The Perfect Fit
BY Andre A. A. Lederer
© 2002, 2003
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Other plays of this type can be found at www.christmasplays.com
Staging Information:
Duration:
20 - 25 min
Cast:
10 to 12 (or more) Two characters can be combined into one in various scenes or additional characters such as a clerk can be added especially in the mall scene.
Lighting:
No special lighting is required
Sound:
Use microphones as needed
Costumes:
4 “conservative” costumes for the teenage Christian kids (no hipsters or halter tops etc.). These outfits are for characters John, Tom, Cindy, and Tricia.
1 “preppy” costume for the character C.B.X. III (have a cardigan sweater tied around the neck etc.)
1 “cool” costume for the character Biff, like a leather jacket and jeans.
2 middle to upper class costumes for Mr. and Mrs. Bartley
2 adult poor person outfits. These are for the Young Woman (Marion) and Ted
1 “poor person outfit” for the Young Girl.
Props:
Scene I
Kitchen table, chairs, fancy tablecloth, cereal box, two
cups, two bowls, telephone, hamper box, soup cans, macaroni and cheese boxes,
other food items, Christmas list, cell phone (optional),
Scene II
A 3 foot high curtain extending from the
floor. (Please see the instruction at the beginning of Scene II) Shopping
bags, Stuffed animal toy like a Beanie Baby,
Scene III
A three wall cardboard elevator with telephone built in
(unless you have decided to do this scene on video), wool hat, Stuffed animal
from Scene II,
Scene IV
If this scene is done on stage create a car façade or use
chairs arranged similar to seats in a mini van or fasten several boxes together
which are open at the bottom so that the actors can step into it pull it up to
their waist and move around the stage.
The image of a mini van should be painted on the outside of the boxes.
Scene V
Older kitchen table (take the table cloth off the table
used in the first scene), old kitchen chairs, Newspaper, the hamper and
contents from the first scene, a gift certificate, The stuffed animal from the
second and third scene, other older furniture, A RACCOON SKIN HAT!
Video Projector: (optional)
If
you have the technology available you can use a projection system to project
the images of storefront signs which you can capture from a local mall. Please see the beginning of Scene II for
instructions.
Overhead
Projector: (optional)
Instead of a video projector, you may use an over head
projector. Please see the beginning of Scene II for instructions.
Script:
Scene I The Home of Warren and Angela Bartley
The Bartley’s are a
Christian family that lives in an upper class neighborhood in
John: This is going to be the best Christmas' ever!
Mom: Oh, what makes you say that?
John: Well,
that new game system that you’re going to buy us for Christmas is going to be a
lot of fun.
Mom: Oh really what makes you think…?
Tom: (Interrupting) Ya, and that new air hockey table is going to be awesome.
Mom: Oh you think so huh. I wouldn't get your hopes up.
Tom: Oh Mom, you say that every year!
John: And here, (pulling a sheet of paper out of his pocket and giving it to his mom) just incase you have trouble remembering what you need to get us for Christmas, (mom looks at the paper) we printed out some pictures of our presents from the internet. Oh, (pointing at the paper) and we wrote a little note too…go ahead, read it.
Mom: Alright, lets see here, (Mom clears her throat and begins to read the note) To Mom and Dad, the best parents in the world! (Mom interjects) oh boy, here it comes… (Mom continues to read the note) when it comes to parenting, you two are at the top of the charts. We thought we’d prepare this list for you to help lessen the stress of the season. (Mom interjects)Oh, how thought full (Tom and John give her a big angelic smile...Mom continues reading) These gifts are guaranteed to keep us happy and content until next Christmas or at least until our birthdays which ever should come first. Thank you sooo much, you two are really (mom sounds out the word) super-wonder-iffic?
Tom: (cracking a big phony smile at his mom) from out hearts!
Mom: (chuckling) ya, and right to my stomach…you guys are really something else.
Cindy: (enters the room with an armful of food) I got the food for the hamper you wanted me
to get.
