the Second Shepherds Play
The Second Shepherd's Play is a beautiful Christmas pageant that features a double plot, which is there to remind the reader of the dual nature of reality (this world and the spiritual world). The Second Shepherd's Play contains many symbols that not only pertain to the story itself but also speak for the greater meaning behind its biblical roots. The reader is able to uncover several different internal meanings behind the plain text of the script that lend themselves as symbols to a greater meaning or reflection on the life of Christ. In addition the characters and objects in The Second Shepherd's Play, also function as the main characters and symbols of the Bible nativity story. The plot centers round three shepherds who hunt down a stolen sheep, only to find it disguised as a baby (the use of the sheep is a direct comparison to Jesus as the Lamb of God). This action takes place in the house of a sheep stealer Mak and his wife, (who represent Joseph and the Virgin Mary). After punishing Mak, the Shepherds exit the house. As the sheep is uncovered it's done so with a kiss, just as Christ was betrayed by a kiss on the night of his death. In the final two pages of the play th
. Frankincense is a fragrant incense compound that of which was carried in a censor and burned morning andevening in the temple for most offerings of any kind. There is only a baby there, but they see something more. Then in Bethlehem the Shepherds look into the cradle and see not just a baby but the Savior, a God. There are very funny passages in the play as the Shepherds describe the face and smell of the baby. This is what faith is all about: seeing a God when you look at the Christ child The Second Shepherd's Play is in a sense an exploration of the Christian significance of the number three. For example, it focuses on three shepherds that begin the play with three soliloquies. Frankincense is representative of the way Jesus lived His life. The play is a definition of faith. Considering that the birth of Christ is the single event in Sacred History in which Mary plays the most central role, and that it is from this role as the mother of Christ that her significance for human salvation derives. Recall that Mary's role as an all-forgiving, loving mother and "co-savior" with Christ was a first part of what has been called the "humanization" of God. But in the end the Shepherds are not fooled. The Cherries are a symbol of blood and Christ's death to come, as the Myrrh is a spice used to anoint the dead. The play also contains three distinct movements, and closes with three adorations of the Christ child to whom they give three gifts. The bird can be compared to the gold, as a symbol of Christ's kingdom in heaven as the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Common topics in this essay:
Shepherd's Play,
Spirit Frankincense,
East Christ,
Recall Mary's,
Holy Trinity,
Mak Shepherds,
Myrrh Cherries,
History Mary,
Lamb God,
Etc Shepherds,
shepherd's play,
christ child,
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house sheep,
play shepherds,
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Acceptance Essays
