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                   CHRISTMAS WITH STRANGERS

MAIN POINT
The birth of a child is a wonderful event. Parents proudly display their newborn to friends and family. It is usually an event marked by showers, parties and gifts. It is an event that has been celebrated throughout history. Mary and Joseph weren't that different from other couples in their day. The birth of their first child, especially a son (important in Jewish tradition), was cause for great celebration. However, since Jesus was born far from home, they did not have the luxury of family and friends surrounding them. Instead, those who came to see their son were shepherds, curious townsfolk and kings from foreign lands - all strangers. But isn't that the message of Jesus? To preach his gospel to the ends of the earth, to an earth full of strangers who need to know him? The couple in this drama receive a similar calling one Christmas.

CHARACTERIZATION
Lisa - a pregnant woman in her late 20's. She comes from a close-knit, tradition-filled family. It was hard for her to move far away from her family when her husband got transferred, but she loves her husband very much and is looking forward to the birth of their first child.
Tom - Lisa's husband, similar in age to her. He is a caring man, nervous, but excited about his wife's pregnancy. He has a good sense of humor.
Three offstage voices - could be men or women.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) When Tom and Lisa first enter the motel room, they should appear to be weary, but not give away the fact that they will become Mary and Joseph later in the scene.
2) They can mime entering the door or begin the scene with their having just entered the room.
3) If there is no place for Tom to exit and enter, a small curtain or dividing wall can be set to the side of the stage for him to stand behind.
4) Lighting will be the best way to set the mood for the scene change from motel room to stable. The darker the stage, the better, so the audience is not distracted by the set.
5) When Tom returns with the sandwiches and Lisa wakes up, we should see a change in her. The dream was so real, it changed her, although she isn't sure what to do about it until Tom talks about the lobby full of strangers. It should take Tom a few moments to "warm up" to the idea of reading the Christmas story to strangers.

RELATED SCRIPTURES
Luke 2 is not just related; it's the text on which the whole sketch is based. While the connection is obvious, you may want to read it just before or after the sketch with no comment.

RELATED THEMES
While you can draw out the service and ministry aspects of this sketch as you use it during Christmas, you won't stray far from the Advent/Christmas season in performance.