The fearful shepherd

Shepherd: Shepherd
Snail: Snail

The shepherd comes hesitantly onto the stage, looking around again and again. From the other side, a snail slowly pushes its way forward. But at the first movement, the shepherd half hides behind the curtain. He watches the snail move carefully and gains confidence.
Now the snail looks towards the other.

Snail Oh, hello, I didn't see you, I nearly knocked you over.

Shepherd No no, I would have been paying attention, I was already watching you.

Snail Oh, you were watching me, that's nice. Usually I don't get noticed. And if they do, it's only because they're disgusted by me or because I've eaten something from the salad.
But you're so nice. Why aren't you sitting with the other shepherds?

Shepherd I am always so afraid. And the others laugh at me because I'm so small and a bit clumsy.

Snail I'm sorry. It's a pity, I would have liked to talk longer, but it's getting dark and I haven't found a safe place to sleep yet.

Shepherd Okay, then I'm sure we'll see each other again in the morning. Good night!

Snail Good night!

The snail crawls on. As soon as it disappears from the picture, a spotlight comes on from the side above.

Shepherd Oh wow what kind of light is that? How it dazzles! It's beautiful, so warm, it makes you so happy and yet I'm afraid.
What are the others doing? I'm sure they're not shaking!

Now the gaze is directed more downwards.

Shepherd They are also afraid! And how they tremble! I've never seen the old man like that. But now something is moving in the light! It looks like an angel! He's saying something... Unfortunately, I don't understand everything... only : not to be afraid, great joy, a manger... wrapped in swaddling clothes....
Now there are more angels! They speak of God's glory and peace on earth.... Well, I guess they don't know our King yet....

The light goes out.

Shepherd Oh, what a pity, I could have watched them like that for ages.
What are the others doing now? They can't just leave the sheep behind! They're just leaving! Well, I'm going with them! I need to know what's going on with the manger and the nappies. - Just keep a little distance so that they don't notice me.

a few bars of "i`m walking"

Shepherd Now they go into a stable, what do they want in there? Is the manger with the nappies there? Maybe one of them has become a father and needs some for his baby?
When will they finally come out again? It's taking ages! Ah there, at last! But what's wrong with them? They look so happy all of a sudden! Even the old sourpuss is suddenly all smiles!

Snail (comes from the side) Hello, what are you doing here?

Shepherd Hello, snail, I followed the shepherds, we saw a bright light in the field.

Snail I think I know what you mean. This light is also here in the stable. Go inside and you will see it!

Shepherd Do you think so?

Snail Yes, yes, go ahead!

Shepherd All right, I'll do it. (leaves)

Snail (to the children) Oh, hello, I haven't seen you, have you been here long?
You know - what I saw in there made me so happy that I could sing now. Would you like to sing with me? Do you know .................?(sings a song with the children) Oh, that was beautiful, you can really sing!

Shepherd (comes back) Oh snail, that was so beautiful! There's not a manger with nappies, but a baby. I was allowed to come in and see it. God's glory was really shining there. The parents explained to me that this child is the promised Messiah. Then I looked into his eyes. It was as if he had looked into my soul.
I'm sorry, snail, but I can't stay long. I can't help it, I have to go into town like the other shepherds and tell them about it.

Snail But what about your fear!

Shepherd My fear? I don't know. It's gone! You, I have to go now!

Snail What will you do if she comes back?

Shepherd Then I'll look into his eyes again! Bye, I have to go!

Shepherd leaves.

Snail (declaiming)

Well, who would have thought
what a miracle God has wrought.
Not from palaces, not from space.
A corner of the world, a poor stable.
Here lies God's supreme power.