A Christmas Play – Suing a Shepherd

Although this post is not typical for this blog, some churches may be looking for simple Christmas plays this time of year. Below is a simple one act and one scene play that I wrote, and my church performed last year. Because it is set in a courtroom, scripts can be put on the witness stand and the lawyers’ benches as a natural part of the scene.  Having scripts available reduces the number of rehearsals. We pulled this off with about three rehearsals. The scene set up is easy too since most churches already have a “courtroom” aesthetic and the pulpit can be the judge’s bench. Anyone is free to perform this play for non-profit purposes.

List of Characters: Bailiff, Judge “Judy”,  Plaintiff’s Lawyer, Plaintiff (Golda Digger), Defense Lawyer, Townspeople 1 & 2, Defendant (Mr. Shepherd), Bo Peep, Shepherd 2 (Mr. Pasteur).  (Note: there are some really small parts for more participation. One could combine townspeople 1 & 2 and give Shepherd 2’s lines to Bo Peep if necessary.)

 Stage set up: The stage area is set up like a courtroom. There should be a central, raised desk or podium for the judge and two small tables on the sides for the lawyers and their clients. Another podium should be situated to the judge’s left as a “witness stand.” angel-shepards

Performance Time: 15-20 minutes.  Only one scene and one act. Continue reading

Jesus Christ—the Fulfillment of all previous Sacred Places. Study 10.

All the history and temple theology that was covered in previous studies formed the background to Jewish beliefs in the first century. When Jesus of Nazareth began his public ministry around 30 C.E., he came to a people who carried assumptions and expectations concerning the temple. The first followers of Jesus incorporated these beliefs about the temple to describe and explain Jesus and his work. It may be helpful to review some of the assumptions and expectations concerning the temple that we covered in the previous studies. Some of those assumptions include: The temple was a gateway to God’s true heavenly presence. The tabernacle/temple was a way for God to manifest his glory presence to his people, a presence that began in the Garden of Eden. The temple was the place to offer sacrifice to maintain the covenant relationship with a holy God. Temple rituals were no substitute for a heart obedience to God, and God removed the temple when it became a mere religious/ritual token. In contrast to the destroyed temple, God would one day restore true worship among his people by giving them a new Spirit; through the Spirit, God could be present with his people no matter where they were located. Continue reading