Happy First Sunday of Advent!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve really enjoyed writing short sketches about money, but I wasn’t sure about writing scathing satires during the festive season.
We’ll see what inspires me next week, but today, I’ve explored the story of the visit of the magi. There’s actually a lot that can be said about money from this chapter of Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 2).
The sketch is called “The Three Wise Wives” and it’s 1,200 words. In it, the wives of the magi discuss the men’s departure and whether their journey is wise.
But really, it’s about the commercialisation of Christmas, the injustice of patriarchy, and how Jesus’ kingship truly is different.
There are many traditions associated with the magi and Wikipedia has a helpful article on them. Quite how much these are based in fact is another matter. Matthew’s gospel doesn’t say there were three magi, just that there were three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
In this sketch, I’ve used the three traditional names for the magi and have included an age differential between the three wives, but I’ve assumed they all come from Ancient Persia.
I hope you enjoy.
The Three Wise Wives
ADVISORY WARNING: Some references to patriarchy, sexism and the risks of childbirth.
PREMISE: The wives of the magi discuss the men’s departure and whether their journey is wise.
WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT: The commercialisation of Christmas, the injustice of patriarchy, and how Jesus’ kingship truly is different.
LENGTH: ~1,200 words
GENRE: Drama.
CHARACTERS:
CASSANDANE: Wife of Casper. Older and somewhat cynical.
MEHRSA: Wife of Melchior. Believing. Grown up and thinks for herself.
BITA: Wife of Balthazar. A young dreamer.
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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
