The Search for a Baby Jesus

This flow follows the church’s search for an infant performer and the practical decision to use a doll when families withdraw their offers.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Babies Are Offered

A Role for an Infant Early Enthusiasm Several families offer babies of different ages for the role of Jesus. A real infant would give the production the central figure it expects. A Role Dependent on Trust The arrangement assumes that parents will feel comfortable handing their child to the cast. That trust becomes uncertain once the Herdmans are given the main roles.

Offers Are Withdrawn

Parents Reconsider

A Foster Baby Appears Possible

A Temporary Solution

Imogene Offers to Steal One

A Disturbing Proposal

The Doll Takes the Role

A Safe Stand-In The Decision The director decides to use a doll instead of continuing the search for an infant. Imogene approves on the practical ground that a doll cannot bite. A Changed Performance The doll avoids the risks that frightened parents, but it does not make the role emotionally empty. Imogene’s care for it helps create the pageant’s unexpectedly human quality.

At the start of pageant preparations

After the Herdmans receive the principal roles

During the search for a replacement

After the foster baby is adopted

Before the final rehearsal