Many Journeys: 2016 Nativity Play

The Donkey - The Journey to Bethlehem

My master came to me last week and said, "Hey, my good fellow, you are taking these folk to Bethlehem." So I looked up to see who he meant, and it was this couple. I knew the woman, she is our neighbour, lovely lass. Always gives me a pat and a kind word when she walks past. The man was a stranger, but he seemed friendly enough. I had no objection to travelling with them. So we've been on our way for three days now. I don't know how much further it is to Bethlehem and what they want there. That's humans for you: Always going this place and that, and when you get there, the hay is just the same. Well, I suppose all these journeys have their purpose, even if I don't see it.

The Innkeeper - Many Journeys Come Together

I don't get around much, you know. I'm an innkeeper, got to stay here to keep my business going. But the world comes to me, in a way. People travel this way from all over, some as far as Egypt, even Rome. All sorts, too: rich, poor, old, young, decent folk and crooks. And the stories they have to tell! Recently, there has been such a great number of people coming, all because of … you know … the political situation. My house has been full to the rafters for weeks. I've even put people in the broom cupboard. And now this: this young couple here, and the woman heavily pregnant. I really couldn't take them in without throwing out someone else. But I couldn't just turn them away either, could I? Suddenly I thought of the stable. It's not much, but it's a roof over their heads at least.

The Birth – Joseph's Journey of Faith

I'm not going to lie; I've had my doubts about this whole thing. I mean, wouldn't you, if you were me? But Mary, she said this was going to be no ordinary baby. It was going to be the child that would make all the difference, to everyone. God's Son, she said. Well, that's a bit of a hard thing to believe, don't you think? But Mary, she believed it all right, I could see it in her eyes. And then there were those dreams I had. So I went along with it, didn't make a fuss. And now I look at this tiny new-born, so small that I can hold him in my cupped hands. He opens his eyes, he meets my gaze. And I understand, yes, you were right, Mary, this is no ordinary child. Whether he will indeed change everything, for everyone, I cannot tell. I know, though, that he has already changed everything for me.

The Shepherds - Stuck in a Dead End

Another night on the hill, one of far too many. For twenty-six years I have looked after the sheep. I have tended the new-born, searched for the lost, chased off the wolves. What difference did it ever make? They are just sheep. My life is going nowhere. I look at the stars moving across the sky and I envy them, for they travel to the farthest reaches of the Earth, while I am stuck here. What is the point of it all? Does anyone care? One day I will die and the world will move on and I will be forgotten.

Luke 2, 8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests."

Choir of Angels - Signposting the Journey

We hope you understand…

you have to go…

the world is changing…

and so are your lives…

don't just sit there…

don't stay the same…

...open your eyes and ears...

...open your hearts...

make the first step…

...don't be afraid...

...leave your bags behind...

GO NOW!

The Shepherds' Visit – Now My Feet Are Singing on the Way

Tonight I will never forget. In the freezing cold, we were all huddled round a tiny fire and suddenly the flames started leaping and dancing and there was light, and then the messengers from God. Why would they choose us? Why would God choose me? I still don't know the answer to that but I do know I was chosen and trusted. Make no mistake we rounded up our sheep and we hurried to see that baby. We only walked a couple of miles to get here, so why do I feel like we have travelled to the ends of the Earth? Why do I feel as if the look from the baby's eyes has travelled with the starlight from distances unimaginable? He looked at me, you know, and when he looked at me, I understood: My life does matter. The care I give, even if it is just to the sheep, is part of the tapestry of life. The kindness I show to my neighbour, the joy I feel at the beauty of the night sky – it counts, all of it. My life changed tonight because I realized God does care even about poor shepherds who most people forget about. Yes, God is with us. The journeys that matter most are those we undertake inside our own hearts.

Mary – Journey Into The Unknown

He cannot walk yet, but he has already taken his first step: away from me. I carried him inside me all those months and now we have started to part. He will still need me, for long years to come; he will curl up in my arms and call me his home. But he is not meant to be mine or to remain in my care. One day his journey will take him from me and he will walk unknown paths. He will walk among strangers. And he will carry with him all the love that I have poured into his life from my own humble heart, and he will share it out freely. He will walk on the top of the mountain and through the valley of fear and as he walks, the strangers will become friends. He will walk, with the sun on his head and the dust clinging to his shoes, and who knows where his journey will end?

The Magi – Our Journeys Through Time and Space

We are astronomers; we watch the skies at night to decipher the secrets of the universe. Compass and star chart, angle and number, these are our world. We deal in facts and logic. We knew exactly what we were looking for when we followed that special star moving west: A palace, a king and a princely infant surrounded by jewels and servants. We feared our gifts might be too humble. And then it all turned out differently. Our journey led us to the simplest of places with a door so low we had to stoop when we entered. What did we find, you ask? How can I put it? We are astronomers, we search, we study the universe. Our minds travel the whole length and depth of the world, and there are many marvels to discover. Who knows what we may find, or others who come after us? But one thing we have learned tonight: No matter how far we travel, in the body or in the mind, no matter how vast the universe stretches out, whenever we arrive, God will be waiting for us.