A Children’s Christmas Play
Written by Penny Chou, download the Word Document here.
Mission connection: When advertising, ask the audience to bring a “baby gift for Jesus” to the play. At the end, they will bring them up to the communion rail. They can be given to Epworth Children’s Services.
Kids walk into the sanctuary in twos (older one with a younger one) and sit in front pews while “The First Noel” by Josh Groban and Faith Hill plays.
Director makes introductory remarks.
Narrator has lapel mic. In each scene another character holds the mic for everyone, as indicated.
Scene 1
Mic holder: Gabriel
Narrator: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Tonight you will witness a stylized account of how these events came to be.
(Mary and Gabriel come to the stage. Remaining children assemble at bottom of stairs of stage in two rows.)
Narrator: The story takes place over two thousand years ago in the town of Nazareth.
Everyone except narrator, Mary, and Gabriel sings verse 1 of UMH 215 “To a Maid Engaged to Joseph.”
“To a maid engaged to Joseph, the angel Gabriel came.
‘Fear not,’ the angel told her, ‘I come to bring good news,
Good news I come to tell you, good news, I say, good news.’
Singing children part in center. (They scoot over to reveal Gabriel and Mary on stage.)
Gabriel (to a cowering Mary): Do not be afraid, Mary. I come to bring good news. The Lord is with you. You are blessed among women.
(Mary curtsies to Gabriel.)
Gabriel: You will bear a son and His name will be Jesus.
Mary (slightly bowing her head): Let it be as you have said.
Singing children scoot back together.
Everyone except narrator, Mary, and Gabriel sings verse 6 of UMH 215.
“As Mary heard the angel, she wondered at his words.
‘Behold, I am your hand-maid,’ she said unto her God.
‘So be it; I am ready according to your word.”
Scene 2
Mic holder: Angel #1
(All angels come to the stage. Angel director faces remaining angels who are in “choir” formation. )
Angel director directs 2 rounds of the chorus of FWS 2040 “Awesome God.”
(Angels scatter to “loitering” positions. Angels loiter in the following ways.
- some play catch with a cloud ball (stuffed animal stuffing)
- some pretend to brush each other’s hair
- some do ballet stretches, perhaps even dance (would Lanee like to choreograph a dance for a subset of angels here?)
- one plays harp (fake cardboard harp) (on organ harp setting, play “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring)
While angels continue these activities, including the harp playing:
Angel 1 (to Angel 2): Can I share something with you?
Angel 2 (to Angel 1): Of course!
Angel 1: God told me to prepare myself to go on a mission.
Angel 2: How glorious! Will you save someone’s life?
Angel 1: It is something bigger than that.
(Angels 3 and 4 join conversation with Angels 1 and 2.)
Angel 3: Will you save a whole city of people?
Angel 1: Bigger than that!
Angel 4: Will you stop a war?
Angel 1: Even bigger.
Angel 2: What is it? Tell us!
Pause – the other angels and harp all stop what they are doing to listen to Angel 1’s response.
Angel 1: I am being sent to give a message in a dream to a man named Joseph.
Angel 3: That’s all? How is that bigger than stopping a war or even saving a single life?
Angel 4: Joseph must have a very important job to do for God.
Angel 1: Do you remember when Isaiah said that God would send a Savior?
Angel 2: What does that have to do with Joseph?
Angel 3: Are we talking about Joseph the poor carpenter?
Angel 1: That very one.
Angel 4: Well? What do you have to tell Joseph?
Angel 1: I have to tell him that Mary, his wife-to-be, is already with child, that it is God’s child, and that he should marry her and raise the boy as his adopted son. It is this Son, God’s Son, who will be the savior of the world.
Angel 2: Did God choose a name for his Son?
Angel 1: Immanuel. It means “God with us.”
Angel 2: Praise the Lord.
All of the angels in unison: Praise the Lord.
(Angels exit the stage.)
Scene 3
Mic holder: Angel #1
(Joseph, Mary and Angel #1 enter stage. Joseph lies down as if asleep. Mary stands off to the side, as the subject of Joseph’s dream.)
Joseph squirms around as if having a dream. Angel #1 holds the mic to Joseph as he says
Joseph: I’ll just cancel my engagement with Mary secretly to avoid embarrassing her.