Mom: (Overly enthusiastic and speaking in the same tone as the note she read from the kids) oh thank you dear, that’s really…um… Fantasa-rific!!
Cindy: (unenthusiastically) Huh? Oh, ah…I guess you got our Christmas list huh?
Mom: Superwonderiffic!
Cindy: (looking over at Tom and speaking sharply in a loud whisper) I told you that was a little thick! (Cindy places the food beside the hamper).
Dad enters the room.
Mom: Hey Honey, did you know that we’re the best parents in the world?
Dad: (unenthusiastically) Oh really…it must be Christmas time again.
Mom: Look
kids, your dad and I don’t buy you gifts because you butter us up, and we don’t
buy Christmas gifts based on the things you do.
To put it simply, we buy you gifts because we love you.
The kids feel a little bad. Dad walks over to the hamper and takes a peek inside.
Dad: Wow, the hamper
looks great honey, (Dad notices something of his in the box that he really
doesn’t want to give away) wait a
minute, you’re not giving that away are you?
Note: It is very
important that the actors do not refer to the object that Dad does not want to
give away. At the end of the play the
item will be revealed!
Mom: Now Gerry, I bought that for you when I was in
Note: The tag is important as it will at as a
reminder to the audience in the last scene that this indeed was the item that
was fussed over at the Bartley home. The
tag will dangle from the item when it is revealed at the end of the play.
Dad: Well, [looking for an excuse to keep the item] maybe it fits Tom?
Mom: no, it doesn’t fit Tom.
Dad: Did you try it on John?
Mom: It doesn’t fit John either, it doesn’t fit
anybody!
Dad: [trying to be funny] well if it doesn’t fit anybody, why are you giving it away?
Mom: (rolling her
eyes) you know what I mean, it doesn’t fit
anyone in our house. Look honey, I
really prayed about this and I felt that the Lord wanted me to give it
away. But if you really want to keep it
then…(putting her hands up in surrender) take it out of the hamper.
Dad: (taking a
half a step toward the hamper but stopping in frustration) Oh sure, I see, yeah, make me the heavy why don’t you (pausing and looking at the box and
taking a breath) alright, alright, we’ll
give it away. I just hope it fits
whoever gets it. (Dad pauses for a
moment) Who’s the hamper going to
anyway?
Mom: Well,
we don’t know them. I got the address
from the missionary committee this morning.
We have to deliver it around
Cindy: (Clearing
her throat and speaking sweetly) Hey
Dad, did you remember what you promised…you
know…about the mall today?
Dad: [pretending
that he doesn’t quite remember he looks up and rubs his chin] the mall, hmm, the mall…is this about you
and your brothers going to the mall?
Cindy: Yes…
Dad: [trying to recall] and you were going to meet your friends there?
Cindy: Ya…
Dad: …and
I was suppose to give you some spending money?
Cindy: yes,
that right.
Dad: (Sharply and jokingly) No, I don’t remember.
Cindy: Oh Daaad!
Dad: Yes of course I remember, okay kids line up. (The kids line up to receive some spending money from Dad. As the kids go over to see dad they make remarks about the money they’re getting for the mall.
Cindy: Alright,
it’s money time!
John: It’s
time to cash in!
Tom: Cha-Ching!
Dad: Now, here’s fifteen dollars each for spending money at the mall today. (Dad gives each of them $15.00).
Kids together: Oh
thanks dad, that’s great! Yeah thanks…
Dad: And
here’s another ten dollars each…
Kids: (interrupting because they think they’re getting more money for themselves) Right on Dad you’re the greatest! Yeah, you’re the best! Awesome! (The kids reach up for the money but dad pulls it back so that he can tell them what the money is for.)
Dad: (Finishing what he began to say) hold on, this ten dollars is for you to
give away.
Cindy: (complaining) Give away?
Dad: Yes, pray about it, and give it away.
Tom: Well, can we give five of it away and use
the other five for lunch?
