A dramatised contemporary reading of the whole text of Matthew 1 and 2, for an inclusive cast of children, young people and adults, living the story together, respecting the integrity of this text: don’t cannibalise it and make the conventional Nativity stew of bits taken from various sources. A change from the usual mishmash Nativity.
Walk with Matthew in his search for the meaning of Christmas to find help in our searchings, following the one star, making our various journeys.
Planning and rehearsing this play takes time, requires understanding. Rehearsals give opportunity to talk and learn together about the story, its making and telling then and now, and about its centre, God’s being with us in Jesus, with all its hope and trouble. Matthew knew about Herod’s murderous insecurity and Rachel’s weeping beyond consolation as well as Mary’s welcome and the search of the wise ones. His telling belongs in our world as well as his.
This play was written for a local church and has been performed once. It may be freely performed or adapted. I am only interested in its being useful in sharing the good news of Jesus.