By Holly Ramsey
A monologue. On a return visit later in life to the stable where it all began, Mary reflects on the events started by the first Christmas.
Mary
Hello, my name is Mary, my husband, Joseph and I live in the town of Nazareth. But this year I wanted to come back to visit Bethlehem, to this place, this very stable where it all began. Well, maybe it all began for us, but for Jesus, this story began from the very beginning of time.
I remember the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Joseph was reluctant to let me come with him, but I couldn't bear to stay behind without him, not then. I was so tired from the journey, and then the pains began. I didn't want to worry Joseph, but I was afraid I couldn't ride much longer. Finally, we came to the city gates, it was dusk, and there were still so many people hurrying about. The innkeeper just kept repeating the same words, “ No rooms, I have no more rooms”……Joseph begged him to help us, he knew that the baby was coming soon. God touched the heart of the innkeeper and he took pity on us and offered us his stable, at least it would afford some privacy. As we found our way behind the inn to the stable, I kept thinking, “what will I do with my baby? What will I do with Jesus?”
I will never forget those words as I heard them again years later, as my precious son stood in front of Pontius Pilate and his court and he asked that question, “What shall I do with Jesus?” I still can't believe what they answered. Many still wrestle with that question - what shall we do with Jesus? Most everyone can believe in God, a supreme creator, and even the Holy Spirit fits nicely into our ideology. But “God with us?” God as a man? And God, coming to earth to die for our sins, well, was that really necessary? To die for MY sins? Some choose not to think about it, they'll decide later, another time, another place. Some choose to ignore him altogether. Some become so uncomfortable that they would like to be rid of him, and they crucify him again and again.
What have you decided? What will you do with my son, my baby boy, my Messiah, my Lord? Maybe this is where it all begins for you, as well. Here in the manger, in this place and time…What will you do with Jesus?
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Copyright Holly Ramsey 2000, all rights reserved. This script may be performed free of charge, provided no charge is made for entry. In return, the author would appreciate being notified of any performance. She may be contacted at wwramsey1@juno.com