DRAMA—NEW YEAR, YEAR B
Bible reference: Matthew 25:31-46
WORDS DON’T MEAN A THING
CHARACTERS: Six people. 1, 2 and 3 are well dressed and prosperous looking, 4, 5 and 6 are shabbily dressed (especially 4) .
PROPS: Three Bibles.
(1,2 and 3 enter, stand on left side of stage and read from Bibles)
1: Jesus said...
2:
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When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.
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3: All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people,
1: One from another,
2: As the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
3: He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
1: Then the king will say to those on his right,
2: Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
(4, 5 and 6 enter and stand on right side of stage listening to 1, 2 and 3, become increasingly agitated as they continue)
3: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
1: I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
2: I was a stranger and you invited me in,
3: I needed clothes and you clothed me,
1: I was sick and you looked after me,
2: I was in prison and you came to visit me...
4: (Interrupting) But this year my family will be hungry. Who is going to feed them?
5: I’m still thirsty. Who will be my friend?
6: I’m a stranger here. Will anyone welcome me?
4: Look at my rags. Who will put shoes on my children’s feet?
5: I’m sick. Who will hold my hand?
6: I’m still imprisoned. Who will show me love?
4: (In disgust, indicating 1,2 and 3) Words! That’s all they offer!
5: (Agreeing) But their words don’t mean a thing!
6: They claim to know love, but their love is cold and judging!
4,5,6: Just another empty New Year’s resolution! (4,5 and 6 freeze in attitudes of disgust and disillusionment)
1,2,3:
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(To each other, confused, indicating Bibles but no longer reading) But we are called to love!
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1: (Reaching out to 4) To give our lives to those around us. (4 turns back on 1,2 and 3)
2:
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To change our ways (Reaching out to 5), to welcome strangers. (5 turns back on 1,2 and 3)
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3:
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To feed others with love and compassion (Reaches out to 6), not avoidance and hate. (6 turns back on 1,2 and 3)
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(1, 2 and 3 drops hands , embarrassed, defeated)
1: (To 2 and 3, shrugging) Where can we go? (Has an idea) ...except to the Lord.
2: (Catching on) For he will forgive.
3: (Catching on too) He will understand!
1: (Looking up as if in prayer) He will give us courage.
2: (Looking up as if in prayer) He will show us the way of compassion.
3: (Looking up as if in prayer) He will show us how to give ourselves.
1: (Excitedly to 2 and 3) He has shown us these things!
2: (Excited) In his life.
3: (Excited) In his death.
1: In his resurrection.
2: (Putting Bible down) Let’s live in his resurrection hope.
3: (Putting Bible down) Let’s give our lives to others.
1: (Putting Bible down) And live our lives for others. (1, 2 and 3 go over to 4,5 and 6)
2: (Touching 5 on the shoulder, 5 turns towards 2) Being a Christian is about caring.
3: (Touching 6 on the shoulder, 6 turns towards 3) As God cared for you.
1: (Offers hand to 4, who slowly turns around and takes it) So care for one another.
ALL: (Joining hands) Let’s care for one another this year.
© David Schmidt 1993
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.
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