Dad: No, you must give it all away!
John: ah c’mon dad, you can’t buy much for
fifteen dollars now-a-days.
Mom: Look
you guys stop your complaining and be thankful for
what your father gave you.
Tom: (in a defeated tone) ah, you guy are not fair.
Mom: (directing the attention of the kids to the Christmas note they wrote). Well, so much for super-wonder-iffic.
John: (thinking
that his Christmas presents may be in jeopardy because of his attitude ht
changes his tone) On the other hand,
fifteen dollars is just fine.
Dad: Look
guys, keep in mind that this season is not only about receiving, but it’s about
giving too. John, what does John
John: I
know…For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so
ever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Dad: Right,
God loved And God gave … God loved us and gave us his Son
Jesus who came to this earth in humility, born in a manger, and about 33 years
later God gave again…when Jesus gave his life for us when he died on the cross.
Mom: Your
father’s right kids. Christmas is not
just about receiving but giving as well.
Now, on a different topic, you know the rules at the mall, I want you
watching out for each other and watch out for your friend Tricia too when you
meet up with her…okay?
Kids: Ya…okay, (they say unenthusiastically)
Mom: Oh, and remember, God really does love a
cheerful giver.
When the children leave, Dad gives a great sigh and sits down.
Mom: What’s the matter dear?
Dad: Well, I wonder if they’ll ever realize how blessed they really are?
Mom: Yes, I
know what you mean.
Dad: Why
don’t we pray for them right now?
Mom: Good
Idea.
Lights Go Off, End of Scene I
Scene II At The Mall
In this scene, the
kids meet up with their friend Tricia and her two cousins from out of
town. Tricia is your average teen that
has two cousins that are at complete ends of the spectrum. The one cousin, on Tricia’s mother’s side, is
very preppy and arrogant and acts as though he is a cut above the rest. Her cousin on her father’s side is a tall
heavier set fellow and looks a little on the tough side but is a soft hearted
Christian on the inside.
In this scene, the cast can have a little fun with the props. Have a dark curtain extend across the front of the stage. It is to be raised from the floor to a height of about 3 ½ feet, so that the audience can only see the actors from the waist and up. Projected on a screen or wall behind the actors on stage are life size images of store front signs that will scroll (i.e. from left to right) as the actors walk on the spot. Since the audience cannot see the actors from the waist down, as the store front signs scroll, it will give the illusion that they are walking through a mall.
1. What to use for store front signs:
a. Using a Video recorder and Editing Software.
You may be able to video tape store front signs as you are walking down a mall in your neighborhood. Then with video editing software you can edit out all parts of the video except of the actual sign itself.
b.
Using an overhead
projector.
Using a role of transparency film for an overhead projector, stretch out the transparency and draw store signs across the top one after the other. Roll up the transparency and attach it to the Overhead Projector. As the actors begin to walk on the spot, manually reel the roll so that the store signs move across the screen. The young artists in your class can get very creative drawing in the store front signs.
c.
Using large paper
signs.
Have students create storefront signs out of large pieces of paper or cardboard. Have some students wearing dark clothes walk across the stage in behind the actors with their signs held high. This will also give the impression that the actors are walking through a mall.
Tricia and her two cousins Biff and Cornelius Branford Xavier the third are standing under a store sign waiting for her friends to arrive. She glances at her watch then sees her friends come up the escalator.
This is where the curtain comes in
handy again. As the actors enter on
stage they can enter in such a way that it seems to the audience that they are
coming up an escalator.
Tricia: (Excited and waving) Hi guys!
Kids: Hi
Tricia!
Tricia: let
me introduce my cousins from out of town. On my mother’s side of the family is
Cornelius Branford Xavier III.
C.B.X III: How do you do. (He says this to each teen and shakes their hands)
Cindy: So, ah, do you have a shorter version (C.B.X.III looks a little puzzled) you know, of your name?
C.B.X III: Ah, no.
