Miriam had awaited all her life for the spectacular arrival of God"s Messiah. She had dreamed of him stopping at her inn, sleeping on her fine linen pillows, and eating from the expensive bowls she had prepared in anticipation of that day. Why, then, did he pass her by? Why was his arrival proclaimed to the uncouth shepherd who had stolen her daughter"s heart away from her mother? Why had he made himself known to the crippled stable boy whom she disliked so? Why would the Messiah come to her enemies, while ignoring the faithful servant who had so long awaited his arrival? Reflect with Miriam on the nature of God"s love and his expectations for his people -- as she find"s God"s greatest gift in some very unexpected places. Sets and costumes may be simple or elaborate. The monolog may be read by a single actor or performed by a cast of older youth and adults. Performance time is approximately 25 minutes. A native of Pennsylvania, Harriet Faust interrupted a career as a public school teacher to become a full-time pastor"s assistant. She has written several short stories and plays for church publications, and also writes a monthly article on nature and history topics for a local magazine. Her home is in Ridgeway, Pennsylvania.