Angels On
Assignment
BY KATREANA GRIGGS
COPYRIGHT KATREANA GRIGGS, 2008
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ANGELS ON ASSIGNMENT
BY KATREANA GRIGGS
COPYRIGHT
KATREANA GRIGGS, 2008
“Angels On Assignment” tells the story of the events that led up to
the virgin birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It tells of the excitement and participation
that the angels of heaven might have felt about this holy event.
CAST:
Narrator Fred Shepherd 2 Choir
Michael Rachael Shepherd 3
Gabriel Mary Wise Man 1
George Joseph Wise Man 2
Sue Shepherd
1 Wise Man 3
Total cast is 15, plus choir. To make the cast larger, you can add extras
to the angels and shepherds. To make the
cast smaller, the narration can be taped, and some of the angels can double as
shepherds or as Wise Men.
SETTINGS:
For this program, the stage is divided into two
sections. The left side is a backdrop of
starlit sky. The right side is a
backdrop of an interior made of stone
and wood.
SCENE
1
SETTING:
This scene is in heaven, and the stage is set up on the left. The backdrop is the starry night.
PROPS:
Use an easily lifted podium as the main prop. Angels carry trumpets, other musical
instruments, and sheet music. Michael
carries papers and a feather pen.
CAST:
Michael, Gabriel, George, Sue, Fred, Rachael and Choir
LIGHTS ON
(All angels enter singing. Suggested song is Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God
Almighty. Michael moves to podium. All other angels stand together.)
MICHAEL:
Good. You’re all here. I think we can get this meeting started
now. As we all know, the time of the
blessed event has come. Jesus, the Son
of God, is to enter the world as a man in order to save the people from their
sins. Gabriel has already been sent to
Zechariah to tell him that his wife, Elizabeth will be having a son. Gabriel, why don’t you give us a report on
the arrival of John.
GABRIEL:
(walks to Michael, turns to angels)
The announcement was a success.
When I appeared to Zechariah in the temple, he was quite fearful of
me. He even doubted that he and
Elizabeth could have a child because they were old.
MICHAEL:
What did you say then?
GABRIEL:
I told Zechariah that my name was Gabriel and that I stand in the
presence of God. I went on the say that
I was sent to tell him of the child that he will name John. And because he didn’t believe me, he would
not be able to speak until the day it happens.
(walks back to group)
MICHAEL:
Excellent. Then the chain of
events for the forerunner of Christ has been set in motion. John, who will be known as John the Baptist,
will bring back many of the people of
EVERYONE:
(with enthusiasm) To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be
praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever! Amen!
MICHAEL:
Now, it’s time to give out the rest of the assignments. Gabriel, you will be giving the good news to
Mary. (shuffles papers) George,
you have been selected to go to the shepherds, who have been chosen to
hear the news of our Savior’s birth.
Congratulations, angel.
(All angles clap. George looks surprised and excited.)
MICHAEL:
George, this is a most important assignment. I know that you’ll do a great job.
GEORGE:
Thank you, sir.
(Fred and Sue pat George on the back.)
MICHAEL:
Sue, this next mission is for you.
SUE: (points to herself.) For me?
MICHAEL:
Yes. You will attending
Joseph. Remember to use discretion, and
handle him gently.
SUE:
Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
MICHAEL:
Congratulation, angel.
(Angels clap.)
FRED: (pats Sue on the back.) Congratulations, Sue.
SUE:
Thanks, Fred. I’m so excited.
MICHAEL: (shuffles papers) Also, I need a
volunteer to warn the Wise Men not to return to Herod.
(All angels raise their hands.)
MICHAEL:
Uh, let’s see. Rachael, why don’t
you take this assignment. (writes on paper)
RACHAEL:
Oh yes, sir. Thank you, sir.
MICHAEL:
Congratulations, angel.
(Angles all clap.)
MICHAEL:
George, I’m sending the Angels Choir, Level 1, to go with you. Those shepherds will probably need extra
encouragement.(writes on paper)
Alright. I believe that’s all for
right now. If anyone has any questions,
please come and see me. You’re
dismissed.
(Everyone talks excitedly and exits stage. Fred, Sue, George and Michael stay. Fred walks to Michael.)
MICHAEL(looks up from papers)Yes, Fred. Did you have a question?
FRED: Well, sir.
I didn’t get an assignment, and I’m not part of the Angels Choir, Level
1. Did you have something for me to do?
MICHAEL: (puts hand on Fred’s shoulder) Sorry,
Fred. Not this time. Maybe the next time I get the assignments,
there will be a job in there for you. If there is, I will personally send for you.
(Michael pats Fred’s shoulder and exits stage,
taking paper and pen.)
(George and Sue walk over to Fred. Fred looks sad.)
GEORGE:
Don’t be sad, Fred. I’m sure you’ll
get your first assignment soon. Just be patient.
