Angel appears above middle screen as spot light is turned on, shepherds fall to their knees, turning away and covering their faces in fear

Shepherds: Aaah!!!

Angel: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Yes! All people, even you. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!

Shepherd 1: [putting hand up cautiously] Um, excuse me your bright shineyness…Are you sure you’ve got the right address? It’s just that we’re um…we’re just shepherds – [pointing to Shepherd 2] he’s not even a very good shepherd! It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been delivered someone else’s message by mistake…

Angel: [checking note in hand] To the shepherds watching their flock by night, first hill east of Bethlehem…that’s you isn’t it?

Shepherd 2: Er, yes…

Angel: There you go then! [regaining composure] God has chosen you to be among the first to see the new born king. Go see him for yourselves. He’s your Saviour. And this will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger

Sudden burst of choral music representing host of angels: “Glory to God in the highest! And peace on earth, Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! And peace on earth, Good will towards men, towards men, goodwill towards men, Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest!” etc etc (from Chorus 17, Handel’s Messiah).

Spot light turned off, angel disappears. Shepherd1 jumps up, looks at Shepherd 2 still on his knees in a dazed state

Shepherd 1: Come on! Let’s get to Bethlehem and see for ourselves this amazing thing the Lord has let us in on!


richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.