Angel #1: Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. She is carrying the Holy Spirit’s child. She will bring forth a Son and you shall name Him Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.
(Angel #1 hands Joseph the mic and steps to the side to watch.)
Joseph stands, strides over to Mary and says to her: Let us be husband and wife. Joseph offers his arm and Mary takes it. Angel #1 smiles.
Everyone exits stage.
Scene 4
Mic holder: Inn Keeper
(Narrator enters stage. Mary, Joseph, and donkey quietly walk to narthex. Inn Keeper enters stage, but does not draw attention.)
Narrator: It came to pass that a decree was sent out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered, everyone in his own city. Because Joseph was descended from the house of David, he and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the census.
(Mary, Joseph, and the donkey slowly walk from the narthex to the stage.)
Narrator (as they are walking): It was a long journey and Mary was heavy with child.
As Joseph, Mary and donkey arrive at stage, Inn Keeper appears on stage.
Joseph: Have you any lodgings for a weary traveler?
Inn Keeper: I do not. Every inn for miles around is full.
Joseph: My wife is due to give birth soon. Is there anywhere at all that we might rest?
Inn Keeper: You may stay in the stable with the animals. (Inn Keeper points off stage for the direction of the stable.) (For comic relief, have a kid stationed in choir loft on the stable side and have them “moo” loudly at this time.)
Joseph: Thank you.
Joseph, Mary, and the donkey walk off the stage. Inn Keeper exits stage too. Narrator remains on stage.
Everyone assembles in 2 rows at stairs at bottom of stage and sings 2 verses of UMH 217 “Away in a Manger.”
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes;
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Everyone returns to seats.
Scene 5
Mic holder: Angel #2, then Shepherd #1, then Angel #2, then Shepherd #3
(Angels 1 and 2 enter stage.)
Angel #2 (to Angel #1): I have been given a mission too!
Angel #1: What is it? Does it have anything to do with my mission to give Joseph the dream message?
Angel #2: Yes. Mary has brought forth the Baby Jesus and God sent me to tell the shepherds about Him.
Angel #1: That’s great! Here they come now.
Narrator: There were shepherds living out in the fields, watching over their sheep by night.
(Shepherds and sheep go to the stage. Angel #1 exits stage. Shepherds sit down. Sheep clump together and lie down as if sleeping.)
Angel #2 hands mic to Shepherd #1 and then slides off to hide behind podium.
Shepherd #1: Caleb, do you think Yahweh really knows how many hairs are on each of our heads?
Shepherd #2: Yes, I do. Do you think He knows how many stars are in the sky?
Shepherd #1: Yes. (long pause) Caleb?
Shepherd #2: Yes, Shem. What is it?
Shepherd #1: Do you think there are more hairs on heads in the world or more stars in the sky?
Shepherd #2: I don’t know. What does it matter?
Shepherd #3: Reuben, why do you think Yahweh made so many stars?
Shepherd #4: (pause to think first) I think the stars are there to guide people.
Shepherd #2: I thought they were just balls of gas burning billions of miles away. (joke from Lion King)
Shepherd #3: Who do you think you are? Pumba?
(Angel #2 approaches stage slowly.)
Shepherd #1: Caleb, who is that coming toward us? They are glowing almost like a star.
(Sheep look up, then get up. Shepherds quickly get up. Shepherds scream. Sheep baa and run around the stage chaotically.) Shepherd #1 hands mic to Angel #2 and steps back.
Angel #2: Fear not!
Sheep line up behind shepherds, hidden from audience while shepherds face the audience but turn their heads to look at the angel. As angel continues to speak, sheep lean out to the left and right of the shepherds.
Angel #2: I bring you good news of great joy for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in manger.
All of the angels quickly come to the stage and stand behind Angel #2 in several rows.
All angels in unison: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!
Angels exit stage. Angel #2 hands mic to Shepherd #3.
Shepherd #3: Let us go to Bethlehem and see the baby Jesus!
Other shepherds in unison: Yes, let’s go!
Shepherds lead sheep off the stage, walk down the side aisle to the narthex, come back in and walk up the center aisle back to the stage. While this takes place, stage hands set up the manger and two chairs. Mary, Joseph, the donkey and baby Jesus take their places by the manger.
