If you want a free children's nativity drama to use, try the following - we used it with a
crowd who came in 'off the street' and their children were able to take part. It is
interspersed with a selection of appropriate carols for a truly memorable event. The
language has been simplified for young children to understand.
Nativity Play
Props: manger, Herod’s throne, Wise men gifts, baby, blanket ,stage steps
Characters: Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel, Shepherds, Wise Men, Herod
Narrator:
This is the story of the first Christmas.
(Angel Gabriel and Mary stand)
The angel Gabriel visits Mary and tells her that she will soon have a baby.
“Mary, God has sent me to tell you that He has chosen you to be the mother of His Son.
Soon you will have a baby boy and you will call Him Jesus.”
One day the Roman emperor tells everyone that they have to pay him tax money. Mary and
Joseph had to go to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. It was a long way, so Mary rode on a
donkey. The road was hard and dusty and they got very tired.
(Mary and Joseph go to rear of Church)
SING – “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem”
(Mary and Joseph walk slowly to front and sit on hay bale)
When they arrived in Bethlehem they found the town was very crowded. There was no
where to sleep the night because the inn was full up with people. Finally they found a
stable to stay in, and it was warm and dry.
Mary’s baby was born in the stable, and a bright star shone in the sky overhead.
(Gabriel and Shepherds stand)
The Angel Gabriel visited some shepherds who were looking after their sheep on a hill
near Bethlehem.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. The Son of God has been born tonight in the
town of Bethlehem. He is the Saviour. If you go there now you will find Him lying asleep in
a stable”. Suddenly the sky was filled with hundreds and hundreds of angels, all singing
and praising God.
(Shepherds walk slowly to rear of Church)
SING – “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”
(Shepherds walk to front and stand behind Mary and Joseph)
The shepherds quickly gathered their things and hurried off to Bethlehem to find out about
all that the Angel had said, and they found baby Jesus lying asleep in a manger.
(Herod sits on throne, Wise Men stand)
The star was shining brightly in the sky, and some wise men in the East spotted it. They
knew that the star was shining as a sign to tell everyone that a great king had been born.
They decided to follow the star and see where it led them.
(Wise Men walk to rear of Church)
Where could the new baby king be? The wise men thought surely a king would be born in
a palace, so that is where they went.
(Wise Men walk to Herod’s throne)
They came to the palace of King Herod, and told him about the star and the new baby
King. Herod became worried, he was the only king and it was going to stay that way – He
secretly decided to find the baby King so he could kill Him. He told the wise men to look
for the Baby, and then come back and tell him, so He could go and see Him too – but
really he only wanted to send his soldiers.
(Wise Men walk slowly on to stage and stand on left)
The wise men kept following the star and they found Jesus and gave Him their gifts.
Gold because He is a king.
Frankincense because He is God’s Son.
Myrrh because one day He would have to die.
SING – “We Three Kings”
The wise men did not go back to tell Herod where Jesus was because an angel warned
them about his wicked plans. They went back to their own country, happy to have seen the
Baby King.
(Angels sit on front of stage)
SING – “Away in a Manger”
End with your own short message, talk or reading.
The invention
of the
teenager was
a mistake.
Once you
identify a
period of life
in which
people get to
stay out late
but don't
have to pay
taxes -
naturally, no
one wants to
live any other
way. ~Judith
Martin
|
Christian Youth Ministry World
CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRY WORLD
Building relationships with God and young people
