A New Home for Christmas

Christmas Drama, Skit |by Kim Hackworth

Characters

Narrator, Michael (age 9), Jared (age 14), Josh (Home Counselor), King Herod, Wiseman1, Wiseman 2, Wiseman 3, Mary, Joseph, Innkeeper, Chief Priest, Shepherd 1, Shepherd 2, Angel 1, Angel 2, Angel 3, Angel 4.

SCENE 1

(Michael and Jared are sitting on the edge of their cots getting ready for bed.)

Narrator: The story takes place Christmas Eve at a home for orphaned and abandoned children. Jared and Michael who have been residents of the home for three months have just returned from a Christmas Eve service at the local mission. The boys' mother passed away just a few months ago. Their father left them about six years ago and has not been seen since. Alone and bitter over the lot they have been dealt, Jared and Michael find this Christmas extremely difficult--feeling no peace, no hope, and no love.

Michael: What did that man from the mission mean when he said, peace and goodwill toward men?

Jared: (bitterly) Do you believe everything everyone tells you? Haven't you been through enough to know there is no goodwill and we have definitely not seen any peace?!

Josh: (enters from the side) Lights out in 15 minutes! Hey, what's with the down faces?! Don't you know tomorrow is Christmas?

Jared: Big deal! It's Christmas Eve and here we are with some candy canes and a couple of flannel shirts. (Throws down the gifts.)

Michael: (eagerly) Do you think Santa Claus comes to the children's home? That fireplace in the lobby looks rather small.

Josh: Well, Michael, I have only worked here for a couple of years, and I have never seen him. However, I do know we have found some surprises around here on Christmas morning. Listen, do you guys really think that's what Christmas is about?

Jared: He'll believe anything.

Josh: Well, let me tell you about a particular Christmas over 2000 years ago when the greatest gift ever received came in the form of a baby.

Jared: Who wants a baby for Christmas?!

Michael: Be quiet, Jared! I haven't heard a good story since. . . (pause abruptly and lower head) well, since Mom died.

(Josh picks up a Bible from a nearby table. He sits down close to Michael and puts his arm around him.)

Josh: Have you two ever read the Bible?

Michael: No, I don't think so, but I know there were a bunch of them at the mission tonight.

Josh: You're right. This is God's Word and it tells us about a very special baby boy named Jesus who came to this earth to be our King, bringing peace, and eternal joy.

Jared: (very angry) What does this have to do with Christmas? I'm sick of hearing about peace! There is no peace in this world! (Sits down in a chair and puts on his headset.)

Josh: (Takes a deep sigh and then begins to read Luke 2: 1-6.) "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David;) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered."

(At the beginning of verse 1 the innkeeper enters. Mary and Joseph enter at end of Scripture reading.)

Mary: Joseph there is not much time. I pray we find a place soon.

Joseph: I know you must be weary. Let's try one more place. Maybe this innkeeper can help us. Sir, do you have any rooms?

Innkeeper: I'm sorry, but all of the rooms are taken.

Joseph: You must understand that my wife is about to deliver a child? Surely there is some place where she may rest.

Innkeeper: My only suggestion is the stable. There is some soft hay there where you may lie.

(Joseph turns to Mary.)

Joseph: I know you and the Christ child deserve much better, but I'm afraid this is our only alternative.

Mary: It will be fine. I have faith God will take care of us.

(Curtain closes. Manger scene brought in.)

SCENE 2
(Mary and Joseph are sitting in the stable. The innkeeper enters with something to wrap the baby in.)

Innkeeper: This is all that I could find. I hope it will keep the baby warm.

Mary: Thank you for your kindness. I am sure you will be blessed.

Michael: I thought you said He was a King. What kind of king is born in a barn? Are you making this up?

Jared: I knew this story would be a joke! How can someone bring peace if they are born in a barn?!

Josh: I thought you weren't going to listen to this story.

Jared: I'm not. It's just that my batteries are dead.

(Curtain closes.)

SCENE 3
Josh: Well, boys, there's a lot more to the story. So what do you say we continue?

Jared: You might as well. There's nothing else to do around here.

Josh: (with a deep sigh begins reading again from Luke 2:8.)

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."

(Shepherds enter as the scripture is read.)

Shepherd 1: There is a strangeness in the air tonight.

