. Should be standing higher.

If possible, a light now shines from behind.

CHRIST:

Friends, it hurts my heart to hear all this. I didn’t plan it this way. Things were meant to be so different. I haven’t got any lollies for you — any quick-fix solutions. But I know how you are hurting. I feel your pain. I am here with you. What I sent to you is myself.

Simple tableau of Mary/Joseph/Baby Jesus, who enter centre stage. All figures gather around.

Soloist sings, verse 1 of ‘Away in a manger’ or other appropriate carol/song.

CHRIST:

I send my love to heal you, to show each one of you that I care. Please accept my gift.

Permission is given for the owner of this disk to make sufficient copies of this script for their group or congregation, for rehearsal and performance purposes only.