The Shawl
Drama
Seven Advent Programs for Children
Object:
Synopsis And Stage Directions For
The Shawl
There are at least twelve children with speaking parts. You may use younger children as Shepherds (who arrive at the door). You could use a Youth Choir or have the children themselves sing (from their places) the simple carols that are indicated.
The scene takes place in three areas: Stage left is the Shepherd's home. Lydia (Mother) is at the table cutting bread and cheese and placing them in a small cloth bag. Tabitha is working at a small loom. Amos (Father) enters carrying a knapsack. Center stage is a stable. A crude divider stands near the back which screens what is the goat stall behind it. A small manger (with a short stool) sits at the front to indicate a stable. Stage right is the Inn door. Outside the Inn door is a small low table on which are stacked pots and pans and bowls which Jotham and Jacob are washing.
The Play:
Tabitha, who is spoken of so lovingly by her neighbors, in Acts 9:36-43, was not always such a generous, loving person. As a young girl she was rather vain and self-centered, but changed her life dramatically after an encounter with the Christ.
When she discovers the Christ Child sleeping in the humble stable, cold and helpless, she offers him her most prized possession in order to warm him. Her heart is strangely changed. Her view of life is enlarged and she no longer thinks only of herself as she realizes what she can do to help the suffering of others.
The Shawl
"Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity."
-- Acts 9:36
Tabitha, who was spoken of so lovingly by her neighbors in Acts 9, was not always such a generous, loving person. When she was a young girl, she was a vain, self-centered child. But an encounter with the Christ Child changed her life dramatically. When she discovered Jesus sleeping in the humble stable, cold and helpless, her heart was changed and she no longer thought only of herself but offered him her most prized possession in order that he might be warm. It was at this point she began to enlarge her view of life and how she could be of help with those in need.
Characters
Narrator
Amos (Father, Shepherd)
Lydia (Mother)
Tabitha (Young girl)
Anna (Tabitha's friend)
Jotham (Innkeeper)
Jacob (Innkeeper's son)
Joseph
Mary
Baby
Aaron (Shepherd)
Philip (Shepherd)
Scene One
(Setting: The scene takes place in three areas: Stage left is the Shepherd's home. Lydia is at the table cutting bread and cheese and placing them in a small cloth bag. Tabitha is working at a small loom. Amos comes in with a knapsack. Center stage is the stable. A crude divider stands near the back which indicates the goat stall with a small manger standing at the front to indicate side of stable. Stage right is the Inn door. Outside the door there are pots on a table which Jotham and Jacob are washing.)
Children's Choir: "The Birthday Of A King" (first verse)
Narrator: Many years ago in the village of Bethlehem lived a Shepherd and his family. Amos tended a flock of sheep known for their fine long silky wool. His wife Lydia would spin the wool and weave it into lovely garments. Their daughter, Tabitha, young as she was, already showed great promise of being a fine weaver too. Let us join the family as Amos is preparing to leave for the fields in order to tend the sheep.
(Action: Amos is busy packing a knapsack while Lydia prepares food for him. Tabitha is busy at her loom.)
Lydia: There, that should be enough food to keep you for at least three days, Amos.
Amos: I don't plan to be on the hillside any longer than two nights. It's getting cold.
Lydia: Be sure to take your new cloak I just made; it will be quite warm.
(Action: Shepherds arrive at the door. Amos puts on cloak.)
Aaron: Time to be on our way, Amos.
Amos: Greetings, Aaron and Philip. I'm ready. (Turns to Lydia) Take care now, my dear family. If you need me, you can find us on the hills northwest of Bethlehem.
Lydia: Farewell, my dear Amos. We shall be just fine.
Tabitha: Oh, Father, bring back some wool from the black spotted lamb. I need some for the belt I plan to weave.
Amos: Certainly, Tabitha, I'll bring a large sack full. The shawl you are making is just lovely; you are doing a fine job. Someday you will weave better than your mother.
Tabitha: I am planning on it.
(Action: Father and Shepherds leave.)
Lydia: Tabitha, would you give me a hand spinning the raw wool?
Tabitha: Oh, Mother, how can I? My shawl is almost finished; I need only to tie a few ends.
(Action: Anna comes to the door.)
Anna: Greetings, everyone. Tabitha, it is time to go to the stable to milk our goats.
