Use this easy-to-present dramatised version of the Epiphany (Twelfth Night) story to bring the characters to life. The text is adapted from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
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Epiphany drama Matthew 2.1-12 WORD
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The Epiphany Story Matthew 2:1-12
Three Readers: Storyteller, 1-3 Magi / Wise ones, Herod (Consider having all three magi present, with one or two taking the reading parts.)
Storyteller:
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise ones from the East came to Jerusalem, asking,
Magi:
‘Where is the child who has been born ruler of the Jews? For we observed the star at its rising, and have come to pay the child homage.’
Storyteller:
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. And calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, Herod inquired of them,
Herod: Where will the Messiah be born?
Magi:
‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd* my people Israel.” ’
Storyteller:
Then Herod secretly called for the wise ones and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying,
Herod:
Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.
Storyteller:
When they had heard the king, they set out. And there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