SUE:
George’s right. Michael will put
in a good word for you. I’m sure you’ll
get an assignment soon.
FRED: I really wanted to be a part of the
coming of Jesus. (sighs loudly) Well,
like Michael said, maybe next time.
(All exit stage.)
LIGHTS OUT
(Stage hands remove podium while lights are
out.)
SCENE
2
SETTING:
This scene is the angel, Gabriel coming to tell Mary the good news. The stage used will be the one on the right
side, with a background of an interior with stone and wood. Mary is sitting in a chair, with a cot beside
her, working on a basket of sewing.
PROPS: A
chair, a cot and a basket of sewing.
CAST:
Narrator, Gabriel, Mary, Soloist(Mary can also be soloist)
LIGHTS ON
NARRATOR:
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to
(Gabriel enters. Mary sees Gabriel, drops her sewing. Looks very frightened. Falls to a kneeling position, with her head
down.)
GABRIEL:
Greetings, you who are highly favored!
The Lord is with you. (helps Mary to stand) Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to
give him the name Jesus. He will be
great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his
father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom
will never end.
MARY:
How will this be, since I am a virgin?
GABRIEL:
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you. So, the holy one to be
born will be called the Son of God. Even
Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who
was said to be barren, is in her sixth month.
For nothing is impossible with God.
MARY: I
am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me
as you have said.
(Gabriel exits.)
MARY:
Can this really be? Will all that
the angel told me come true?(lifts hands up)
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for
He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me
blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name.
(Soloist enters or Mary sings. Suggested song is Take My Life and Let It
Be.)
LIGHTS OUT
(Have Mary carry out the sewing basket.)
SCENE
3
SETTING:
This scene is the angel, Sue coming to Joseph in a dream. The same backdrop will be used as Scene
2. Joseph is sitting on the cot when
lights come on.
PROPS:
The chair and cot will be used.
Sue will carry a trumpet(can be a toy).
CAST:
Narrator, Joseph, Sue, George
LIGHTS ON
NARRATOR:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to
Joseph, but before they came together , she was found to be with child through
the Holy Spirit.
JOSEPH: (moans loudly, gets up and starts
pacing) I can’t believe it! I just can’t
believe it!(stops pacing) She seemed like such a nice girl. I was told that she was godly and
righteous. Mary would have made a
perfect wife. What am I going to
do?(resumes pacing)(stops) A baby! She’s
going to have a baby! Well, I can’t let
this get out. She’s so young. She won’t be able to handle the public
disgrace. The townspeople will probably
stone her.
JOSEPH:(sits on cot) I know.
I’ll divorce Mary. But, it will
have to be quietly. No one must know
why. I’ll go see some old friends
tomorrow. Maybe, they can help me
out.(yawns) I’m so tired. I’ve gone over this a thousand times in my
mind. A divorce is the best way to
protect Mary.
(Joseph lays down and sleeps)
(Sue and George enter and walk over to Joseph)
SUE:
Thanks for stopping by, George.
GEORGE:
No problem. I had a little time
before I had to make my appearance to the shepherds.(pointing to Joseph) Looks like you have to give Joseph a change
of heart.
SUE:
Yes. Remember, Michael told me to
treat him gently. What do you suggest I
do to get his attention?
GEORGE:
Hmm. I don’t think a clap of
thunder, or a sharp flash of lightning is the way to go.
SUE:
Well, how about a burst of trumpet music?(holds trumpet up) That can be very effective.
GEORGE:
Yes, that’s true. There is
nothing like the sweet sound of a trumpet.
But, perhaps this isn’t the place for that.
SUE:
What about just a very bright light to wake him up?
GEORGE:
That might work. I’m new to this
myself. But, you don’t want to scare
Joseph. He might faint.
SUE: You’re
right. I didn’t think of that.
GEORGE:
Well, Sue. I’m afraid that it’s
time for me to go now. I’m sure that you
will pick just the right way to deliver your message.
SUE:
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
(George exits.)
SUE:
Subtle. I need to be
subtle.(snaps fingers) I know! I’ll tell
Joseph now, while he’s sleeping. He won’t
be frightened that way. (turns to Joseph)
SUE:
Joseph.
(Joseph tosses head)
SUE:
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your
wife. What is conceived in her is from
the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to
a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people
from their sins.(touches Joseph on the head)
SUE:
There. Now he will know what to
do.
LIGHTS OUT
(Stage hands take out cot and chair when lights
go out)
SCENE
4
SETTING:
This scene is the angel, George coming to the shepherds, along with the
choir. This scene is played on the left
side of the stage, the same as Scene 1.
The backdrop will be the starry night.
All shepherds will be on stage, some can be sitting.
PROPS:
Shepherds can have tall poles or sticks and one or two can carry a
bag. Cut outs of sheep can be carried or
stuck on the starry backdrop.