Lydia: Good morning, Anna. We almost forgot about milking the goats, what with getting Amos off to the hills this morning.
Tabitha: (Takes shawl from loom and lays it around her shoulders) There, it's all finished. How does it look?
Anna: Oh, Tabitha, it is so beautiful.
Tabitha: Thank you.
Anna: Get your milk jar and let's go.
Tabitha: Mother, where did you put my milk jar?
Lydia: There, in the corner.
Tabitha: Will you get it for me, Mother?
Lydia: (Wearily picks up jar and hands it to Tabitha) Now run along, girls. Your lunch will be waiting when you return, my dear.
Tabitha: Here, Anna, will you carry the jar for me? I don't want to soil my new shawl.
(Action: Anna places her jar on her head and takes the other jar in her arms as they leave for the stable.)
Anna: Oh, Tabitha, would you make me a shawl like yours? It is the most beautiful one I have ever seen.
Tabitha: I might, if you will pay me for it.
(Action: The girls go into the stable.)
Scene Two
Narrator: In order to make an accurate count of all the people in his empire, Emperor Augustus Caesar has decreed that everyone must return to the home of his ancestors to be registered for the taxes. The tiny town of Bethlehem is full to overflowing. The Innkeeper, Jotham, and his son Jacob are busy washing the pots and pans used in cooking for the many guests.
Jacob: Father, I'm so tired of washing pots and pans.
Jotham: I am too, Jacob. We have never had so many guests before. Just as soon as one leaves another comes.
(Action: The girls go to the wash table with their milk jars on their heads.)
Anna: Greetings. We have some fresh creamy goat milk. Would you be needing some?
Jotham: Greetings, girls. Yes, we certainly will. The Inn is full, and we are running short of food. I'll gladly pay for all you can bring in.
Tabitha: (Wrinkles up her nose) The stable's full of donkeys, and it is beginning to smell awful.
Jotham: Yes, it must be dirty by now. Jacob, do get back to the stable soon and clean it up.
Jacob: Yes, Father. At least it will be a change from washing these pots.
Jotham: Would you girls like to stay and help out with the chores? I will pay you. We have many guests, and we could use some help.
Tabitha: I really don't want to. I plan to start weaving my new belt.
Jotham: You certainly are learning fast. Did you weave that lovely shawl?
Tabitha: Yes.
Jotham: It is just beautiful.
Anna: I would be glad to stay and help. Perhaps I can make enough money to pay Tabitha to make a shawl for me.
(Action: Girls set their jars on the ground. Tabitha leaves. Anna starts to wash the pots. Jacob goes into the stable.)
Narrator: Later that evening, among the stream of people arriving in Bethlehem, there is a man and young woman. The woman is very pregnant. They have stopped at every house and Inn on their way into town, but all have turned them away. The young couple wearily comes to the door of the Bethlehem Inn.
Jotham: And what would you be wanting?
Joseph: A room, sir, just a small warm room would do us fine.
Jotham: Be on your way. We are full.
Mary: Oh, kind sir, we are so tired. Have you nowhere we could stay?
Jotham: (Motions them away) You heard me. We have no more rooms.
Joseph: Have mercy, sir, it is late. All of the inns are full and my wife is expecting. I fear that she will not be able to travel any further.
(Action: Anna goes to the door of the Inn.)
Anna: Oh, sir, she is so tired. Could they not stay in the stable? My goat stall is warm, and the straw would make a soft bed.
Jotham: Very well. Go, take them with you.
(Action: Anna shows the tired couple to the stable. She spreads her apron on the straw, then leaves them to return to her home.)
Children's Choir: "Silent Night, Holy Night"
Narrator: Meanwhile, out in the fields, the Angel of the Lord has announced to the Shepherds that the blessed event has occurred. God's son, the Messiah, has been born and the Angels sang: "Alleluia, Christ is born, Peace on Earth to all men of good will."
Choir: "Alleluia" from the chorus of "Angels We Have Heard On High"
(Action: Tabitha enters, carrying her milk pot on her head.)
Tabitha: Oh, I didn't know anyone was here. Why are you in the stable?
Joseph: Good morning. The Inn was full and we needed a place to sleep.
Mary: The good Innkeeper said we could sleep on the warm hay.
Tabitha: If you must. I need to milk my goat.
