Based on the parable of the light on a bushel in Matthew 5:14-16.

 

The cast is two comedy show hosts, possibly dressed as clowns, and 4-6 Christians, who will need to be wearing coats/jackets, and who will need to bring a lamp.  A variety of lamps would be best, possibly including an anglepoise (try hiding that under a jacket!), a standard lamp (ditto - for maximum effect to be held upside down for scene 1 and the start of scene 2) or a torch (use batteries instead of a bulb).  The bulbs need to be taken out before the start and put on a table on the dais.  There need to be sufficient sockets to plug in all the lamps, so check that the circuit is strong enough to cope.  The sketch would be best performed in a darkened room.

 

Introduction

 

Enter 1 and 2

 

1          What's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen?

2          I don't know.  What is the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen?

1          A group of Christians hiding their light under a bucket

2          It doesn't seem so strange to me

1          Well, take a look at this.....

 

Scene 1

 

Enter furtively, form different directions and at different times, 6 people carrying lamps under their coats.  When they reach the dais, they unwrap their lamps, collect a bulb from the table and put it in, and plug the lamp into the socket, but don't switch on.  When all ready, they put their lamps into the centre and huddle round them, using their coats to stop anyone seeing in, and switch their lamps on together.  After a while in "prayer", they say Amen together, switch lamps off, and reverse the whole process, leaving their bulbs on the table, and creeping furtively out.

 

Interlude 1

 

2          Yes, I see what you mean.  That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.

1          Tell you what!

2          What?

1          How about a practical joke?

1          Like what?

2          They'll be back next Sunday.  Wait and see........

 

Scene 2

 

As Scene 1, but while they are in "prayer", there is a reading from Matthew 5: 14-15:

 

1          "You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a               bucket.  Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house." 

 

Group are startled by the voice, and are transfixed looking upwards while it continues.  At the end, amid mutterings of "A voice from the Lord!", they look at each other in awe, come out of huddle, and pick up lamps, holding them still lit in front of them, and turn to form an outward-facing circle.  Say Amen.  No longer nervous in the group, but still take bulbs out and leave furtively.

 

Interlude 2

 

1          How about that then?

2          Good, but I think they could do better.  My turn next week........

 

Scene 3

 

As Scene 1, but gather into an outward-facing circle as per Scene 2.  While in "prayer", a reading from the lectern from Matthew 5:14-16:

 

2          "You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a               bucket.  Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine               before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

 

Group say Amen and leave, but keep the bulbs in their lamps, and go to various points of the church, where they plug lamps in and switch on.

 

Finale

 

1 & 2   (together, looking at each other, with thumbs up)  Yeah!!!  Exeunt

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