These little dramas are intended for use in the worship service either prior to or following the reading of the Sunday Gospel. Either way, through parable, fantasy or direct reference, they are a way to capture the obvious and the subtle themes in the Gospels for Advent through Epiphany.

 

The dramas require little rehearsal and few actors. Set furnishings and props are minimal. They are written to be presented primarily by young people for the worshiping congregation.

 

The "Focus" section introducing the dramas might be proclaimed before the drama is presented or simply printed in the worship folder.

 

If they enhance a celebration of the comedy of God that culminates in the birth of a baby boy in Bethlehem destined to save His people from their sins, they will have done what they were meant to do.

 

Themes: Seasonal (Ephiphany), Based on Bible Stories

 

Download a PDF of Star Struck to use in your congregation.

 

The Epiphany star just may rest over our church...of all places.

 

Three contemporary star-gazers "crash" the church service and unwittingly reveal the meaning of Epiphany. Your church provides the backdrop for the drama.

 

Three star-gazers who wear pointed, Medieval astrologer's hats and robes with starry trim. Their faces are painted clownishly.

 

1: (enters stage left alone, frantically looking upward) It's gone! They're all gone! Not a star in the sky. Now what are we going to do? Alright you wise guys, now what are we going to do? (looking stage left) Hey, you guys. Come here. The stars. They're gone! (2 and 3 enter stage left with heads raised.)

 

2: It's the ceiling, dolt. The ceiling is in the way. We can't see the stars for the ceiling. (All look down; 2 notices congregation) We have company.

 

3: Maybe this is it.

 

2: What?

 

3: The place.

 

2: Do you really think so?

 

3: Look at them. (pointing to congregation) Does this look like a place to which a star would lead us?

 

2: (surveys congregation) No.

 

1: (looks up again) If the ceiling were gone, would we see the stars?

 

2: Perhaps.

 

1: In broad daylight?

 

2: Keep asking questions, dolt, and you'll see stars alright.

 

1: Where are we? Is this the place? Lots of people here. Any of them looking up?

 

2: No, dolt, they know about the ceiling.

 

3: (recognizes potential of moment; unrolls scroll from which he reads the following) "STAR, any natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night; a self-luminous gaseous celestial body of great mass whose shape is usually spheroidal and whose size may be as small as the earth or larger than the earths orbit." (proudly) Thank you. (rolls up scroll)

 

2: (obviously now aware of his audience and getting into the spirit of showmanship; drops to his knees and sings with hand on heart) "When you wish upon a star..."

 

3: (joins 2 and finishes lyric) "...makes no difference who you are." Or is it whom?

 

1: (The contagion of the moment has seized him; sings the Kate Smith melody) "When the star comes over the mountain."

 

2: Wrong. (2 and 3 rise to their feet)

 

3: (unrolls scroll again; reads proudly) "STAR, an outstanding, talented performer." (rolls up scroll)

 

2: (bows) Thank you!

 

1: Be a star! (tosses handful of confetti on those in first pew)

 

2: And this, my friends, is only the beginning of the star-studded program we star-gazers are capable of presenting. Next we--

 

3: We should be going. After all, there is the matter of the star.

 

1: But maybe this is it.

 

2: There is only one way to find out.

 

1: How?

 

2: Go out and see if the star is up there.

 

1: (points straight up) Up there?

 

2: Right.

 

1: In broad daylight?

 

2: Why not?

 

1: Alright. (exits stage right)

 

3: I don't think so.

 

2: Why wouldn't He come here? What's wrong with this place? Whats wrong with them? (pointing to congregation)

 

3: Hardly a Jew in the whole crowd. When this Star, that is, when this outstanding, talented Performer, was born, He was born Hebrew. You know how Hebrews are about mixing company with "goyim."

 

2: We should talk. (1 returns from stage right) What did you learn?

 

1: It's there.

 

2: Where?

 

1: (points straight up) There.

 

2: Then this must be the place. And they must be the people.

 

3: Imagine that. In broad daylight. A Hebrew here. God here. A Star is born. And the Gentiles catch His light. Now that's one for the scrolls! (All exit.)

 

The End.