A selection of reflections, poetry and monologues (mostly from the perspective of characters who feature in the story), written for and suitable for use in services in schools and in all-age settings in church.
Peruse below, or click to find monologues from the perspective of Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, Elizabeth, a shepherd, a wise man or, of course, the donkey!
A Donkey’s Tale
Inspired by Luke 2:1-7 Hello, my name’s Darrell, the donkey. You’ll never guess what happened to me the other day… I was in Nazareth minding my business eating grass, thinking very important donkey thoughts, and that sort of thing, when Joseph came up to me, looking rather flustered. He told me we were going on an adventure … Continue reading A Donkey’s Tale
Was it badly planned? (A Christmas poem)
Dear God and Lord almighty, creator of it all,I have a few questions about the Christmas festival.Each year we remember these events so long ago – We sing and tell the story – but there’s lots I still don’t know.You see, the problem is, I don’t quite understandWhy it happened the way it did – was … Continue reading Was it badly planned? (A Christmas poem)
Remembering with Mary – A service of reflection during Christmas season
This is made up of a series of monologues from Mary’s perspective. I suggest asking different people to read the different reflections. Feel free to choose different carols/readings. This has been used for the Sunday after Christmas, but again, could fit elsewhere. Opening prayer Carol – O come, all ye faithful Reading – Luke 2:19 But … Continue reading Remembering with Mary – A service of reflection during Christmas season
God’s Great Gift to all – A Nativity Poem
I want to tell you the storyOf how God left heaven’s gloryHe came to earth, became a man – It’s all part of his rescue plan He came to save a world in painHe came to bring us hope againTo show people both near and far Just how completely loved we are Want to know more? Then … Continue reading God’s Great Gift to all – A Nativity Poem
God’s great gift to us all – an Online Rhyming Nativity Play
This is a rhyming nativity that I’ve written for our Christmas Eve all age service, when usually the church building would be full of people from our community. Instead, this year I’m hoping to invite people to contribute by recording themselves reading a line or two, hopefully dressed to look the part – it’ll be … Continue reading God’s great gift to us all – an Online Rhyming Nativity Play
Joseph’s Story
based on Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-7 Hi everyone, my name’s Joseph and I’ve been asked to tell you the story of the most incredible thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m an ordinary carpenter from Nazareth, in Galilee, the north of the country. I was excited – I’d just got engaged to Mary, a beautiful girl … Continue reading Joseph’s Story
Mary’s Story
The following is based on Luke 1:26-56 Do you ever wonder whether something’s really happening to you, or if it’s just a dream? Well, a few months ago, I was at home, doing my chores when I looked up and a man was standing there. He’d just appeared out of nowhere. Light shone from him, … Continue reading Mary’s Story
What’s so special about shepherds? – A Sketch
Inspired by Luke 2:8-20 SCENE 1 [THREE SHEPHERDS ASLEEP IN THE FIELDS, SNORING LOUDLY.] [Enter GABRIEL, dressed in white suit.] GABRIEL: Ahem! [coughs politely] [SHEPHERDS still snoring loudly.] [GABRIEL coughs louder. SHEPHERDS still asleep.] GABRIEL: OI! [SHEPHERDS grunt and stir, but sleep on.] GABRIEL: There’s only one thing for it. A bit of glory’s called for. [CLAPS HANDS TWICE.] [STAGE … Continue reading What’s so special about shepherds? – A Sketch
The Shepherd’s Story
Based on Luke 2:8-20 It’s the most incredible news! You’ll never believe what I’ve seen tonight. It’s just incredible, I can’t believe it? Well, me and the other guys, we were out in the fields outside Bethlehem, watching our flocks by night – no, watching our flocks, not washing our socks – anyway, we were minding our … Continue reading The Shepherd’s Story
An unexpected visitor
Has it ever occurred to you how incredible Mary was? I’m not sure that many people would have been willing to be part of what, if you really think about it, was a crazy idea. She can teach us a great deal about costly obedience and radical faith. I wonder if Mary was the first young woman … Continue reading An unexpected visitor
The Journey of the Magi
based on Matthew 2:1-12 I hate camels. Hate ‘em. If I ever see – or smell – another camel in my life, it’ll be too soon. Grumpy, stubborn creatures. There’s no moving them if they’ve really got the hump. My wife would say that they take after their masters, but I have no idea what she’s talking … Continue reading The Journey of the Magi
The Messenger
Hi everyone, can you tell what I am? That’s right, I’m an angel – not just any angel – my name is Gabriel. You might have heard of me. Do you know what I do – apart from look magnificent, that is – do you like my wings? Anyway, I work for the great I am, the … Continue reading The Messenger
He’s taken away my shame – Elizabeth’s story
The following is based on Luke 1:5-25. Well, hello everyone, my name is Elizabeth. I used to be known as “sad Elizabeth” because myself and Zechariah were unable to have any children, and everyone knew that it was my body that wasn’t working, not Zechariah’s. What’s that, Zechariah? You didn’t tell them that? No, I know, you never … Continue reading He’s taken away my shame – Elizabeth’s story
Wonder – Reflections for the Alternative Carol Service
These were written as a series of short reflection for a new type of carol service before Christmas. They were interspersed throughout the service, which had Bible readings and updated versions of carols in it. Introduction – Signposts to Wonder All I see is the mess that surrounds me – All I hear is the noise … Continue reading Wonder – Reflections for the Alternative Carol Service
The Song of Simeon
based on Luke 2:25-35 I have always loved the Scriptures, ever since I was a boy. When I was young, I was drawn to the heroism of people like Moses and David, and even Gideon, who rose to lead their nations to victory against their enemies. I knew their stories off by heart. I prayed every night that … Continue reading The Song of Simeon
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