The Light of the World

By John McNeil

Summary

A multi-media presentation proclaiming Jesus as the light of the world, and that through him, Christians are to also be a light to the world.

Production note: The script as written combines narration, dance, slides, overhead transparencies and/or video, and the use of an item called a Zoetrope (suggestions for construction follow). However, consider this as a sort of Lego scipt. Combine elements (or replace them with elements of your own devising) to suit your cricumstances or the resources available to you.

Scriptures

John 8:12. 9:5, 12:46
Matt. 5:14-16, Eph. 5:8

The Zoetrope: The word "zoetrope" comes from two greek words meaning "light" and "turn". The classical zoetrope of Victorian times was a rotating cylinder with a "stop action" sequence of figures/scenes on the interior. Slits in the cylinder allowed the viewer to look in and see a moving sequence as the zoetrope rotated.

A different kind of zoetrope is suggested for this presentation. Using cardboard or plastic, mount a cylinder on a rotating base (the turntable from an old record player might be suitable), with a light bulb inside the cylinder. Close the top of the cylinder. The cylinder should have silhouettes of people cut out around it, with perhaps one in the top. At the commencement, these silhouettes are covered over with paper that will be removed in the course of the presentation.

Script

(Scene: A darkened auditorium, with scene/s of space/stars projected on to front screen, side walls or ceiling.)

NARRATOR:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God, and all things were made through him. Nothing was made without him.

Slide/video: Earth from space.

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth.

Follow spot reveals dancer as Jesus centre stage.

The dancer could be wrapped in reflecting media, lit by spot or strobe only. Alternatively, dressed in clothing of artificial fibre lit by ultra-violet light only.

In the beginning was the Word. In him was life, and the life was the light of man.

The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Song:

"I am the Light of the World" (or similar).

Slides/video illustrating aspects of creation.

Slides/video illustrating peoples of the world.

Narrator:

The true light that enlightens every person was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and yet the world knew him not.

4 people/dancers come forward to the Christ figure. They kneel, are blessed, raised and each presented with a lamp/light or candle, which is lit by the Christ figure.

But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.

The four are sent to the four corners of the congregation.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world."

Lights dim to black, and the four sent ones one by one extinguish their lights during this section of narration.

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.

It was now the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." And having said this, he breathed his last.

Music fades to silence.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1st "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

2nd "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

3rd "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

4th "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Dancers advance to front.

The dancers approach the zoetrope, and begin to spin it slowly. As they do, they begin to peel away the papers covering the silhouettes. The light inside the zoetrope shines figures onto the screen/walls, increasing in number as the papers are removed.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before people that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in Heaven.

"Once you were darkness. But now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light."

One dancer remains to keep zoetrope spinning. The remainder go to the audience/congregation, and either hand lights on to other individuals, or light candles at the end of rows. People in the rows in turn light their neighbour's candle, until all are lit.

Song/hymn:

Reprise of "I am the Light of the World", or another song on similar theme.

© John McNeil 1999
All rights reserved
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged.
In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed.
He may be contacted at: soul.communication@outlook.com
Or at: 36B Stourbridge St, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand.

		NARRATOR: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God, and all things were made through him. Nothing was made without him.
Slide/video: Earth from space.		In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth.
Follow spot reveals dancer as Jesus centre stage. The dancer could be wrapped in reflecting media, lit by spot or strobe only. Alternatively, dressed in clothing of artificial fibre lit by ultra-violet light only.		In the beginning was the Word. In him was life, and the life was the light of man. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Song:		"I am the Light of the World" (or similar).
Slides/video illustrating aspects of creation. Slides/video illustrating peoples of the world.		Narrator: The true light that enlightens every person was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and yet the world knew him not.
4 people/dancers come forward to the Christ figure. They kneel, are blessed, raised and each presented with a lamp/light or candle, which is lit by the Christ figure.		But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.
The four are sent to the four corners of the congregation.		Jesus said, "You are the light of the world."
Lights dim to black, and the four sent ones one by one extinguish their lights during this section of narration.		He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. It was now the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." And having said this, he breathed his last.
Music fades to silence.
		The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
1st "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.		The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
2nd "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.		The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
3rd "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.		The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
4th "sent" dancer lights candle/lamp.		The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Dancers advance to front. The dancers approach the zoetrope, and begin to spin it slowly. As they do, they begin to peel away the papers covering the silhouettes. The light inside the zoetrope shines figures onto the screen/walls, increasing in number as the papers are removed.		Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before people that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in Heaven. "Once you were darkness. But now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light."
One dancer remains to keep zoetrope spinning. The remainder go to the audience/congregation, and either hand lights on to other individuals, or light candles at the end of rows. People in the rows in turn light their neighbour's candle, until all are lit.
Song/hymn:		Reprise of "I am the Light of the World", or another song on similar theme.