The Shepherdess

“HE HAS COME TO US!”

In this stirring monologue by Ruth Martin-Maude, a young shepherdess bursts with awe, joy, and disbelief as she recounts the night everything changed, the night the Messiah came.

The Shepherdess tells the Christmas story through fresh eyes, those of a young girl raised in hope, who longed to be chosen by God, and instead became one of the first to witness His promise fulfilled. With raw emotion, vivid imagery, and childlike wonder, she shares how the skies exploded with angels, how fear turned to rejoicing, and how she stood face-to-face with the newborn King lying in a manger.

Cast: 1, monologue female
Bible Reference: Luke 2
Set: standard
Sound: wireless mics if possible
Song: none
Lighting: standard
SFX: none
Props: none
Costumes: likely traditional
Special Instructions: none
Time: 3

Sample of script:

Look I know you don’t believe me, I’m just a young shepherdess – so what do I know? But listen it’s really true! With these eyes I’ve just seen what we have longed and prayed for for generations. Just like every young Israelite girl, I’ve been taught to pray that God would choose me to be the mother of the Messiah. And tonight I saw the young woman that has been so blessed and I have no doubt that the baby I saw is our promise and hope.

It all began when I was over in the fields with my Uncles, Cousins, and a few others hired to help look after the flocks. The sky was so clear — I don’t think I can ever recall seeing so many stars as I did tonight. I had a feeling that this was a special night…I don’t know why I thought that; maybe it was because of all the people who were traveling home to Bethlehem for the census – there seemed to be a festive excitement that was contagious. We had heard that the Inns were all full someone said that people were sleeping in the streets.

I stood up from my spot near the fire to stretch my legs and then it happened…

All of a sudden, a bright light appeared, brighter than all of the stars. My legs buckled and I fell to the ground, my heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears, I was terrified. An Angel from the Lord stood before us and with a calm and reassuring voice said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

A thousand questions started to flood through my mind…why us? why would we be told of this great news by the Lord’s angel, we are not royalty, we do not possess power or wealth? A manger? Did I hear right?

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