A FLASHLIGHT SKIT that is VIDEO-TAPED
An idea for depicting Isaiah 9:
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
(this idea was posted during a brainstorming session here at rotation.org. It needs a narration script)
THE SET UP:
God is atop a ladder with two flashlights: one to point down on group of 3 or 4 people, and the other to try and 'guide' them towards a distant objective (cross/Jesus/star of Bethlehem)
Aim a light at the wall behind the actors so that they appear in the dark in front of the wall (so we see their outlines).
Act 1:
A description of the people's suffering in Isaiah 9. People wandering/bumping/sinning/complaining. Give each actor something to say.
Act 2:
Isaiah shows up on the scene prophesying the coming light, gesticulating wildly.
People are perplexed.
Act 3:
"In the fullness of time...." God reveals his light on the people. They give various responses (some cower). As the narrator speaks, God's light tries to herd them in a direction, keep them together. (the actors are chased by the light but pulled by it back into the group and along the way. Eventually most step into the light and now we see a second light FLASHING at a cross in the distance, maybe even Jesus standing there beckoning the people. Or a Star of Bethlehem.
PRODUCTION SUGGESTIONS:
With older students, I would outline the skit with them. List the lines we need to include, and have them come up with "things for the individual people to do" during the skit.
This could be videotaped.
If you have enough kids, split into two groups for two different versions of the drama. For example, the second group could be a "modern setting" where a group of people are in darkness about the "reason for the season." God's light tries to herd them towards the Christ child, but they wander away towards presents or Christmas parties. I might make the addition of some CHRISTIANS with flashlights given to them by God to help people find the Christ child. The idea is that the light gets passed to those needing it.
