More information about

Hope, Faith, Joy, Love

Genre: Drama    

Time: 2 minutes each

Cast Breakdown: (M. F): 4M, 3F    

Scripture: Luke 1:11-20, 26-38, 39-45; Luke 2:8-20, 21-40

Church Year Season:   Advent, Christmas Eve

Suggested  uses:  Appropriate for youth and adult audiences

Purpose: To remind the congregation of the events before Jesus' birth and to make
hope, faith, joy and love the focus of Advent

Characters: 
Gabriel ~ The Angel; he is powerful and has a commanding presence
Shepherd ~ He's gruff; not at all refined
Elizabeth ~ Mary's elderly cousin; eight months pregnant; full of joy
Zechariah ~ Elizabeth's husband; he does not speak
Anna ~ Jesus' grandmother; overflowing with a grandparent's love
Simeon ~ Faithful servant of God, waiting in the temple until he sees Jesus
Anna the Prophetess ~ Widow in the temple with Simeon

SYNOPSIS: These monologues are built around the Advent tradition of lighting a candle each week. Throughout the weeks of Advent, we hear from the Angel Gabriel, a shepherd, Elizabeth, Jesus' grandmother, Simeon and Anna the Prophetess. Each brings a fresh perspective to the season, relating their stories to the themes in the title. If your church doesn't normally use an Advent wreath, look at the Pastor's Notes for more on this worthwhile tradition.

COSTUMES: Biblical garb for all

SOUND: One wireless mike per week; two wireless mikes for Christmas Eve

LIGHTING: Spotlights would be best, but general stage will work

SETTING: Bare stage