(Action: Tabitha walks through the stable to the back. Mary picks up the baby from the manger and holds him. A little later Tabitha comes back with her full milk pot. She stops, wide-eyed, as she sees the baby.)
Tabitha: (Stops and stares) A baby?
Mary: Yes, he was born last night.
Tabitha: (Gently) May I hold him? (Puts milk pot on the floor)
Mary: (Hands her baby) Of course. Here.
Tabitha: (Holds baby tenderly ... touches his little hand) He, he ... why, he's cold.
Joseph: We wrapped him in swaddling cloths. That is all that we had with us.
Choir: (Hums softly in background) "Mary Had A Baby"
Narrator: Tabitha's heart was strangely touched. A tear ran down her cheek as she cuddled the baby closer. Then, as she sat on the floor, she laid the baby in her lap and slipped the beautiful new shawl from her shoulders, gently wrapped it around the baby, and handed him back to his mother. Mary held the baby close and thanked the little girl. Tabitha picked up the milk jar, handed it to Joseph, and walked out quietly.
Choir: (Sings) "Mary Had A Baby"
(Action: Joseph pours milk into a cup and hands it to Mary. As Tabitha steps out of the stable, she meets the Shepherds coming in from the fields.)
Amos: Greetings, Tabitha.
Tabitha: Why, Father, what brings you back so soon?
Philip: Greetings, Tabitha. Do you know of a baby born this night? We were told we would find him lying in a manger.
Tabitha: Here in the stable is a baby ... born last night.
Narrator: All enter and bow before the mother and baby. They tell her about the Angel of the Lord and his message.
Tabitha: The Messiah?
Aaron: Yes, the Son of God.
Amos: What is that the Christ Child is wrapped in? Tabitha, it looks like the shawl you made.
Tabitha: Yes, Father, I gave it to the baby; he was cold.
Amos: That was very kind of you, Tabitha. I am proud; you did a fine thing.
Tabitha: That's all right. I can make another. I think I'll make one to give to Anna, too.
Narrator: And, years later, as we read in Acts 9:36-42, when Peter was asked to help Tabitha, her friends told him how she spent all her time doing good and helping the poor. Her friends crowded around Peter and showed him the shirts and coats that Tabitha had made for them and begged Peter to help her.
The End
The Shawl
There are at least twelve children with speaking parts. You may use younger children as Shepherds (who arrive at the door). You could use a Youth Choir or have the children themselves sing (from their places) the simple carols that are indicated.
The scene takes place in three areas: Stage left is the Shepherd's home. Lydia (Mother) is at the table cutting bread and cheese and placing them in a small cloth bag. Tabitha is working at a small loom. Amos (Father) enters carrying a knapsack. Center stage is a stable. A crude divider stands near the back which screens what is the goat stall behind it. A small manger (with a short stool) sits at the front to indicate a stable. Stage right is the Inn door. Outside the Inn door is a small low table on which are stacked pots and pans and bowls which Jotham and Jacob are washing.
The Play:
Tabitha, who is spoken of so lovingly by her neighbors, in Acts 9:36-43, was not always such a generous, loving person. As a young girl she was rather vain and self-centered, but changed her life dramatically after an encounter with the Christ.
When she discovers the Christ Child sleeping in the humble stable, cold and helpless, she offers him her most prized possession in order to warm him. Her heart is strangely changed. Her view of life is enlarged and she no longer thinks only of herself as she realizes what she can do to help the suffering of others.
The Shawl
"Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity."
-- Acts 9:36
Tabitha, who was spoken of so lovingly by her neighbors in Acts 9, was not always such a generous, loving person. When she was a young girl, she was a vain, self-centered child. But an encounter with the Christ Child changed her life dramatically. When she discovered Jesus sleeping in the humble stable, cold and helpless, her heart was changed and she no longer thought only of herself but offered him her most prized possession in order that he might be warm. It was at this point she began to enlarge her view of life and how she could be of help with those in need.
Characters
Narrator
Amos (Father, Shepherd)
Lydia (Mother)
Tabitha (Young girl)
Anna (Tabitha's friend)
Jotham (Innkeeper)
Jacob (Innkeeper's son)
Joseph
Mary
Baby
Aaron (Shepherd)
Philip (Shepherd)
Scene One
(Setting: The scene takes place in three areas: Stage left is the Shepherd's home. Lydia is at the table cutting bread and cheese and placing them in a small cloth bag. Tabitha is working at a small loom. Amos comes in with a knapsack. Center stage is the stable. A crude divider stands near the back which indicates the goat stall with a small manger standing at the front to indicate side of stable. Stage right is the Inn door. Outside the door there are pots on a table which Jotham and Jacob are washing.)
