A Christmas play with a surprise ending

The church youth group and adult leaders prepare to practice for a Christmas program. They anticipate a visit by the church's new custodian, who will clean and lock up the building. A visitor arrives, who all believe to be the custodian. The visitor begins to help with the rehearsal. With his help, the real meaning of Christmas is clearly revealed to all. The stranger leaves. To the surprise of the cast (but not the audience) the "real" custodian finally arrives. The cast ponders: "Who was that visitor?" This simple play is easily adaptable for any size group. No special props are rquired other than a lectern and a Bible. Charles Byrd, Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a United Methodist minister who has served as pastor, teacher, counselor, and staff member of the The United Methodist Publishing House. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Duke Divinity School.