Pauline Youd

SEBASTIAN, the Substitute Angel Pauline Youd

Six year-old Sebastian is called on as a last minute substitute for the Announcing Angel in the Easter Pageant presented at his church on Easter morning. All he has to do is roll back the stone, sit on it, and announce, "He is not here! He has risen!" Lest you think that sounds easy, consider that Sebastian is six years old, he hasn't rehearsed this play with the adult actors, his costume is pinned-to-fit, and his wings hang down to his bottom. But Sebastian knows this is the cameo of his life - the Announcing Angel in the Easter Pageant. Sebastian and his friends have already staged their interpretation of the Easter story in their back yard, but this is the real thing. His brother is playing Jesus, it's in front of the whole church, and since Sebastian already knows the story, his mother has volunteered him to replace the sick Announcing Angel. Arriving backstage just before the crucifixion scene, Sebastian is immediately caught up in the realistic drama. Then his mother gives him a little push and says, "Remember, He is not here! He is risen!" How Sebastian carries out his part, and the startling discovery he makes is sure to amuse and delight both children and the adults who read to them. Written with light, humorous, and visual charm, Sebastian, the Substitute Angel is aimed at ages 10 and up as it honestly and simply proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ, sometimes though the eyes of the adult, and sometimes through the exuberance of the child.