Resources

3 pages

By Roy Wiegand.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, feels the pain only a mother can feel when she sees Jesus carrying his own cross. Blood from His torture, blood dripping into His eyes from a crown of thorns. She recalls his birth, his special childhood, and the miracles he's accomplished in his adulthood. Suddenly the noise of the crowds, soldiers and other prisoners fades as she looks into His eyes one last time and knows. He is the one. He is the Messiah. And though He belongs to another world, He yet suffers and bleeds in this one in order to fulfill a thousand-year prophesy. And she, the mother of the So...

2 pages

By Robert Blaskey.

Mary says Jesus talked to her many times about his death, trying to prepare her for it. But she always pushed the thoughts away. It would happen later, some time in the distance. And she admits she even started to believe that He wouldn't have to die, that the prophecies were wrong. But now He is on the cross, dying, and she can do nothing about it, except be there for Him.

2 pages

by Robert Blaskey.

Mary Magdalene is frantic. How could they kill this man who has only shown love to everyone? Jesus cured her of her demons without asking questions. Now, she must follow His example helping others, not by asking who they are, but what they need. That is the only way she can go on. That's the only way -- of hope.

3 pages

by Robert Blaskey.

Judas is consumed with guilt and remorse. He can't believe that his actions have lead to Jesus' torture and crucifixion. If only Judas could take it back --can't he give back the 30 pieces of silver and make everything right again? All Jesus preached was forgiveness, but Judas will never be able to forgive himself.

3 pages

By Roy Wiegand.

Easter comes alive with this dramatic reading, a monologue portraying John at midnight after the Last Supper. He relates how the Master invited him to sit next to Him for the meal, how he wanted to remember seeing Jesus pray in the moonlight, and finally how He stopped the bleeding from the guard's severed ear. But now the soldiers have taken Him, and in his heart John is afraid. He is a weak man, and he fears for Jesus.

2 pages

By Robert Blaskey

An innkeeper is ecstatic that the census has filled his inn in Bethlehem with travelers,so why does turning away this couple make him feel so bad?

2 pages

By Jill Lamkin

Mary speaks to newborn Baby Jesus in the manger, loving Him with all her heart, but knowing that every birth someday brings a good-bye.

14 pages

4 speakers

Add something special to your holiday service with one of these beautiful monologues. Titles include "Footprints in the Snow," about a lonely old lady whose Christmas guest left only footprints leading into her home; "Old Otto's Song," about a young boy who receives an old man's gift of song which saves his village; "Silent Night, Heavenly Light," about a new minister who helps a bitter old man find peace; and "Once Upon a Midnight Clear," about a little shepherd boy on the first Christmas Eve.

3 pages

By Roy Wiegand.

Caiaphas, the regal high priest of the temple, is ready to have this madman named Jesus arrested. He has just made a deal with a grimy little man claiming to be a disciple who, for 30 pieces of silver, will identify Jesus with a kiss. Caiaphas plans for the arrest to take place before dawn in adherence with the law which forbids the taking of prisoners during the daylight hours of Passover. Caiaphas says, "He must be found, he must be arrested, he must be sentenced, and he must be put to death."

3 pages

By Roy Wiegand.

Barabas is in a dungeon waiting to be taken off any moment to die on the cross. But not with Jesus, for Jesus was crucified many years ago. Since then Barabas has come to know Him through the teachings of His disciples and now realizes that He died that day that others might be saved. Now, Barabas says, the burden is a much lighter one, for "I now know your Master not only died for you, but for me also. And now I go to my death as Barabbas, The Acquitted."

28 pages

2 m

Something is wrong with Melchior, and it is driving Balthasar insane. Ever since Melchior went to see the baby, he has changed. After a long journey with his fellow magi travelers, Balthasar wants to experience what happened to his friend as he impatiently waits for the third companion to finish meeting the newborn “King.” And what could be more peculiar than the bright star shining above them against the dark night? Finally Melchior explains: “You will walk in with your gift and your prepared speech. Then you will see the babe and everything will change. It ...

20 pages

3 m, 3 w.

What do you say when you see an angel? How do you say thank you when the child you've longed for is finally born? How do you let go of your daughter to her new husband and expected child? What are your first words to the tiny, newborn Son of God? Through Christ's birth, God entered and shared our humanity. In this monologue collection, Elizabeth, Zacharias, Mary, Mary's mother, Joseph and a shepherd tell their stories. They are stories of worship and stories of wonder at a God who would want to be such an intimate part of our lives. Each monologue tells its o...

23 pages

2 storytellers, any number of children as animals and townspeople

Various animals in the stable aren't happy when two strangers intrude upon their quiet night. The sparrows, cows, and sheep, along with mice and doves are upset and wish the humans would find another place to stay. They don't want to share their grain or warm hay. And after walking for miles, even the poor donkey is too tired to help Joseph and Mary. But then God fulfills his most glorious promise: Baby Jesus is born. Everything changes as each group of animals gives a special gift to comfort the Baby and his parents. At last, as all finally sleep, the tired ...

6 pages

Six readers.

Nativity scene may be composed of statues or actors. In this moving and unusual reading you can show your congregation just how much they value Christmas by taking it away. Three Non-Believers explain away Christmas, eliminating first the shepherds and wise men from the manger scene and finally Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child. When they've eliminated everyone, all that's left is a void, an awful emptiness. The Believers, however, show how that night at the stable did happen. By accepting the miracle, they give us back that night! Easy to produce, yet unforg...

19 pages

4 m, 2 w, 1-2 flexible

A reader’s theatre play. Howard Sinclair is ready to direct the church’s outdoor manger pageant again, but since the previous one five years ago was a complete disaster, his wife Gladys wants everything to run smoothly. But of course that doesn’t happen! First the rented animals are delivered a week early, but instead of a camel, a goat is sent and it promptly starts eating the neighbor’s bushes. To appease their prickly neighbor, Howard agrees to let him play the part of a shepherd, even though another church member had been promised the role. Then there’s t...