Children's Choir: "The Birthday Of A King" (first verse)
Narrator: Many years ago in the village of Bethlehem lived a Shepherd and his family. Amos tended a flock of sheep known for their fine long silky wool. His wife Lydia would spin the wool and weave it into lovely garments. Their daughter, Tabitha, young as she was, already showed great promise of being a fine weaver too. Let us join the family as Amos is preparing to leave for the fields in order to tend the sheep.
(Action: Amos is busy packing a knapsack while Lydia prepares food for him. Tabitha is busy at her loom.)
Lydia: There, that should be enough food to keep you for at least three days, Amos.
Amos: I don't plan to be on the hillside any longer than two nights. It's getting cold.
Lydia: Be sure to take your new cloak I just made; it will be quite warm.
(Action: Shepherds arrive at the door. Amos puts on cloak.)
Aaron: Time to be on our way, Amos.
Amos: Greetings, Aaron and Philip. I'm ready. (Turns to Lydia) Take care now, my dear family. If you need me, you can find us on the hills northwest of Bethlehem.
Lydia: Farewell, my dear Amos. We shall be just fine.
Tabitha: Oh, Father, bring back some wool from the black spotted lamb. I need some for the belt I plan to weave.
Amos: Certainly, Tabitha, I'll bring a large sack full. The shawl you are making is just lovely; you are doing a fine job. Someday you will weave better than your mother.
Tabitha: I am planning on it.
(Action: Father and Shepherds leave.)
Lydia: Tabitha, would you give me a hand spinning the raw wool?
Tabitha: Oh, Mother, how can I? My shawl is almost finished; I need only to tie a few ends.
(Action: Anna comes to the door.)
Anna: Greetings, everyone. Tabitha, it is time to go to the stable to milk our goats.
Lydia: Good morning, Anna. We almost forgot about milking the goats, what with getting Amos off to the hills this morning.
Tabitha: (Takes shawl from loom and lays it around her shoulders) There, it's all finished. How does it look?
Anna: Oh, Tabitha, it is so beautiful.
Tabitha: Thank you.
Anna: Get your milk jar and let's go.
Tabitha: Mother, where did you put my milk jar?
Lydia: There, in the corner.
Tabitha: Will you get it for me, Mother?
Lydia: (Wearily picks up jar and hands it to Tabitha) Now run along, girls. Your lunch will be waiting when you return, my dear.
Tabitha: Here, Anna, will you carry the jar for me? I don't want to soil my new shawl.
(Action: Anna places her jar on her head and takes the other jar in her arms as they leave for the stable.)
Anna: Oh, Tabitha, would you make me a shawl like yours? It is the most beautiful one I have ever seen.
Tabitha: I might, if you will pay me for it.
(Action: The girls go into the stable.)
Scene Two
Narrator: In order to make an accurate count of all the people in his empire, Emperor Augustus Caesar has decreed that everyone must return to the home of his ancestors to be registered for the taxes. The tiny town of Bethlehem is full to overflowing. The Innkeeper, Jotham, and his son Jacob are busy washing the pots and pans used in cooking for the many guests.
Jacob: Father, I'm so tired of washing pots and pans.
Jotham: I am too, Jacob. We have never had so many guests before. Just as soon as one leaves another comes.
(Action: The girls go to the wash table with their milk jars on their heads.)
Anna: Greetings. We have some fresh creamy goat milk. Would you be needing some?
Jotham: Greetings, girls. Yes, we certainly will. The Inn is full, and we are running short of food. I'll gladly pay for all you can bring in.
Tabitha: (Wrinkles up her nose) The stable's full of donkeys, and it is beginning to smell awful.
Jotham: Yes, it must be dirty by now. Jacob, do get back to the stable soon and clean it up.
Jacob: Yes, Father. At least it will be a change from washing these pots.
Jotham: Would you girls like to stay and help out with the chores? I will pay you. We have many guests, and we could use some help.
Tabitha: I really don't want to. I plan to start weaving my new belt.
