You Gotta Have Hope

"Gotta Have Hope" is a Christmas drama that explores the true meaning of hope through multiple interconnected stories. The play follows Hope, an angel who brings the message of faith, while Torch and Pledge, opposing figures, try to lead people astray with empty promises. Various characters, including a street magician, a struggling mother, a biker, and a mall Santa, navigate their personal struggles, searching for joy and meaning. Through humorous and heartfelt moments, the play emphasizes that true hope is found in Christ, not worldly distractions.

Playwright: Rodney D. Hall

Runtime: 55+ minutes

Cast Size: 20 actors (all ages, approximately half male/female; some actors may play multiple roles)

Biblical References:

• Psalm 39:7 – "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
• Matthew 12:21 – "In his name the nations will put their hope."
• Hebrews 1:14 – "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
• 1 Peter 5:8 – "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
• 1 John 4:1 – "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..."

Sample Script: Download Sample Script

Act I - Scene 1

(Stage dark. Cue Hope’s dance music. Spotlight slowly up. Hope dances on stage.)

(Dance and music end. Hope bows. Spotlight slowly off.)

Hope (in dark): You gotta have hope.

(Hope exits.)

Act I - Scene 2

(Stage dark. Cue Torch music.)

(Torch mentoring Pledge.)

Torch: Look, here is the way it works. You look for somebody that looks a little lost - or down and out. They’re the ones that are most likely to be looking for what we have to offer. We try to get them away from the crowd so they have a good opportunity to hear about our deal. And by ALL means, stay clear of that Hope angel. She’s completely bad news. We’ve lost a bunch of people to her revolting message. Makes me wanna hurl.

(Pledge mimes gagging.)

Torch: Are you paying attention?? You spot a potential customer. You tell them about our product, and you make the deal.

Pledge: Huh??

Torch: Look it’s easy... (counting on fingers) You Identify - You Advertise, and You Formalize.

Pledge: Yea, yea, yea I got it boss... (pulls out fly swatter) I dent the fly. I avert my eyes and I form some lies!

Torch: You form some LIES? A thousand years on the job and they assign me to you...

Pledge: The Big Boss must really like you, Mr. Torch sir.

Torch (exasperated): Yeah, Pledge, I’m sure he does. Somebody’s coming, let’s get out of the way.

(Torch and Pledge exit.)

Act I - Scene 3

(Street corner. Charlotte & Rita at goodie-filled table as customers and “tire-kickers” mingle.)

Charlotte: Come on and take a look, folks! We’ve got great Christmas gifts and more. Act quick before it’s too late!

Rita: And don’t forget, all proceeds go to the no-kill shelter to feed and care for animals who don’t have a home this Christmas.

(Shoppers look at items. Agnus enters, places a platform, and steps on top.)

Agnus (yelling loudly): Stopppppp!!!!

(Startled shoppers turn toward Agnus.)

Agnus: Do ya know where you’re going? Do you know where your path is gonna take you?

(Shoppers look to see what’s up.)

Proverbs 15:24 in God’s Holy Word says, “The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.” You need to ask yourself, “How can I be wise? How can I be sure I’m on the right path?” Well, I’m so glad you asked!

Proverbs 3:6 says that if you will acknowledge God in all your ways, He will make your paths straight. But, we have an enemy who wants to take you out. You have to be on the lookout. He’s a real con-artist. He goes prowling around like a lion looking for people to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Oh yes! And he will fool ya! Proverbs 14:12 tells us there is a way that seems right, but in the end, it leads to death. So I ask you again, “Do ya know where you’re headed?”

Shopper 1: How can we be sure?

(Torch/Pledge/Hope enter, observing from stage edges, invisible to humans.)

Agnus: Now that is a very good question!

Ephesians 6:11-12 tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand up against the schemes of the devil. Our battle is not against flesh and blood. It’s not against other people, it’s against demons and powers in the supernatural world.

Paul warned his protégé Timothy that in the last days, people will devote themselves to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons. (1 Timothy 4:1) But God gave His followers the power to test spirits to know if they are good or evil (1 John 4:1). He even gave them power to cast out demons (Mark 16:17).

Yes, my friends, we have power over our enemy when we follow Jesus! 1 John 3:8 teaches that the whole reason Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil!

God even provides angels to help us. Hebrews 1:14 says that angels are servants who have been sent to care for people who will inherit God’s great salvation.

But you need to know something. There are fallen angels too. They chose to rebel against God and instead followed Satan right out of Heaven. Crazy – right?

(Some shoppers voice agreement.)

Agnus: 2 Corinthians 11:14 says that Satan’s servants act like they are offering something good when the truth is that their product is pure evil. And like I said, they are on the prowl. John 10:10 says the thief only shows up for one reason: to steal and kill and destroy. But it also tells us that Jesus came so that we could have life to the fullest. Now which do you want?

(Some yell “Jesus,” others don’t want to hear it.)

Shopper 2: Can you show us the way?

(Shoppers start to disperse. Torch, Pledge, and Hope exit.)

Agnus: It would be my pleasure! James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Meet me at Park Street Church in 1 hour if you’re interested in learning more. God bless you all! And don’t forget, Jesus is the reason for the holiday season!

(A few follow Agnus, talking with her as they exit. Most go the other way. Only street vendors remain.)

Download Sample Script

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