CAST:
Narrator, George, Shepherd 1, Shepherd 2, Shepherd 3, any additional
shepherds, choir
LIGHTS ON
NARRATOR:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch
over their flocks by night.
SHEPHERD 1: Are you ready to eat?
SHEPHERD 2:
Not yet, I…
(George enters) (Shepherds act frightened. All get on their knees.)
GEORGE:
Do not be afraid.
(Shepherds stand.)
GEORGE:
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of
(Choir enter)
GEORGE AND CHOIR: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace to men on whom his favor rest.
(Choir sings.
Suggested song is Angels We Have Heard On High.)
(George and Choir exit.)
SHEPHERD 1:
That was incredible! Did you just
see what I just saw?
(All shepherds nod their heads)
SHEPHERD 2:
I don’t know about you guys, but
I have got to go see this.
SHEPHERD 3:
What do we do about the flock?
Our father will be very angry with us if we just drop everything and
head off to
SHEPHERD 1:
When our father hears that a host of angels came to tell us that the
long awaited Messiah has been born, I think he will agree with us.
SHEPHERD 2:
He’s right.
SHEPHERD 3:
Why do you suppose the angels came to us? We’re nobody, just poor shepherds. You would think that the angels would appear
to the high priest instead of us.
SHEPHERD 1:
It is strange. There must be a
reason why we were told this miraculous news.
We should go as soon as we can.
SHEPHERD 2:
Let’s all go to
SHEPHERD 3:
Yes, let’s go see this child.
(Shepherds exit)
LIGHTS OUT
SCENE
5
SETTING:
This scene will be the manger scene.
This scene will be played on the right side of the stage. The backdrop is the same as Scene 2 and
3. Incorporate a star on the
backdrop. Mary will be holding a doll in
a blanket. Mary and Joseph are already
on set when lights go on. Wise Men and
Shepherds can enter in from different sides, or down the church isles.
PROPS:
The props are a manger with hay.
These can be put in as Scene 4 is playing. Joseph
has a staff. The Wise Men each
carry elaborate jars and boxes for gifts.
The Shepherds can be carrying the same props as in Scene 4, minus the
sheep.
CAST:
Narrator, Mary, Joseph, Wise Man 1, Wise Man 2, Wise Man 3, Shepherd 1,
Shepherd 2, Shepherd 3, George, Sue, Gabriel, Rachael, Choir/or Soloist, any
extra Wise Men or Shepherds
LIGHTS ON
NARRATOR:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be
taken of the entire Roman world. And
everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of
(All Wise Men enter with gifts. Mary puts doll in manger, and sits.)
WISE MAN 1:
(steps up to manger) We are Magi
from the east. Where is the one who has
been born King of the Jews? We saw his
star and have come to worship him.
(Joseph points to manger.)
WISE MAN 1:
I have brought him a gift of gold. (puts gift down by manger, steps to
the side and kneels)
WISE MAN 2:(steps up to manger) I have brought
the King a gift of frankincense. (puts gift down by manger, steps to the side
and kneels)
WISE MAN 3: (steps up to manger) I have brought
the King a gift of myrrh. (puts gift down by manger, steps to the side and
kneels)
(All shepherds enter and kneel. George, Sue, Gabriel and Rachael enter,
remain standing)
(Soloist or choir enter and sing. Suggested song is O Holy Night)
LIGHTS OUT
SCENE
6
SETTING:
This is the final scene set in heaven.
The same backdrop can be used as was used in Scene 1.
Michael is already on the stage, reading papers
in his hand.
PROPS:
Michael has papers and feather pen.
CAST:
Michael, Fred
LIGHTS ON
(Fred enters)
FRED:
You called for me, sir?
MICHAEL:
(looks up from papers) Yes, Fred.
I did. The blessed event that was
prophesied of the coming of the Messiah has been fulfilled. All the angels did a wonderful job.
FRED:
Yes, they did. I just wish that I
could have played an important part in it, like Gabriel, George and Sue.
MICHAEL:
I know you did, Fred.
FRED: If
you’d let me, I could still give service to our Lord. I could keep watch over the shepherds or I
could…
MICHAEL:
Fred. Fred. Do you remember when
I told you that I would send for you if I had an assignment for you?
FRED:
Yes, I remember.
MICHAEL:
Well, I’ve heard of a very special assignment that I think would be
perfect for you.
FRED:
You have?
MICHAEL:
(puts his arm around Fred’s should) (They walk slowly to the exit.)How
good are you at rolling stones?
FRED:
Stones, sir?
MICHAEL:
Yes, Fred. There’s this really
big stone in front of a tomb that I think we’re going to need your help with.
(They walk offstage.)
LIGHTS OUT
The service can end with the cast and audience
singing the song, Joy To The World.
THE
END