I Carry the King
It’s late at night in a small stable in Bethlehem. The animals have been run out of their warm stable because of some human intruders. As they complain and question the fairness of the whole situation, they meet a stranger in the corral, a small and weary donkey. As the humble donkey talks about his trip and his masters, the animals are joined by a dog who has followed his master down from the hills. He tells them a wild story about some flying creatures that spoke to them about a “Savior” that had just been born. Next, they are joined by the haughty camels who demand the best accommodation of the small corral. After all, “they carry kings” and deserve it. As the others object, the old owl is disturbed and when he looks into the stable, things become even stranger. The kings that the camels were so proud of are actually bowing down to the newborn in the hay offering Him gifts. While the animals can’t really understand all that’s going on, they are aware that something momentous is taking place.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Karen Jones
What inspired you to write this play?
Nothing in particular. I’m just always seeking a new way to tell the Christmas story so people can see it with a fresh perspective.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
I think it’s the section of the unblemished lamb born in the stable was destined to go to Jerusalem. It hints at the ultimate sacrifice that the "umblemished" Lamb of God destiny as well.
Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
The characters are just the animals that would have been at the stable that night. Their personalities may be a little stereotyped as the goat being cranky, the donkey, humble, the owl, wise etc., but it works out well in telling the story.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
Along with the Nativity Story, I wanted to show that God sometimes chooses the lowliest of creatures to His good purpose.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Do you have anything else you'd like to add?
Just to remember that God has a purpose and plan for all of us in His kingdom.