Tom: Ok,…sure…
Tricia: And on my father’s side is my cousin, Biff.
Biff: Hey.
Tricia: Cousins,
these are my friends, Tom, John and Cindy.
Kids: Hi
The Kids begin to walk on the spot
and the storefront signs (whichever format you choose) move from one end of the
screen to the other.
Biff: So,
Tricia’s told me a lot about you guys, I’m glad I could finally meet you.
C.B.X III: That’s
funny she’s never mentioned anything to me.
Tricia: Say, where do
you folks want to go for lunch today.
Biff: Hey, let’s go
to Big Al’s Burger Emporium for a Triple Stacker Burger.
John: Yah, now there's an idea!
C.B.X III: I don’t usually eat at those greasy food
establishments. But if you all want to
go, I’ll just have a Perrier or something like that.
Biff: Hey stop, look, these guys have collector
teeny babies.
John: You like those?
Biff: (excited) ya! (Biff immediately changes
his tone as he realizes how “un-cool” he may seem to everyone) uh…I mean… (in
a deeper more manly voice) no…no.
Cindy: (excited because she collects Teeny Babies) No way, let me see…Wow, they’ve got pokey
little puppy!
Biff: (over come by the excitement of the rare
Teeny Baby he forgets his manly facade) Really, where!?
C.B.X III: (in a
condescending tone) Teeny Babies, aren’t
those for kids?
Cindy: Well, I’m a kid and I like them and I’m going
to buy it.(quickly pulling her money out of her pocket she realizes that
she doesn’t have enough) Except… I don’t have enough money.
Biff: What do you mean? (Looking at the money in her hand)
You’ve got more than twenty dollars right there in your hand. (excited) Let’s go get
Pokey! (Resorting to his manly
façade again) I mean, ah, why don’t you go and get the stuffed
animal.
John: (sad) Ya, but we can only spend fifteen
dollars on ourselves and we have to give the other ten away.
Biff: (sincerely) oh, that’s kind of nice.
C.B.X III: Nice?
You’ll never get anywhere in life being kind of nice! Take it from me; my family didn’t achieve the
status they have today by giving their hard earned money away to silly
charities. (C.B.X III pauses and
thinks up a scheme) However, (rubbing
his fingers on his chin) there is a way
to give away your money and still buy your silly stuffed pet.
Cindy: There is?
C.B.X III: Here, show me your money.
Cindy holds up her bills.
C.B.X III: Consider the ten dollars you have to give
away, given away (C.B.X.III snatches a ten dollar bill out of her hands) to me!
And now, out of the kindness of my heart and the depths of my pocket,
(C.B.X. III reaches into his pocket and pulls out a five dollar bill) I’ll give you five dollars. There, and just like magic, you have enough
money for your toy.
Cindy: Well, I’m usually not into hocus pocus but if it means getting Pokey Little Puppy I’m all for it! I’ll be right back! (Cindy begins to walk off stage)
Biff: (says to Cindy as she walks off stage) I’m not sure that’s such a great
idea. Your parents said …
Cindy, not listening to Biff, runs off into the store.
C.B.X.III And
now for my next trick, you guys, show me the money that you have to give away. (The two boys hold up their bills and
C.B.X.III snatches the bills out of their hands. Holding one bill in each had with his arms
stretched out in front of the boys he criss-crosses
his arms) Abra kadabra (C.B.X.III
gives Tom’s bill to John and John’s bill to Tom) Now your money is officially given away…to each other, and no one’s out
of pocket. See how easy that is? Oh, I tell you, (he gloats) Daddy would be proud.
Biff: (perturbed) Hey, you know, that’s just not right!
(Biff steps closer and is almost face to face with C.B.X III) If
they were suppose to give that money away, then that’s what they should do with
it.
C.B.X.III: Oh, and
who really cares?
Biff: Well, God cares! Believe it or not C. B., there is someone out
there that’s greater that the almighty dollar.
With Tension in the air…Cindy comes out of the store with a bag.
