An Easter Play

The Easter Assignment
Luke 24:1-12
Charlie Woodward
 

G - Gabrielle, head Angel H - Harold - worker angel and former Christmas Angel

G: Harold, where have you been?

H: Oh Hi! Sorry, just got back from pin practice.

G: Pin practice?

H: Yeah, you know, “How many angels can you fit on the head of a pin?”

G: Well....

H: Well, what?

G: How many?

H: How many what?

G: How many angels CAN you fit on the head of a pin?

H: I am not at liberty to say. So, you wanted to see me?

G: Yes, Harold, God has another assignment for you.

H: Listen, Gabriel...

G: Gabrielle!

H: Right - I don’t want to sound rude or anything, but, I am not interested.

G: What do you mean?

H: Well, last time you sent me on a mission, it was fun. We got to go to the shepherds, share a wonderful message about baby Jesus, born in a manger. I even had a heavenly host to sing back-up for the big finale - in Latin!

G: Sounds like you had a great time.

H: I did, I really did.

G: So, what’s the problem? Why don’t you want to do another mission?

H: Well, I just don’t see the point.

G: The point?

H: You know. Why bother. Those people down there. They aren’t going to listen.

G: They listened to you last time. You and your “back-up singers” as you call them, you proclaimed the birth of the Christ child to the shepherds. You told them that Jesus was the one who was coming into the world to save the people of their sins.

H: Yes, but...

G: And the shepherds went and saw what you proclaimed, and it was just as you said.

H: Yes, but...

G: And the shepherds departed, and shared the good news with others. Then wise men came and brought gifts fit for a king - what a wonderful celebration.

H: Yes but...

G: And Jesus grew to be a fine human being. He taught the people about love and forgiveness, and how to live as a child of God.

H: Yes, but...

G: And Jesus showed the people just how much God loves them.

H: Yes, but...

G: Yes but what, Harold.

H: Yes, all you said is true.

G: But...?

H: But they killed him.

G: Yes, Harold. They killed him.

H: Why, Gabe? Why did they have to kill him? After all that we shared, after all that we did to prepare the way, after all of his talk and life of love and forgiveness. Why did they have to kill him?

G: I guess they didn’t understand.

H: What wasn’t there to understand? God’s only Son? The greatest gift of all? Sent to earth, and the people down there kill him?

G: Yes, they killed him.

H: I guess I don’t understand either!

G: Harold, let me tell you something about human beings. They can be stubborn sometimes. You see, Jesus wasn’t what the people expected.

H: They expected a Messiah, didn’t they. And Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the chosen one of God. Why He is the SON of God, isn’t he?

G: Oh yes, that is true. But they expected someone powerful, a mighty warrior, someone who would lead them into battle.

H: Kind of like King David, right? Or King Solomon with all his riches.

G: Right. But Jesus was, well, different.

H: That’s for sure. Right from the beginning. No royal or grand entrance. Born in a manger. What a humble beginning.

G: And it didn’t stop there. Jesus was always putting others first, talking about love, forgiveness and the kingdom of God. He proclaimed good news for the poor, the hungry, the hurting, the lost.

H: I guess that was not what they expected in a Messiah at all.

G: He loved the unlovable, he touched the untouchable, he forgave the unforgivable.

H: So why did they have to kill him?

G: It was just that the people weren’t used to his message. And I think that when someone comes along who is so different, people get nervous. People get upset.

H: But they killed Him, and so I don’t want any part of it any more. Why bother.

G: Because God loves them.

H: Oh great, guilt trip time! Just when I am about to give up on these people God goes and loves them.

G: Yes, God loves them.

H: How much?

G: Enough to forgive them.

H: What? You are kidding, right? God’s Son is dead, and God still wants to forgive them?

G: It’s all part of the plan, Harold. The plan that God set in place from the beginning.

H: Whoa. Stop right there, Gabe. Are you saying God knew that Jesus would die all along? Even when we went down there to announce his birth?

G: Oh yes.

H: Why would God do that? Why would God send his only Son to die?

G: Back up Harold. Remember Elementary Angel School, when we learned about human beings, creation, and all of that?

H: Yes, well, it was a long time ago, but I remember.

G: You remember how human beings fell into sin, not long after God created them.

H: Oh, yes, Adam and Ethel.

G: Eve. Adam and Eve.

H: Right. The serpent, and the garden, and the tree. Boy, did they ever mess up!

G: Well, yes. And do you remember what the result of that sin was. Do you remember what is price humans pay for their sinful nature?

H: Parenthood?

G: No, Harold. Death. The wages of sin is death.

H: What does this have to do with Jesus?