Jotham: You certainly are learning fast. Did you weave that lovely shawl?
Tabitha: Yes.
Jotham: It is just beautiful.
Anna: I would be glad to stay and help. Perhaps I can make enough money to pay Tabitha to make a shawl for me.
(Action: Girls set their jars on the ground. Tabitha leaves. Anna starts to wash the pots. Jacob goes into the stable.)
Narrator: Later that evening, among the stream of people arriving in Bethlehem, there is a man and young woman. The woman is very pregnant. They have stopped at every house and Inn on their way into town, but all have turned them away. The young couple wearily comes to the door of the Bethlehem Inn.
Jotham: And what would you be wanting?
Joseph: A room, sir, just a small warm room would do us fine.
Jotham: Be on your way. We are full.
Mary: Oh, kind sir, we are so tired. Have you nowhere we could stay?
Jotham: (Motions them away) You heard me. We have no more rooms.
Joseph: Have mercy, sir, it is late. All of the inns are full and my wife is expecting. I fear that she will not be able to travel any further.
(Action: Anna goes to the door of the Inn.)
Anna: Oh, sir, she is so tired. Could they not stay in the stable? My goat stall is warm, and the straw would make a soft bed.
Jotham: Very well. Go, take them with you.
(Action: Anna shows the tired couple to the stable. She spreads her apron on the straw, then leaves them to return to her home.)
Children's Choir: "Silent Night, Holy Night"
Narrator: Meanwhile, out in the fields, the Angel of the Lord has announced to the Shepherds that the blessed event has occurred. God's son, the Messiah, has been born and the Angels sang: "Alleluia, Christ is born, Peace on Earth to all men of good will."
Choir: "Alleluia" from the chorus of "Angels We Have Heard On High"
(Action: Tabitha enters, carrying her milk pot on her head.)
Tabitha: Oh, I didn't know anyone was here. Why are you in the stable?
Joseph: Good morning. The Inn was full and we needed a place to sleep.
Mary: The good Innkeeper said we could sleep on the warm hay.
Tabitha: If you must. I need to milk my goat.
(Action: Tabitha walks through the stable to the back. Mary picks up the baby from the manger and holds him. A little later Tabitha comes back with her full milk pot. She stops, wide-eyed, as she sees the baby.)
Tabitha: (Stops and stares) A baby?
Mary: Yes, he was born last night.
Tabitha: (Gently) May I hold him? (Puts milk pot on the floor)
Mary: (Hands her baby) Of course. Here.
Tabitha: (Holds baby tenderly ... touches his little hand) He, he ... why, he's cold.
Joseph: We wrapped him in swaddling cloths. That is all that we had with us.
Choir: (Hums softly in background) "Mary Had A Baby"
Narrator: Tabitha's heart was strangely touched. A tear ran down her cheek as she cuddled the baby closer. Then, as she sat on the floor, she laid the baby in her lap and slipped the beautiful new shawl from her shoulders, gently wrapped it around the baby, and handed him back to his mother. Mary held the baby close and thanked the little girl. Tabitha picked up the milk jar, handed it to Joseph, and walked out quietly.
Choir: (Sings) "Mary Had A Baby"
(Action: Joseph pours milk into a cup and hands it to Mary. As Tabitha steps out of the stable, she meets the Shepherds coming in from the fields.)
Amos: Greetings, Tabitha.
Tabitha: Why, Father, what brings you back so soon?
Philip: Greetings, Tabitha. Do you know of a baby born this night? We were told we would find him lying in a manger.
Tabitha: Here in the stable is a baby ... born last night.
Narrator: All enter and bow before the mother and baby. They tell her about the Angel of the Lord and his message.
Tabitha: The Messiah?
Aaron: Yes, the Son of God.
Amos: What is that the Christ Child is wrapped in? Tabitha, it looks like the shawl you made.
Tabitha: Yes, Father, I gave it to the baby; he was cold.
Amos: That was very kind of you, Tabitha. I am proud; you did a fine thing.
Tabitha: That's all right. I can make another. I think I'll make one to give to Anna, too.
Narrator: And, years later, as we read in Acts 9:36-42, when Peter was asked to help Tabitha, her friends told him how she spent all her time doing good and helping the poor. Her friends crowded around Peter and showed him the shirts and coats that Tabitha had made for them and begged Peter to help her.
The End
