CHRISTMAS NATIVITY
CAST
Roman Senators: 5 (or more for extras)
Augustus Caesar
Mary
Joseph
Donkey (2 people)
3 innkeepers
Star
3 Angels (plus extras)
3 Shepherds
Sheep
3 Wise Men (Kings)
Group of smaller children dressed as farm animals, angels etc to participate and sing
(Senators enter from backstage wearing togas(sheets). When they are seated, Caesar enters)
Augustus Caesar: My fellow Romans, I have decided that we will count all the people in the Roman Empire.
Senator 1: (raises hand nervously) Why Caesar?
Caesar: Because I want to know how many men, women and children there are in my Empire.
Senator 2: (adds) You mean “our Empire” Caesar?
Caesar: (shouts) That’s what I said – my Empire! I will call it a… Census.
Senator 3: Just the people in Rome, Caesar?
Caesar: No, the whole Empire.
Senator 4: You mean on this continent?
Caesar: I said the whole Empire?
Senator 5: You don’t mean Israel too?
Caesar: Everyone!
Senator 1: You know what this means don’t you?
All senators: Chaos!
Caesar: Do you like your jobs, your houses – your lives?
All senators: (quick salute) Hail, Caesar!
Caesar: (over his shoulder) That’s what I thought!
Senator 1: Where did he come up with such a crazy idea!
Senator 2: A census! Imagine? Going from house to house to count people – it’s just not civilized!
Senator 3: Caesar says “Count the People”.
(Passes scroll to senator 2 and exits)
Senator 2: “Count the people”. (Passes scroll to senator 1 and exit)
Senator 1: Hey you! Count the people. (Passes scroll to senator 4)
Senator 4: Why me?
Senator 1: (Looks around at near-empty stage) Everyone else has left. You’re It!
Senator 4: (To himself) Why me? Why is it always me! (Exit front stage).
Lights off. Bible readers enter, each with a lit candle. Each recites a verse from Isaiah 9:6: “The people who dwell in darkness have seen a great light. Those who walk in the valley of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Etc.
(Bible readers can say the words “Councillor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” together).
When last verse has been recited, Bible readers exit backstage.
Ringing of school bell as Senator 4 enters from front stage.
Senator 4: Hear ye! Hear ye! Emperor Caesar Augustus has said that all names must be put on a very big list. Everyone is to register in their home towns. (Puts up large notice on one of the screen doors).
Enter Mary, Joseph and donkey
Joseph: Oh no!
Mary: What is it Joseph?
Joseph: My home town, Bethlehem, is far away. We will have to go there and you’re pregnant – and I don’t know if the donkey is roadworthy! (Points to donkey)
Mary: Never mind Joseph. My cousin has installed new shock absorbers (pats cushions on donkey’s back.) And God will take care of us.
Joseph: You’re right Mary! Now all we need is to pack our things.
Mary: What about reservations?
Joseph: It’ll be fine – don’t worry!
Mary, Joseph and donkey walk down aisle and exit church front stage.
Smaller children dressed as stable animals or angels enter to sing Little Donkey. After the song, children sit stage left. Innkeepers and angels enter. Innkeepers stand behind screen doors and angels stand up on chairs stage right.
Mary and Joseph and donkey re-enter and approach first screen door.
Mary and Joseph approach 1st screen door and knock. Joseph nods confidently at Mary
1st Innkeeper: Yes I’m coming, hold on!
Joseph: We’re in town for the Census.
1st Innkeeper: Like everyone!
Joseph: And we need a room.
1st innkeeper: Like everyone! Sorry, no room.
Mary: You see!
Joseph: Let’s try that one. (knocks at the second screen door)
2nd innkeeper: You’re not looking for a room are you? Are you kidding?
(slams door)
(Mary looks at Joseph.)
Joseph: There’s another one. (knocks at third door)
3rd innkeeper: Can I help you?
Joseph: We need a room for the night.
3rd innkeeper: We’re packed like sardines in here – and your wife needs some space.
Mary (crossly): A lot of space!
3rd innkeeper: I have a stable at the back. It’s warm and dry.
Joseph: (quickly) That’s great! We’ll take it!
Mary, Joseph and Donkey follow innkeeper backstage where Mary removes her “bump” and picks up a baby doll. While star is talking, Joseph and Mary can re-take their seats onstage on one of the benches.
(Enter small child dressed as a star from front stage).
Star: I’m lost. I’m lost. Where should I be?
(Angels beckon)
Angel 1: Over here, little star, over here.
Star: (Walks forward to angels). I have come to shine for the King.
Angel 2: Over here, little star. Over here. You must show the wise men the way.
(Exit little star through front stage.)
Angels sing “Christmas Bells" refrain
Angel 3: Now we must call the shepherds.
All angels: Shepherds come and worship.
Angel 1: Call louder!
All angels: Shepherds come and worship!
Group of shepherds enter with sheep from front stage.
Shepherd 1: Did you hear something, or was that ringing in my ears?
Shepherd 2: I can’t hear anything but “Baa, baa, black sheep”.
Sheep: Baa, baa
Shepherd 3: Wait, listen again
Angels: Shepherds! Listen! Come and worship the King.
(Shepherds see the angels and fall to the ground)
Shepherd 1: Who are you?
Angel 1: We are messengers
Angel 2: Sent from God
Angel 3: To bring you to worship
Shepherd 2: You look like angels!
Shepherd 3: And you sound like angels!
All angels: That’s because we are angels sent by God
Shepherds: What did we do?
Angel 1: Calm down! God is inviting you to the most special birthday of His Son, Jesus
Angel 2: He will be the Saviour of the World?
Angel 3: We will watch over your sheep. Go and worship the King.
(Small children stand to sing "Away in a Manger") | |
(Enter Little Star from front stage – walk down the church aisle)Star:
Angels:
Star:
Group of angels sing first verse of Hark the Herald Angels Sing
| I’m lost, I’m lost where should I be?
Over here Little Star, Come here.
I am bringing the wise men to worship the king
(Star goes and stands behind Mary, Joseph, Donkey, shepherds etc on chair to appear a little raised above them.)
|
Wise Men enter
| |
1st Wise Man
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(Pointing to the star) Look, there is the star. It is so bright!
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2nd Wise Man
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It is the sign. The King of the Jews is born!
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3rd Wise Man
(Wise Men go and give their gifts one at a time).
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Let us go and worship Him!
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1st Wise Man
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I bring gold for the King. (puts down gift.)
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2nd Wise Man
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I bring myrrh, the most precious oil. (puts down gift)
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3rd Wise Man
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I bring frankincense to burn in prayer. (puts down gift)
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Mary holds her baby in her arms.
| |
Joseph:
All:
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You see Mary, I told you everything would work out. God has even given us our own light. (Points to Little Star)
And his Son who is the Light of the World.All sing “Silent Night”. |
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