Tricia: (trying to break the tension she steps
between C.B.X.III and Biff and looks over at Cindy) Well, Cindy’s back…ah…who for lunch?
Biff: (Turning away) Not me, I’ve lost my appetite.
Tricia: Come on guys let’s talk about this over a
soda. How about you three guys (She
rounds up Tom, John and Cindy) take the
elevator and we’ll take the escalator and we’ll see who gets there first. Ok, see you there…
Tricia: (as they go down the escalator) CB, you’ve really got to learn to keep your
mouth shut sometimes.
Tom presses the imaginary button for the elevator and in a few seconds the elevator comes up. (You could have one or two individuals of the cast, or extras, rise up from the floor as they were in an elevator and then exit the stage) The extras will need to be in place squatting down just behind the curtain when Tom presses the elevator button and then they will rise together.
As the extras exit the elevator and the kids enter. Then a poor young mother and her daughter enter the stage and walks quickly to catch the elevator before the doors close.
Young Mother: Come on sweet heart; let’s see if we can
catch the elevator! (Calling to the
kids in the elevator) hold the elevator
please!
The Young mother and her little girl enter the elevator.
Young Mother: Could you press the main floor for us please?
Cindy: Sure, (the actors wait a few seconds then one of them looks at their watch which is a signal to the others to go down to their knees simulating the elevator going down)
End of Scene II
Scene III Trapped In The
Elevator
Please note: The transition between the two scenes is different depending upon whether or not you are using video or if the entire play is performed on stage. If the entire play is done on stage, the following lines in red should be attached to the end of Scene II.
As the actors disappear out of sight in the elevator, use sound effects to indicate that the elevator has stopped.
The elevator comes to a sudden halt.
Everyone: ah!…woa!….what happened!?
Young Mother: Where’s
the phone…oh, here it is. (The young mom picks up the elevator emergency phone and asks
for help)
Young Mother: Hello,
Hello, Yes, that’s right, were stuck here in the elevator. How long?
Ok…ok, thank you (the mother hangs up
the phone and looks over at the teens)
they say that they’ll be here right away.
If performed on stage, have a cardboard elevator prop come on
stage and surround the actors. When the
prop is in place, drop the curtain.
The actors are sitting on the elevator floor. They all look board. Some are twiddling their thumbs and Cindy is playing with her hair. This should indicate that a long time has passed.
Little Girl: (breaking the silence) Boy, that sure is a long “right away”.
Young Mother: (agreeing with her daughter) yes, but we must be patient. (Looking at the teens) So, were you guys doing your Christmas shopping today?
Tom: Ya, we ah, have to buy gifts for our cousins.
Little Girl: Oh, we went out to look for a gift for my
older brother.
John: So what did you get him, a video game?
Little Girl: No, he’s not interested in that stuff.
John: Not interested
in games?
Tom: Oh, he must be interested in sports then.
Little Girl: No, he doesn’t do sports either.
Cindy: So what did you buy him?
Little Girl: (reaching into her bag she pulls out a little wool hat) A hat.
Tom: A hat?
Little Girl: Well, (glancing up at her mom as if to
get permission to speak about her brother’s illness) my brother has been really sick for a long time, and sometimes his head
gets a little cold…But (looking down at the hat) it’s not the kind of hat we wanted to get him. He wanted one of those raccoon hats with the
long tails sort of like
Young Mother: (cutting off her daughter)…time…enough time, to look around for the right one.
The daughter looks up at her mom.
There is a moment of tension in the air. The kids do not know what to say and begin to examine the elevator walls.
Young Mother: Well what did you guys buy today?
Cindy opens her bag and takes out her Teeny Baby and shows it to them.
Young Girl: (excited) Wow, Is that Pokey Little Puppy?
Mom, that’s the one I saw in the store window! But,
we didn’t have enough…time, to buy it.
(Looking at the puppy) Oooh, he’s so cute.
Cindy: Would you like
to hold him?
