Written By Warren Sager
CAST OF CHARACTERS
PASTOR BOB: (Speaks 1027 words). Getting up in years & discouraged about his church & wondering if he has been very useful to God
YOUNG BOB: (1210 words). In flashbacks, we learn some things about people he touched. 25-40
BARBARA: (965 words). Pastor Bob’s wife. She is concerned about him & wants to encourage him.
YOUNG BARBARA: (Speaks 470 words). Pastor Bob’s wife in flashbacks.
ABIGAIL BISHOP: (Speaks 1346 words). Middle aged. A real character who goes through the biggest change in the story. The largest part & shows a lot of range. 40-70
EARNEST: (Speaks 697 words). Faithful church member who loves Pastor Bob. 55-65
IVAN: (Speaks 633 words). A wealthy stranger that Young Bob meets beside the road. 30-70
CAROLINE: (523 words). Daughter of Bob and Barbara 30-55
DENISE: (362 words). Daughter of Bob and Barbara 30-55
GARTH: (493 words). Ernie’s friend going through marriage troubles. 30-70
FRANCESCA: (313 words). A young girl that prays with young Pastor Bob.
OLDER FRANCESCA: (165 words). Shows up at the end to tell her story.
HAVI: (28 words). Abigail’s adopted son who gets into some trouble. Gets to play Jesus. 18-25
HARRIET: (no lines). Garth’s wife
OTHER EXTRAS: Joseph, Mary, Shepherds & people approaching Jesus at the end.
Excerpt:
As the scene opens we see Pastor Bob enter the sanctuary. He comes up the aisle goes to the stage and walks around, seeming despondent, burdened… he drops to his knees facing the audience. He thinks he is alone. His wife comes through the stage door and stops, not wanting to disturb him. She watches from there.
PASTOR BOB
Lord, you know my heart. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know which way to turn. I feel so helpless and hopeless. Can you still use me? Have you ever really used me? What has all this been for? I feel like I’m spinning my wheels. God, I am so discouraged. I need to feel your presence. I need to know that you are still here with me and that I have a purpose and that you are with me. O God help me! Please Father! I need you!
As he bows low with emotion, his wife shows that she is also become emotional. A man all dressed in white appears on the stage. (Either robe or suit) Neither of them see him. He comes up behind Bob and lays his hand on his shoulder. Then Bob senses something and opens his eyes.
PASTOR BOB
Lord? Is that you? You’re here with me. I know you are. I feel such peace. Thank you, Jesus! Forgive me Father for my lack of faith, lack of trust and my self doubt, self pity and discouragement. I know that it isn’t about me. You called me to preach the gospel, you called me to this place to minister to these people. Help them, Lord. Reach them. Teach them. Use me Lord to make a difference. I am your servant.
He bows again and the angel leaves. He stands up. Composes himself. He turns and sees his wife.
PASTOR BOB Oh… how long have you been standing there?
BARBARA Oh. Not long. I was looking for you and thought I might find you in here.
PASTOR BOB I was just praying.
BARBARA That’s always good.
PASTOR BOB It was really good, honey. I really felt His presence. It was quite amazing. I had such a peace come over me.
BARBARA That’s good. I’m glad. I think you have been carrying a lot lately.
PASTOR BOB Why were you looking for me?
BARBARA Oh. Yes. Abigail Bishop is in your office. She wants to talk about the Christmas program.
PASTOR BOB Oh. Great. Can you send her in here?
BARBARA Of course. You don’t want to talk to her in your office?
PASTOR BOB Not this time.
BARBARA Okay.
She exits
PASTOR BOB Lord. This is it. Guide my words as I talk to Abigail. Prepare her heart for what I have to say and may we accomplish something special this Christmas that honors you. In your precious name, Amen.
Abigail enters through stage door A
BIGAIL Pastor!
PASTOR BOB Good morning, Abigail. How are you today?
ABIGAIL Oh, I’m just fine… a bit run ragged already! Ain’t that just the way? So much going on.. and I wanted to get a jump on Christmas. You know how I like to make sure I have all my ducks in a row… all my beans in my basket.
PASTOR BOB Of course.
ABIGAIL So, I just wanted to make sure that we are good with all the same stuff this year. You know what they say… if it ain’t broken, don’t try to fix it! Now, I may have to find a new Santa. That guy we had last year… I just did not like him. I tell you Pastor, I felt he was just too skinny. We need a rolly polly Santa… they’re more jolly.
PASTOR BOB Um… Abigail. I’ve been praying and thinking about Christmas. And I believe that the Lord would have us go in a different direction this year.
ABIGAIL How so?
PASTOR BOB Well, for starters, let’s forget about Santa.
ABIGAIL Oh, but that’s tradition! The kids enjoy him so much. I’ll make sure we get a good one this year.
PASTOR BOB The kids can always go to the mall. I would like to focus more on Jesus this year.
ABIGAIL Well of course. My favorite part is when Santa kneels at the manger…
PASTOR BOB I do want a nativity. But you know, Abigail, Santa wasn’t there.
ABIGAIL Oh, you mean when Jesus was born? (chuckles) Well, of course, I know that!
PASTOR BOB I mean… if we want to get technical… the wise men were not there either.
ABIGAIL No wise men??
PASTOR BOB I’m just saying. They most assuredly arrived a year or two later. They found Jesus in a house.. not in a stable. That’s not important right now. I’m going to have you work with my wife on this project this year. I’ll be giving her some input that the Lord is placing on my heart.
ABIGAIL But I’ve always done the Christmas pageant by myself.
PASTOR BOB Yes, I know. And won’t it be exciting to see what God has in store for us this year? I think it is important that we bring the message of HOPE through the program this year. Thank you for having a willing spirit and taking on a new challenge.
ABIGAIL So, just throw out everything and start over? When will I know what we are going to do?
PASTOR BOB Why don’t you set up a meeting with Barbara on your way out? I’m excited. I think it will be great.
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