When the shepherds arrive, the sheep stand to the opposite side of the stage and look toward the manger while the shepherds pass by the manger, pausing to look at the baby Jesus. Then the shepherds take the sheep and go to their seats off stage. As this is happening, the narrator speaks.
Narrator: When the shepherds saw the baby Jesus, they told everyone what the angel had told them concerning the child. All who heard them wondered at what they said.
Everyone except Narrator exits stage. Magi go to the narthex. One stands at each of the 3 entrances to the sanctuary.
Scene 6
Mic holder: Magi #1, then King Herod
Narrator: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the days of the evil Herod the king, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”
Magi #1, #2, and #3 walk to the stage and Magi #1 picks up the mic. Stage hands pull out Herod’s chair and King Herod sits down, without being noticed.
Magi #1 (to the other Magi): I am going to Bethlehem to see the King of the Jews who has just been born.
Magi #2: That’s where I’m going too!
Magi #3: Me too! I made really good time. With only one stop per day, I got here in 21 days and 3 hours.
Magi #1: What route did you take?
Magi #3: I took the high road through the desert. How about you? (looking at Magi #2)
Magi #2: Triple A sent me through the mountains.
Magi #1: I googled it and took route 7 along the sea.
Herod’s assistant comes to the stage from the side that King Herod is on.
Herod pretends to talk to his assistant who nods his head, then approaches the 3 magi.
Herod’s assistant: His highness, King Herod, would demands that you pay him a visit.
The 3 magi look at the audience, do a scared grin running their fingers across their mouths and letting their knees shake. Then they follow Herod’s assistant over to King Herod. Magi #1 hands the mic to King Herod.
King Herod: What brings you to my kingdom, wise men from the East?
Magi #1: We have followed a star to find the baby Jesus.
Magi #2: We go to worship Him.
Magi #3: We bring gifts for Him.
King Herod: Go to Bethlehem and find the child. When you find Him, bring me word so I can come and worship Him too. (Herod gives an evil grin and scary laugh.)
The 3 magi bow to King Herod, then back away. Herod and Herod’s assistant exit stage, scooting throne behind podium on the way. The 3 magi leave the opposite side of the stage, then Mary, Joseph and donkey get into place at the manger while magi walk to it from the front. Each magi bows and presents his gift to the baby Jesus’ parents. Then the magi exit the stage.
Narrator: The wise men followed the star to the place where the child was. They rejoiced and fell down to worship Him. They offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their homes by another way.
(Mary, Joseph, donkey and Narrator remain on stage.)
Scene 7
Mic holder: Gabriel
Mission Impossible theme plays while angels come to the stage. (Cut it off after 30 seconds.)
Angels come to stage. Gabriel takes the mic.
Gabriel (to angels): Angels, you have honored God in accomplishing the missions that God gave you. In turn, He has given His people a Savior, Jesus Christ, His Son. His mission has been accomplished. (looking at the audience) Please come back at Easter time to hear the rest of the mission.
Everyone comes to the stage steps and lines up in several rows to sing.
Everyone except Narrator, Mary, Joseph, and donkey sing.
Sing verses 1 and 2 of UMH 230 “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to Go the King, and peace to all on earth!
Narrator: (addressing audience) Please join us in singing “Silent Night” (UMH 239) together. If you have brought a baby gift, you may bring it up to the communion rail during the song.
Mary, Joseph, donkey, and Narrator join in singing Silent Night also.
Sing 4 verses of “Silent Night.”
Silent Night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
Children bow for applause. Afterward, actors stand in place while director thanks everyone and invites everyone to Fellowship Hall for Jesus’ birthday cake. Children process by two’s while “Joy to the World” by Mariah Carey plays. Alternatively, they could process to the “Mission Impossible” theme.
Cast – not in order of the size of the part
Narrator (1) – could split it up
Mary (1)
Joseph (1)
Donkey (1)
Gabriel (1)
Angel Director (1)
Angels (4+) (count costumes for maximum number)
Inn Keeper
Shepherds (4)
Sheep (4+)
Magi (3)
King Herod (1)
Herod’s Assistant (1)
Sound board (1)
Pianist (1)
Costume assistant (1)
Scenery assistant (1)
Stage hands (optional)