Reason for the Season

A DramaShare Christmas Skit

Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, Marvin meets a stream of well-meaning townsfolk—each convinced they know the true “reason for the season.” From caroling and fellowship to gifts and rest, everyone has their own take on Christmas spirit. But when a quiet child steps forward, the real answer comes into focus with simple, profound clarity: Jesus is the reason for the season.
Framed by two poetic readings, including “I Was the Star” and “The Lamb of God,” this charming, thought-provoking play is perfect for churches, schools, or family gatherings looking to spotlight the true meaning of Christmas with warmth, humor, and a powerful message.

Cast: 10 m or f, any age

• Reader
  Marvin
  Bud
  Ellen
  Helen
  Tom
  Little Child (5 - 9)

Bible Reference: Luke 2
Set: standard, with street sign
Sound: wireless mics if possible
Song: none
Lighting: ability to darken the set between scenes would be useful
SFX: none
Props: sheet music, bag of groceries, cookies
Costumes: standard
Special Instructions: none
Time: 12

Sample script:

[Opening Reading: I Was the Star]

Listen closely to me as I tell you my tale
Of God's mission for me, I must not fail.
My reason for being is lighting the way,
So travellers tonight can see as in day.

(Continues through full poem reading…)

---

[Scene Begins]

(Marvin, dressed in cowboy clothes, hat and boots comes on stage, leans against pole. Bud comes along, waves at Marvin.)

Marvin: Hi there Bud, how're ya doin'?
Bud: Oh, doin' great! It is so excitin', Christmas an' all!
Marvin: Ya got that right, Bud! Yep, excitin' is what it is! Truly, truly, is!
Bud: Yep, right on! Listen, Marvin, sorry but I gotta go now. Like I say, Christmas an' all! I got a ton of presents ta git, you know the drill! Presents, the reason for the season, ya know!
Marvin: Know it, Bud? I should say so, yip. I purely do! Like I always say, presents, that's the reason for the season!
Bud: The reason for the season! You got it! Gotta rush along now, see, ya!
Marvin: Presents, well I guess that likely is it, I mean, what else could be the reason for the season?

(Ellen walks by, toque and coat on, music book in hand)

Ellen: Hi Marvin, how ya doin' ole buddy, ole pal!
Marvin: Ellen! Why I'm jist super great, that's what I am! And what might I ask, are you up to this fine, fine winter evening?
Ellen: Me? Why I'm going caroling at the senior citizen's home.
Marvin: Now, ain't that super nice? Super nice, I wuz gonna say! Carolin' down to the senior citizen's home! Nice, nice, nice, nice, nice!
Ellen: Well, seems to me that we oughta be doin' right things for others at Christmas. After all, doin' right things for others, that's the reason for the season!
Marvin: Ya gotta know it! Jist like I wuz sayin' to the Missis jist the other day, doin' right things fer others, that's the reason for the season!
Ellen: Right on Marvin! Look, I'd love to stay and chat, but, you know how it is! Doin' right things for others! Just gotta keep at it!
Marvin: Doin' the right thin's fer others, well that sure does make sense all right! I guess that truly could be the reason for the season.

(Helen walks by, bags of groceries in her arms. A box of cookies falls on the floor just as she gets to Marvin. Marvin picks up cookies and hands them to Helen.)

Marvin: Oops, there we go. I don't think your cookies are none the worse fer the wear, Helen! But where are you off ta, all them groceries an' all? Why I dare say you have most enough ta feed an army, ya do!
Helen: Oh we are having about seventy-five people from our church over for a party at our house. I've been out buying just a few snacks.
Marvin: Well now, an' ain't that jist super! A party fer seventy-five of yer church friends. Gettin' tagether with yer friends, ain't that nice!
Helen: Well, yes, we really look forward to entertaining our church friends. Such good fellowship! I guess I've always thought that fellowship with our friends from the church, it's, well, it's the reason for the season.
Marvin: Now that I kin see alright, fellowship with friends, yip, that surely is the reason fer the season.
Helen: Look, why don't you join us for fellowship. Next Friday evening at 7:30. 96 Candlestick Lane, blue house, great big angel mural on the lawn. Can't miss it! See you there!
Marvin: Yip, see ya, 96 Candlestick, angel mural. Well, I never thought about it before but, maybe opportunities fer fellowship, maybe that's it, reason fer the season. Never know.

(Tom walks by, slowly, yawns, stretches)

Marvin: Hey, Tom! Man you surely do look like you bin pulled through a knothole! You look beat, man!
Tom: You are right about that Marvin! I'm dead on my feet! I've been taking a double load at university this semester, plus I have been working at two jobs just to make ends meet. I can't wait until the Christmas holidays start, then I can veg out for three whole weeks! Man, it will be heaven!
Marvin: So I guess that you would say that the reason fer the season is . . .
Tom: Getting a much needed break, that's the reason for the season, right there! Person can only take so much, you know. Need a break, or you'll . . . , well you just gotta get a change, that's all!
Marvin: Well, I can sure see yer point, gittin' a break is mighty important! I didn't realize that it wuz the reason fer the season, but I kin see it's real important! Maybe yer right, maybe it is the reason fer the season.
Tom: You just know it, Marvin! Sorry, but I have to get moving. I'm so tired that it's shove off or snooze. (yawns) See ya around Marvin.
Marvin: What's that, er, yeh, see ya Tom.

(Little child comes on stage, stands back, watches, listens as Marvin talks out his thoughts.)

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