Joseph, Jesus' Guardian; the Bethlehem shepherds; and aged Simeon are featured in these three new Christmas worship dramas. Any of the three could provide the message for the service for one of the Sundays in Advent, or for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or a special worship time near Christmas. With the use of selected prayers and hymns, any of these dramas can provide a complete worship service.
"When Joseph Doubted" confronts the congregation with the turmoil with which Jesus' guardian was faced when God gave him the task to stand by Mary and her infant son. The drama involves a cast of four.
"Off-limits To Shepherds" features the first visitors to the manger in a Nativity play for eight participants.
"The Old Torch Lighter," with three speaking parts, tells the story of Simeon, who waited in the Jerusalem Temple hoping to see the Messiah.
All three dramas are easily staged with a minimum of props.
Gurden F. Henley is pastor of Victoria Community Church, Riverside, California. He is also the author of "He Is Risen Indeed Three Worship Dramas for Easter."