“‘Good Tidings of Great Joy’: A Readers Theater on the Mission of Christ,” Ensign, Dec. 1979, 10
“Good Tidings of Great Joy”:
A Readers Theater on the Mission of Christ
Woman: “The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. … And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt … bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. … And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:26–27, 30–33. Some capitalization has been changed in this and following quotations.)
Man: “And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. … [And] Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King?” (John 19:2–3, 15.)
Woman: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.” (Luke 2:4.)
Man: “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.” (John 19:17–18.)
Woman: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee … to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” (Luke 2:4–6.)
Man: “A place called … Golgotha: where they crucified him.” (John 19:17–18.)
Woman: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matt. 2:1–2.)
Man: “And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” (Luke 23:45.)
Woman: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes.” (Luke 2:7.)
Man: “Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. [And the soldiers] said … among themselves, Let us … cast lots for it.” (John 19:23–24.)
Woman: “And she … laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7.)
Man: “[And Joseph of Arimathaea] went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre.” (Luke 23:52–53.)
Woman: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. … And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8–11.)
Man: “They found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. … And … behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, … they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” (Luke 24:2, 4–6; Matt. 28:6.)
Woman: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13–14.)
Man: And he said: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34–35.)
Woman: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. … For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11.)
Man: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, … for he is risen, as he said.” (Luke 2:10; Matt. 28:6.)
Top: Detail of Harry Anderson’s The Prophet Isaiah Foretells Christ’s Birth.
Center right: Detail of Gustave Dore’s Christ Fainting under the Cross.
Center left: The Three Wise Men, copyright © Providence Lithograph Co.; used with permission.
Bottom left: Detail of Harry Anderson’s The Crucifixion of Christ.
Bottom right: Detail of Harry Anderson’s The Resurrected Christ Appears in the Upper Room.