G: Everything. You see, the reason God sent His only Son to the earth to die, is so that the victory over sin and death can be won. Get it?

H: (Nodding first, then shaking his head) No, I don’t get it. How can one person save everyone from sin?

G: It’s like this, Harold. Since sin came into the world through one man, Adam, God conquers sin with one man, Son of God and Son of Man. Jesus Christ.

H: But how?

G: You see, since God loves the world so much, God made his only son, Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him all might be saved from sin and death. He had to fight against the power of sin and death to win.

H: So God sent Jesus to win the battle not against the Romans, but instead to battle against sin and death? (Nodding head again)

G: You got it!

H: (Shaking head) Bad news, Gabe! Jesus is dead. It looks like Jesus lost.

G: Well, not so fast. (looking around - like she is going to share a secret) I got some news for you.

H: What is it? Is it good news?

G: Yes, yes it is!

H: Really good news?

G: The best.

H: What is it?

G: There is more to the story.

H: What?

G: Jesus is alive!

H: No!

G: YES!

H: But I saw Him die. How can it be?

G: God raised him from the dead.

H: You’re kidding, right? No, you can’t be - that’s against angel rules.

G: No, I am not kidding.

H: Jesus is alive?

G: It’s a fact!

H: Risen from the dead?!

G: Amazing, isn’t it?

H: So what you’re saying is that he didn’t lose?

G: That’s right.

H: And so he won the battle?

G: Over sin and death.

H: How cool is that?

G: And the good news is that Jesus victory is for all of humanity. Jesus fought the battle and he won! For all!

H: Wow. This is good news!

G: The best news ever!

H: What a wonderful gift.

G: A gift of grace.

H: A gift for all people!

G: Through this new life, there is hope. Even for those whose hands are stained with his blood, God gives them a road to forgiveness and new life.

H: So sin is no longer the final word?

G: Now it is forgiveness.

H: Death is no longer the final word?

G: Now it is life.

H: Despair is no longer the final word?

G: Now it is hope!

H: Wow! So, when do we get to work?

G: Slow down, Harold, I have the details right here...let me see...

H: Maybe a marching band, or another great chorus...

G: Harold...

H: Or maybe a parade down the streets of Jerusalem with an angel band. Yes, an Easter parade!

G: Harold...

H: I really should get a new halo for this celebration - it is going to be a doozie! (singing) In my Easter halo...

G: HAROLD!

H: Yes?

G: Remember, you are not in charge.

H: How bout an Easter Egg Hunt?

G: What is an Easter Egg Hunt?

H: Chocolate Bunnies?

G: Harold!

H: I know. Not in charge.

G: That’s right. God is in charge. Remember?

H: How could I forget! So Gabe, what is on the docket this time - harps, maybe a little latin song or two like last time, shake up some more shepherds? What do you want me to do?

G: Well, Harold, your role this time is a bit more subdued. We just have to get some guards to fall into a deep sleep.

H: I have a sermon or two that should do the trick. What else?

G: Then we need to roll the stone away from the mouth of the grave.

H: Sounds like hard labor to me. Couldn’t we get someone else to do the stone? (holding his back, and wincing) My wings are out of alignment and my back is killing me...

G: Harold? Do you want the job or not? I mean it is only the most important day in the history of the world, I am sure I can find someone else...

H: No, no. I’ll do it. Heaven forbid that someone else should have to suffer...

G: Can we continue?

H: Go on (holding his back, wincing)...

G: Then we have some sheets to fold up, and then wait for the women to come.

H: I suppose you want hospital corners too?

G: (Giving him an evil eye)

H: Okay, okay. I can handle it. Whatever I can do to proclaim the good news!

G: That’s the spirit.

H: Okay, sleep, stone, sheets, what else.

G: Just one more thing. When the women come to the grave to prepare the body for burial, you say,

H: “Surprise!”

G: No! Pay attention. You say “Why do you look for the living among the dead. He is not here. He is Risen!”

H: (pause) That’s it?

G: That’s all!

H: No fanfare?

G: No fanfare.

H: Not even a little?

G: Just follow the script, Harold. This is what God has planned.

H: But what about the celebration? What about the fanfare? This is the greatest news of all. Shouldn’t we proclaim it? Songs of Alleluia and praise?

G: No Harold. (Pointing to congregation) That’s their job.

H: (Looking inquisitively at congregation) Do you think they will do it?

G: With news like this, wouldn’t you?

H: So that’s it.

G: Why don’t you give it a try.

H: “He is not here. He is risen.”

G: (encouraging congregation to join her) He is risen indeed!

H: ... and that’s it, that’s the end?

G: Believe me, Harold, this is only the beginning!