Christmas pageants aren't just for children. The wonderful story of Jesus' birth speaks to all ages and all ages can reenact this traditional celebration. Author, Judy Gattis-Smith takes the traditional Christmas pageant story of the three wisemen and presents it in such a way that all ages can enact, particularly seniors
Three Elderly Wisemen is simple to produce, has lines that are easy to learn and, through a Bible story, deals with real issues seniors face. This play considers the wisemen as "senior citizens" with the same characteristics as senior citizens today. The running time is about one hour and at least fourteen characters are included. The play can also be done as a Readers Theater without costumes, props, or scenery. In this case, the narrator would set the scene, inviting the audience to use their imaginations.
Some characters included
- Melchior
- Casper
- Balthazer
- Aalijah (wife of Melchior)
Judy Gattis-Smith has worked as a teacher, author and workshop leader. She has written 20 books in the field of Christian education and has worked professionally as Christian Educator at Williamsburg UMC in Williamsburg, Virginia; Windsor Hills UMC and Greene Memorial UMC in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition, she worked as Director of the Ecumenical Resource Center at the former Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. She has traveled extensively, leading over 200 workshops and seminars for churches of various denominations seeking to promote enthusiasm and pride in Christian education and stressing the importance of the Sunday school. Gattis-Smith graduated from the Peabody College of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Music. She also attended the Julliard School of Music. She attended seminary at the Union Seminary NYC, the Presbyterian Union Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and the Wesley Seminary in Washington DC. Judy and her husband, a retired Methodist minister, live in Midlothian, Virginia. They have two adult children and four granddaughters. Judy and her husband live in a retirement community, Brandermill Woods, in Midlothian, Virginia. Three Elderly Wisemen was written for and first performed there.