Shepherd 2: I feel it too. It's as if something wonderful is about to happen.

(Angels enter.)

Angel 1: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Angel 2: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

Angel 3: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Angel 4: Follow the yonder star. It will lead you to where the young child lies.

All Angels: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will toward men.

(Angels exit.)

Shepherd 1: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

(Shepherds exit.)

Michael: (excited) So that's where that comes from--peace and good will--the angel said it! This is cool!

Jared: Yeah, but what kind of angel talks to a lowly shepherd. What kind of King would want some scroungey, homeless shepherds around?

Josh: The same King that came to save you and me.

Jared: Well, if he came to save us why did he let my dad leave and why did he let my mom die? I don't need a King that brings that kind of peace!

Josh: (trying to remain calm) Well, you may be surprised to find out that Jesus did not exactly live the life of an earthly king. As a matter of fact, there were people who sought to have him killed when he was just a baby. Listen.

Read Matthew 2:1-3.

(King Herod enters as the scripture is read. Herod paces and looks toward the floor.)

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews?' for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."

(Enter the chief priest.)

Herod: So tell me where was this Christ child born?

Chief Priest: In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Herod: (very angry) I shall rule the people!! I must investigate this matter further. Call in the Wisemen.

(Wisemen enter.)

Herod: Go to Bethlehem. Search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

(Herod exits.)

Wiseman 1: If this baby truly is the Son of God we must bring gifts.

Wiseman 2: Gifts worthy of a King!

Wiseman 3: Gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh is the least we can give.

(Wisemen exit.)

Jared: Wow, I would love to get some gold for Christmas. I would be rich!

Josh: Yes, that may be true but King Herod had other plans.

Michael: I knew there was something I didn't like about that man.

Josh: King Herod was jealous of the newborn King. He could not stand the thought of someone having more power than him. So, he ordered that all children two years and younger be killed.

Jared: That's horrible. Was he out of his mind? Jesus was just a baby!

Josh: Jealousy and anger can cause people to do terrible things. Many, many babies died as a result. Jesus escaped because his father Joseph was warned by God in a dream and told to take his family into Egypt.

Michael: I still don't see how this Christmas brought peace. All of those babies would not have died had Jesus not been born. Besides, that was so long ago. How can He bring peace to us now?

Josh: Well, Jesus himself also faced death. He was nailed to a cross where He died for all of our sins. After three days, He rose from the grave providing us a way for eternal life in heaven above.

Michael: The preacher at the mission talked about heaven. He said Jesus was there. What is heaven like?

Josh: Well, let's see what the Bible has to say about it. (Read Revelations 21:4) "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Michael: You mean I won't be sad over my mom and dad anymore?

Jared: And the kids at school won't make fun of us anymore because we have to live in the home?

Michael: How do we get there?

Josh: Well, you can't exactly jump in a car and go. You have to accept Christ as your personal Savior. It is what the preacher meant tonight about becoming a Christian.

Michael: Is that hard to do?

Josh: No, as a matter of fact it can be the easiest thing you ever do. You must accept Him, believe He died on the cross for your sins, and confess your sins. Boys, why don't we pray now?

Jared: No way! I'm not becoming one of those Christians. They'll make even more fun of me at school. I've got enough problems as it is!

(Jared climbs into bed with the covers over his head.)

Josh: They made fun of Jesus to the point they crucified Him. He suffered it all for you -- to save you from your sins. Has anyone else ever made such a sacrifice for you?

(Josh takes Michael's hand and they kneel to pray. Jared slowly rises out of bed and kneels with them.)

Narrator: So just as on that Christmas night over 2000 years ago when Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and the wisemen all rejoiced over the birth of the King -- the King who would bring peace to a lost and dying world, Jared and Michael also found the King of peace in their hearts and hope in a world which seemed so dim. The hope that seemed lost and the love which they thought had died was now rekindled. They are no longer afraid, and no longer alone. Michael and Jared now have a Father in heaven to call their own -- never to be forsaken again. This Christmas, find it in your heart to share the love of Jesus. The world is dying for hope and peace. Will you be one to spread the light and share the love?

(As narrator speaks, Mary enters carrying Baby Jesus. All other cast members slowly enter gathering around the Baby. )

Copyright 2000 Kim Hackworth

Performed by the Youth of Campbell Chapel, Freewill Baptist Church, December, 2000.

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