The Second Shepherds’ Play

Discuss the relationships of language, ideas, and events that tie the Bethlehem Nativity scene with Mary and the baby Jesus that ends the play to the rest of the play.  What similarities and differences link the story of Mak and the stolen sheep to the final brief portion of the play that depicts the infant Jesus?  How does the action of the first segment of the play prepare the shepherds (and the audience) for the messages contained in the final segment? You should reread the biblical Christmas story in order to appreciate the play’s embellishments.