Tips to Try
Tips for telling - The Innkeeper of Bethlehem
Few people who hear the Christmas story have ever given much thought to the effects of Jesus’ birth upon the Innkeeper. The innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph away surely must have witnessed some of what went on in and around his stable that night. Nick Della Vale tells this embellished Bible story with passion, drawing you into what “might have been.” Further along in the story he presents you, the storyteller, with a clear opportunity to extend an invitation to your listeners to receive Christ as their personal savior.
Nick tells this story of the Innkeeper of Bethlehem in full costume! Storytelling in costume adds a whole new dimension. Additionally, he uses some props: keys (toward the end), and a shawl, and a trumpet sound. Unlike most stories, this story has quite a few direct scripture quotations. What isn’t already put to memory by the teller can actually be read while still staying “in character”.
The written text, also provided for you in this Story of the Month, includes some valuable tips in parenthesis. Notice places where Nick has written out the pronunciation of words, so that as you are reading that part from Scripture you don’t have to stumble over those names. If you do this story following Nick’s script, you will see how he has divided up this longer story into easier-to-recall segments.
Most importantly, as you think about this coming Christmas season and the opportunities it will afford to share the truth of the birth of Christ and why He came to earth, this story may give you another way of sharing this “old, old story” with those who desperately need to know how real and personal this salvation message is for them.
“Once a poker dealer in Las Vegas… now a pilgrim for Christ!” says Nick of himself. Nick and Lucy Della Vale ~ Missionaries to America/ Storytellers for Christ. Currently they are doing a Walk Across America for Christ where they reach out to people that they meet along the way and share the gospel as they go. For more information on Nick and Lucy’s unique ministry or his walk across America, visit them at: walkacrossamericaforchrist.blogspot.com/
And if you’ve received encouragement by the Innkeeper of Bethlehem story I’m sure they’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to check out our ‘Story of the Month’ as well
Check out the past five months of stories and tips
