Maggie Came from the East

Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1-12


A skit introducing the Wise Men.

Cast:
GRANNY GRACE – a sweet old storyteller who doesn't always get the facts straight
MISS REBECCA – the teacher who sets her straight

(MISS REBECCA is on stage when GRANNY enters.)

GRANNY: Good morning, dears.

MISS REBECCA: Good morning, Granny. Do you have a story for us today?

GRANNY: Of course, young lady. Granny always has a story.

MISS REBECCA: What story do you have for us today?

GRANNY: Well, with Christmas coming up, I thought I’d tell you the story of the Wise Men Matthew 2.

MISS REBECCA: That sounds like a great idea.

GRANNY: Splendid! After Jesus was born, Wise Men came from the East following a star. Being astronomers and astrologers, they knew the star was a sign that a great king had been born. They headed west toward Judah. Since they were looking for a king, they went to the palace of King Herod. Imagine his surprise to hear there was a baby king when he and his wife had no baby. The scholars told them to look for the Christ child in Bethlehem. Herod told the Wise Men to return with the location of the child, so he could worship Him, too. Really, though, he was afraid of losing power, so he wanted to kill the baby king. They found the baby, and they gave him precious gifts and worshipped him. Being warned in a dream about Herod, they went home by a different route. When Herod found out, he was not a happy camper.

MISS REBECCA: That's all very interesting, Granny.

GRANNY: But that's not the most interesting part.

MISS REBECCA: Really?

GRANNY: Oh my lands, no. It seems that the Wise Men were all named Maggie.

MISS REBECCA: (dubious) Maggie?

GRANNY: Yes, dear. I know it’s a girl’s name today, but it must have been a man’s name back then.

MISS REBECCA: Granny...

GRANNY: In fact, it must have been a very popular man’s name, because they were ALL named Maggie.

MISS REBECCA: I don't think...

GRANNY: It must have been very confusing for them. Whose camel is this? It’s Maggie’s. It’s not my camel. No, I meant Maggie. Who has my myrrh? Maggie has it. Not me, check with Maggie. What is myrrh anyway. I don’t know, ask Maggie.

MISS REBECCA: Granny Grace!

GRANNY: Yes, dear?

MISS REBECCA: M-A-G-I is pronounced Magi not Maggie.

GRANNY: Are you quite sure, dearie?

MISS REBECCA: Yes, it’s pronounced Magi. It’s the plural of Magus.

GRANNY: Well, that's completely different. It's still a lovely story, no matter what their names were.

MISS REBECCA: Yes, it is.

GRANNY: And we should be like those wise men. We should bring our finest gifts to Jesus and worship Him.

MISS REBECCA: You are very right. Thank you for sharing the story of the Wise Men with us today, Granny.


GRANNY: My pleasure. And remember, children: wait at least 30 minutes after eating before you swim and read your Bible every day. Bye, dears. (exits)