A Christmas Carol Readers’ Theatre (Church Edition)

This reader’s theatre skit is a church-friendly adaptation of A Christmas Carol that shows how the message of Jesus can change even the hardest heart. A modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge sits through a simple Christmas Eve rehearsal, only planning to check on his donation. As the readers share lines from Dickens’ story and Scriptures about new hearts, true treasure, and God’s love, Scrooge begins to see himself in the old tale.

Through gentle humor, Scripture, and honest conversation, Scrooge realizes that religious habit and generosity can’t replace a changed heart. By the end, he prays sincerely, trusting Jesus to make him new. The skit ends with a powerful declaration from 2 Corinthians 5:17, reminding the church that in Christ, anyone can become a new creation.

Theme

Christmas, repentance, and new life in Christ (spiritual growth and transformation).

Characters

(8+ actors; roles can be doubled or shared for larger casts)

• Narrator – Main storyteller, calm and clear, guides the audience through the scenes.

• Narrator 2 – Assists Narrator, adds warmth and reflection.

• Ebenezer Scrooge – Modern businessman; outwardly successful but inwardly cold and tired.
  Pastor Grace – Kind, wise pastor who gently points Scrooge to Jesus and Scripture.

• Bob Cratchit – Faithful church member, humble and sincere, often reads Dickens lines.

• Tiny Tim – Child with simple faith and gentle humor; softens Scrooge’s heart.

• Church Member 1 – Engaged reader, asks good questions, represents the congregation.

• Church Member 2 – Additional reader, helps connect Dickens’ scenes to real life.

(If more actors are available, lines from Narrators and Church Members can be divided among extra readers or a small choir.)

When

In modern times, on Christmas Eve, during a church readers’ theatre rehearsal.

Props & Costumes

• Simple church setting (real sanctuary works fine)

• Printed scripts or folders for each reader

• A few “candle” lights or fairy lights (optional)

• One simple crutch or cane for Tiny Tim

• Simple, modern clothing (Sunday best or neat casual)

• Optional: small cross or Bible in Pastor Grace’s hands

Why

The key verse at the heart of this skit is:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

This verse (2 Corinthians 5:17) shows that the message of Christmas is not just about traditions, stories, or even generosity—it’s about Jesus making people completely new on the inside. Scrooge’s transformation mirrors the spiritual truth that no heart is too hard for God to change.

How

The skit is performed as readers’ theatre: all characters stand or sit in a semi-circle at the front, each holding their script. Movements are minimal and gentle—small steps, simple gestures, and occasional turning toward one another. No memorization is required.

Optional: A choir or small group can quietly hum or sing a line of “Joy to the World” near the end of the skit.

Time

15 minutes