Young Girl: Sure!
Cindy gives the dog to the little girl who then takes the puppy and cuddles it.
Young Girl: Isn’t he cute mom, isn’t he just adorable?
Young Mother: Yes dear, he’s very sweet,
his nose is so cute…
Young Girl: I just love his sad expression.
Young Mother: Yes, he really is cute…but we should give it
back sweetheart.
Young Girl: (reluctantly and slowly gives the puppy back
to Cindy) Thank you.
Cindy reaches out and takes the puppy back. She then looks at the puppy and glances over at the little girl. She contemplates giving the puppy to the little girl, but decides to keep it and puts it back into her bag.
There is another moment of awkward silence and then suddenly the elevator starts up with a lurch.
Everyone: oh,…hey…man, it’s about time…(Everyone rises to their feet. When the elevator gets to the main floor the doors open and the Young mother and little girl exit).
Young Woman: Well, it was nice to meet you, Merry
Christmas.
Little Girl: Merry Christmas
Kids: Merry Christmas to you too…
Cindy walks on ahead a little and John pulls lightly on Tom’s jacket getting his attention. Tom stops and turns to John.
John: Hey, you know…about that money thing…
Tom: Ya, I was just
thinking about that.
Feeling guilty about the money switch that CBXIII did, the two boys look at each other and at the same time reach into their pockets and give their ten dollar bills back to each other.
John: You know, I think I saw a Christian charity
on the third floor.
Both boys turn back to the Elevator and stop.
Tom: Ah, maybe we should take the stairs.
John: Good Idea!
The kids run off.
End of Scene III
Scene IV: Hamper Delivery
In The Car:
If you are
performing this on stage, you may want to make use of the video or overhead
projector again and have houses passing by as the actors are driving their Mini
Van.
Mom: Well
Kids, it sounds Like you’ve had a pretty eventful day, I’m really thankful that
the Lord kept you safe.
John: Me too.
Dad: Did you kids find a charity to give your
money to?
Tom: Ya, me and John
found a Christian Charity.
Dad: Well, I’m really glad you gave away the money
like I asked you to. Sometimes it’s
really hard to do what’s right. And you
know, the bible tells us that it’s really important to keep a clear
conscience. I’m glad you didn’t buckle
under pressure.
John: Hey Mom, Tom and I have been talking. You know the game system and air hockey table
we said we needed (emphasizing
the word “needed”)
Mom: Yes
John: Well, we really don’t need (again emphasizing the word “need”) them and, ah, whatever you want to get us for Christmas would be just
fine.
Mom: Oh, well, that’s very grown up guys.
Cindy glances at her Teeny Baby and then at the Hamper Box.
Cindy: (feeling
guilty) Uh, Mom.
Mom: Yes Cindy.
Cindy: Is there any room left in the hamper box?
Mom: (Intuitively knowing that something was
not quite right with Cindy) Yes Cindy,
there always more room for giving!
Cindy takes one last look at the Teeny Baby and places it into the hamper. She take a deep breath and feels as though a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
Dad: (talking to his wife) well, I’d say that’s an answer to prayer.
Mother: Amen… (looking
out the car window) Oh, I think that we
just passed the house.
Dad: Oh, I’ll just circle around the block.
They Exit the Stage
End of Scene IV
Scene V The home of Ted and
Ted (The Father) is sitting at the kitchen table where
there is an open bible and an open newspaper.
Ted: (Reading the employment section in the paper)
computer analyst, database
administrator, geographical information systems specialist (Ted closes the
paper and lowers his head and begins to pray).
Father, Father, things have been tough lately here since the layoff. I’ve never had to rely upon anyone else to
provide for the family but if that would be Your will
for now, may it be so. Father, I pray
especially pray for our little William.
Would help him through this Christmas?
And Father, I pray that it might be in your will to heal him…but if it’s
not, oh Lord that you might comfort him.
I pray for these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
Ted flips through a few pages in his bible and begins to read. Then there is a knock on the door. Ted walks over to the door and opens it.
