The sign at the neighborhood theater read:
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I went inside and up onto the stage, alone. The spotlight was bright, nearly blinding, and I raised a hand to shield my eyes. A Voice came from the darkness, full and rich. “You wish to try out for my play?” Feeling butterflies, I replied, “I do. I’ve always wanted to be in the Christmas story.”
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“ Wonderful!” sounded the Voice brightly. “ The play begins with the angel. I bet you’d be a fine angel. You do proclaim peace and good will, don’t you? And bring good tidings of great joy? You don’t complain a lot, do you?” I looked down and dug the stage with my toe. “Well, I wouldn’t call it a lot. . . .” “ How about angelic encounters? I’ll bet people are always having experiences with you that leave them saying, ‘That must have been an angel!’” I chuckled, “‘Angelic’ is a bit much, don’t you think? Would you settle for ‘generally pleasant or congenial encounters’?” The Voice was silent.
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christmas
❆
Carol Lynn Pearson
Religious Fiction
$12.95 U.S.
Pearson ❆
Author photo by Sandy Wells
the christmas play
is a writer of fiction and nonfiction, a prize-winning poet, and a playwright. Her many books include A Stranger for Christmas, The Modern Magi, and A Christmas Thief (Loyola Press, 2003). She is the mother of four adult children and resides in Walnut Creek, California. Additional information about her work can be found at www. carollynnpearson.net. Carol Lynn Pearson
What role are you willing to play this Christmas?
The Christmas Play A Fable for the Holidays
Jacket design by Laura Steur
❆ Illustrated by Anni Betts
Best-selling author Carol Lynn Pearson’s latest work adds a surprising twist to the traditional Christmas story. Auditioning for a role in the Christmas play, the narrator quickly learns that it involves more than just playing one part; and despite the great challenges, there will be even greater rewards. This simple tale is a gentle reminder that we all have a special role to play in the divine unfolding at Christmas—all we have to do is recognize and accept that role with the help of God.