Shepherds and Kings
It's Christmas and city slicker Gerald King is trying to find a way to bring his family closer together. They have drifted apart due to their daily routines: Gerald with his job; Alice, her meetings; and the kids – well, they’re teenagers (say no more). They have embarked on a trip to the mountains to get their very own Christmas tree. However, they get lost and have to be rescued by the Shepherds, an extended mountain family. The Shepherds mistake them as being down on their luck and welcome them into their home and their hearts. As relationships develop, the Kings and the Shepherds examine the Christmas story and discover a new perspective on the familiar scripture: a hidden truth that shows the Christ Child in a new light for both the Shepherds and the Kings. About 30 - 40 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT KAREN JONES TALKS ABOUT HER PLAY
SHEPHERDS AND KINGS
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: I’m not really sure what actually inspired this play. I was thinking about a different story line altogether where all the kids wanted to be kings in the Christmas program and no one wanted to be the shepherds. In trying to find a good argument for the program director to use in persuading the children, the idea that the Christ Child turned out to be the “Good Shepherd” came to mind. Now, how that story line turn into this one is a mystery to me but then God works in mysterious ways. I just know that the play practically wrote itself once I got started.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: I think my favorite line was Aunt Trucie’s statement: “You know the Lord puts people in our lives for a reason…” I think that is a very true statement. We have contact with people every day in our lives; from family and friends to complete strangers you meet on the street. I believe that when a person comes into your life, even if it is only for a moment, it is not an accident. God has placed them there in your care and for that moment you are responsible for that person. That’s a heavy responsibility and one I fear we often forget.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A: The characters in this story are actually based on the culture and surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains where I grew up. Hard working, good natured personalities who were always willing to give a helping hand. And “Yes” they did talk like this (and still do, if truth be told).
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: One: To show a different perspective on maybe why God chose the Shepherds and Kings as the audience for the announcement of the birth of His Son.
Two: To show that people, no matter how diverse their backgrounds are, can come to care for each other with a little love and compassion.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
John 13:34. Love one another. Even as I have loved you, so you must love one another.