Family: (In unison) Merry Christmas!
Ted: (Delightfully surprised) what’s this?
Father: Well, it’s a gift from our church to your
family.
Ted: Wow, oh my, thank you…won’t you come in.
Father: No, we really shouldn’t, we just want to drop
this off. Where would you like me to put it?
Ted: We’ll,
here, let me take it and I’ll put it on the table. (Ted takes the hamper from Father and
places it on the table. Then Ted turns
to Father) Are you sure you can’t stay?
Father: Thanks for
the offer but we really should be going.
Ted: (gestures for a hand shake and Father and Ted
shake hands) well, thank you and may the
Lord bless you…and your family.
Family: Bye!
God Bless!
Ted: Bye and thanks very much.
Ted: (closes the door walks over to the hamper and
says a quick prayer) thank you Father,
thank you so much.
Ted: (Pauses and realizes that his wife and
children are in the other room. Oh,
(He goes over to the other door leading to the bedrooms and calls in a loud
whisper.)
Marion and Sara come quickly into the room.
(Marion and Sara are the Young Mother and Little Girl from the second scene
that were stuck in the elevator).
Ted: A family just dropped it off, it’s a
Christmas hamper.
Sara: Can we open it?
Ted: Well
sure.
Sara pulls out a kitchen chair and stands on it so that she can see into the box. Dad opens the box and Sara can’t believe her eyes. She reaches in and pulls out a Pokey Puppy Teeny Baby. Mother can’t believe her eyes either and takes a few steps back in disbelief.
Sara: Wow, I can’t believe it, it’s
Pokey Little Puppy, it’s Pokey Little Puppy! I can’t believe it!
Mom: That’s amazing!
Sara skips around the room holding and hugging her
puppy. Sara pulls her dad away from the
hamper and shows dad her puppy while
Ted: (Concerned that something’s wrong) What’s the matter? (they
approach the box together) what is it?
Ted: (In utter amazement) I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it!
They all leave the stage and use a microphone off stage.
Ted: (In a hushed excitement) Son, son, look at the gift that the Lord
has given to you today!
William: (in a week voice) oh wow, that’s just what I wanted!
Can I try it on?
William: Oh Mama, It’s a perfect fit!
Lights go off.
Lights come back on after applause
One of the actors comes back on, Biff may be the best choice.
Biff: (not in character) The bible tells us that when we give, we
should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. Like the family
that gave the Hamper, We may not know what happens to the money or things that
we give. But God Does. It’s up to us to be faithful in giving and
then trust God to look after the rest.
The play Director, Biff, or your Pastor, should say the next
part as it is of primary importance to the play.
Biff’s right, the Bartley family didn’t know how
their giving was used. They never found
out that the hat they gave was an important answer to another family’s prayer.
But we don’t want you
all to leave here tonight thinking that we believe that Christmas is all about
giving. Actually, Christmas is primarily
about receiving! God would love nothing
more than for us to receive the gift he has given us, the gift of his only
beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Now, when I think
about the Ted, the father of Little Will in the last scene, we all knew that he
was a man that was in need. Ted knew
that he was in need too and humbly received the gift of the hamper.
But, you know, God
looks at each one of us the way we looked at Ted. God looks at us and sees that we also have a
need, but our need is spiritual. And in
the same way that Ted humbly received the hamper so we must also humbly receive
God’s gracious gift of His Son.
Jesus was born about
two thousand years ago in humble circumstances, in a stable in
The bible says that
because of our sin, there is nothing that we can do to earn eternal life. We can never be good enough. But Jesus paid the entire price of admission
into heaven for us. Our part is to really
believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and we will be saved. So we hope that this Christmas, even tonight,
that you, in humility, might receive the greatest gift that any one can
receive, and that is Jesus Christ as your savior.
On behalf of (your
churches name) Sunday School
Class, thanks for coming out and have truly blessed Christmas.