Happy Land

PURPOSE: 
Reality sure puts a damper on optimism.

LOCATION:
A children’s TV show set.  A background of flowers and smiley faces, stuffed animals, whatever you can do to give it that Mr. Rogers/Captain Kangaroo feel. 

PROPS:
A stool, “Happyland” sign (or a slide on the screen)

TIME:
4-5 minutes

PRODUCTION NOTE:
There are some musical arrangements here that will require you to handle with musicians or a background tape.

CHARACTERS:
Smiley Sandy: The eternal optimist and host of the show.

Perky Pete: A real downer.

Joyful Joy: A real downer.

Jolly Jerry: Happy-go-lucky guy.

THOUGHTS:
What does the outside world think of Christianity?  One big “Happyland”?

The real promise of Christianity is not continuous 24-hour a day bliss party, for we will all face circumstances that sadden us.  Even Jesus wept and was heartbroken.  We do receive a joy that is beyond anything we can find here, but that is found in the faith of our eternal destination.  The problems of this earth appear miniscule in comparison as we acknowledge a future joy in the presence of God.

Christians love to dispel the philosophy of “don’t worry be happy” until life deals them a bad hand.  Then suddenly they have the right to grieve and despair.  We must practice what we preach.

THEMES:
BAD THINGS TO GOOD PEOPLE, SUFFERING, COURAGE, STRENGTH, JOY