By Paul E. Russell
Jacob planned every aspect of his wedding and everything went according to plan except he married the wrong girl. The wedding feast however still had to be eaten and so the best man still had to make his speech.
Gen 29: 5-30
Best Man
(A single male in a suit ison the stage with a champagne glass in one hand)
Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could please have your attention, it is time for the best man's speech, or as some say the better man (very hollow laugh). Now, I have been Jacob's friend for many years. We have shared many dreams and stories working in the fields together, but one day I looked upon my friend and noticed that he had changed.
It was not leprosy or the plague, but love that had filled his heart. All it took was one look for Jacob to fall head over heels in love with Rachel. They connected instantly and all of their friends were blessed to see them together as their love would flow and fill every room they entered. It was not scurvy but the contagious love of this couple that touched everyone that they came into contact with. It is love that binds, heals and cures everything and the eternal and glorious love blessed by the heavens. Unfortunately, we are not gathered here today to celebrate the union of Jacob and Rachel.
Jacob has known Leah for um . . . almost as long as he has known Rachel, and has developed what some might call a strong sisterly friendship, um . . . I must say that Leah has nice hair, I guess and the service really was lovely. Who could ever forget those unforgettable words of admiration and devotion spoken by Jacob as he took his vow, although he did think he was talking to Rachel at the time. I am sure that most of what he said can be salvaged.
I must say thanks to Laban - this food has been wonderful, I recommend the goats milk, it is just delish… which reminds me of a great story. When we were out herding goats and Jacob and Rachel were there . . . oh um . . . I think Leah might have been there also, oh well, I'll save that story for another time.
Umm. . . I'm sure that Jacob and Leah will be happy . . .ish in their new life that they have chosen together, or rather the life that was thrust upon them . . um . . I'm sure that there will be lots of milk and other stuff as well.
Umm. . . .It is also my job to thank the bridesmaids. Thanks girls, you look great, who says you can't wear turquoise in the desert, and you did a magnificent job although you did bring the wrong bride. But hey, every wedding has the occasional hic-up. I am just saying if I was a bridesmaid, on my list of things to check would have been something old, tick, something blue, tick, something new, tick, something borrowed, tick, oh yeah yes and last on the list: is this the bride that the groom thinks he is going to marry?
Ladies and Gentlemen, please raise your glasses to the bride's sister, oops... I mean to the bride and the groom.
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This is a Paul E. Russell script. Please notify him by email if you choose to produce this skit. His address is a_russell03@hotmail.com . The writer would also appreciate any feedback and photographs of the production.