God's Perfect Plan
Benny is a young boy who thinks he is too little to do anything right. His grandmother decides to tell him a story of an impulsive young angel named Benjamin. He seems to have missed the journey to Bethlehem to welcome King Jesus. When Benjamin sets out to find Bethlehem on his own, he encounters a series of discouraged people. He proceeds to help them find their place in God’s plan, all the while fearing he himself has missed his own place. As he helps Mary and Joseph find a place for their baby to be born, he discovers God’s plan for his life and most importantly, God’s perfect plan to bring salvation to His children! About 30 minutes.
From the Editor: Our customers will especially enjoy the large cast which allows many children to participate in the Christmas program. We also like the flexibility in music as many congregations will have a special choir or favorite hymnals they would like to feature. It’s a great way to get everyone involved!
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT ASHLEY STAMNES TALKS ABOUT
“GOD’S PERFECT PLAN”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
I was inspired to write this play by a great need in our congregation for a script that fit our diverse needs. We had a wide range of ages to include, from preschool age to grade 12. I wanted to find a way to include everyone and highlight his or her gifts. I also wanted to make sure that the story of Christmas was put forth in such a way that no one could doubt the message of God’s great love for us. In addition, I had very much enjoyed the works of another Eldridge playwright, Dixie Phillips, in the past. Her creativity inspired me to believe that I too could undertake the challenge of putting together a heart warming Christmas story to touch people of all ages.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY?
My favorite line is Grandma’s in Scene 7. “No matter how small or insignificant we seem, or how many mistakes we make, God has a perfect plan for us. Just like His perfect plan to send His Son to be our Savior!” I believe we all need to hear that message no matter where we our in our walk with God. He loves every one of us and will meet us right where we are!
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM?
I can’t say that my characters are based on any specific people but more little bits and pieces of many people I know. I think we all know that person who never lets anyone else get a word in edgewise! Or that poor, overworked, harried mother who is at her wit’s end. Mostly though, I believe we have all felt like Benny or Benjamin. Perhaps we feel like we have failed God or missed hearing His gentle voice and direction. Yet, in God’s merciful way, He takes our inadequacies and makes something beautiful out of them!
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
What I tried to achieve with this play goes hand in hand with what inspired it in the first place. I wanted to give all of our children a chance to participate in a Christmas story. A story that would reach out to not only those in our congregation, but also those who would not ordinarily come to church but may come to watch a special grandchild or niece or nephew. It was important to me that the message of God’s plan for His children would shine through this story. By His grace, I pray that I achieved this goal.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
My hope would be that any congregation or group that performs this play would be blessed by its message. Most importantly, I pray that every person who sees the play performed would have their hearts touched by God’s love.