Worship Programs

Theme:

"Kingdom Power"

Third Sunday in Advent -

Drama 

REFLECTIONS

By Rebecca Phillips

Third Sunday in Advent - December 14, 2003/The Spirit of the Season

NARRATOR:

“At that time, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:39-41

Lights up downstage right on ELIZABETH, sitting alone, writing a letter. Piano padding to underscore, O COME O COME EMMANUEL.

ELIZABETH

Dear Mary: It has been three days now since we parted, and I cannot seem to stop thinking about all that we shared during your visit. (laughing softly to herself) Maybe it’s the constant kicking in my womb that is a sharp reminder.

Lights up downstage left: MARY, writing a letter. Playfully:

MARY

Oh Elizabeth – how I miss you! How I miss lying in the sweet grass beside you and laughing at the kicks and jumps of our babies! Have you decided on a name yet?

ELIZABETH

My tender old body feels every single pulse of my little one. My bones creak like twigs beneath my sore feet. But my soul feels younger and more radiant than ever before. Too bad my skin doesn’t reflect my heart. So many wrinkles!

MARY

You can’t imagine how lovely you are with child! If it’s a girl, I think you should name her Gabriel – or Gabriella – after that angel I told you about – or, if you don’t like that, just name her Mary.

ELIZABETH

I try to share my thoughts with Zechariah about it all, but he hasn’t been able to speak since he had that vision in the Temple – he just sits and nods at everyone. I feel like my words seem to fall in to the lap of the air. I keep thinking this mood of his will pass. He’s become bit of a strange old man – but still my beloved.

MARY

Joseph is doing well – and growing more and more handsome daily. Just yesterday, he finished the crib. You should see it – his carvings are so immaculate! Suited for a god! (pause. To herself) It is for a god. The God of all gods.

Becoming less playful, more thoughtful:

ELIZABETH

I am so aware of our Creator in these last months. The thought that there is life growing inside of me is quite overwhelming – and that God, in His great mercies, saw this cranky old woman worthy to knit a child together in my elderly womb.

MARY

I feel as though my soul has been kissed by the Mighty One! Imagine! His holy mouth breathed in to my womb – a Savior!

Pause. Pensive.

ELIZABETH

Mary, these are sweet days of tender awareness.

MARY

Life seems more precious now –

ELIZABETH
Days of purpose that promise deeper purpose to come.

MARY

My moments are filled with depth of understanding – that my life is not just about now, but generations to come –

ELIZABETH

We have been created for a divine destiny –

MARY

We are God’s chosen –

ELIZABETH

And His Spirit lives and breathes in our very wombs.

MARY and ELIZABETH
Praise be to God.

Pause.

ELIZABETH

Do give Joseph my love –

MARY
Warm embraces to you and Zechariah –

ELIZABETH and MARY
I love you with His perfect love.

ELIZABETH
Until we meet again –

MARY and ELIZABETH

Yours.

Lights.