The play like the picture-Bible designed by the priests for the poor, also shows the adoration of the common shepherds of the baby Jesus. But its adds scenes of comic life, like a renegade sheep stealer who also happens to be present near baby Jesus' manger, to deflate the high-minded tone of the play. Thus, the medium of both art forms reflects the tone of the retelling of the Biblical tale, as well as the intentions of the author -- one was intended to be instructive of doctrine and show the solemnity with...

But the play was to be performed by common people themselves, during festivals, and needed to draw in the delight as well as the respectful attention of the crowd -- hence the addition of the sheep stealer, and the more realistic, by virtue of dramatic necessity, depiction of Biblical figures. Only in drama could the crowd could identify with the hunger of the thief as well as marvel at the holiness of the baby in the manger.