(This is a play of the Christmas Nativity, which focuses on the part of the shepherds as they spread the news that the Christ Child was born. After their visit to the manger they leave through the audience telling the great news, "The Christ Child is born!" The play is not very long, but there is a place in the play for Christians to give their testimony of who told them about the Savior and how God used it to lead them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. (These would need to be asked in advance so they could write their personal stories to share.) In the end there is a challenge for us to keep on telling the Christmas story. The parts of the Narrators can be read and could be combined if needed. The parts of Isaiah and Micah could be written on a scroll and their parts could also be read if needed.)Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Mary Joseph Angels4 Shepherds Narrator 3 Narrator 4 Isaiah Micah Additional Christians with their personal testimonies(Scene opens at the Bethlehem stable.)
Narrator 1: “The Christmas Story” from Luke chapter 2.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
(Mary and Joseph walk up center aisle during narration and sit center stage.)
Narrator 2: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Song: “Mary Did You Know?” ____________________
(Focus attention to 4 shepherds and angels, left of stage.)
Narrator 1: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them,
Angel: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Narrator 2: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Angels: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Song: “Go Thee Down” _______________________
(Angels go beside manger scene and stand on step stools around Mary and Joseph.)
Narrator 1: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,
Shepherd: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Narrator 2: And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(Shepherds go and kneel at manger.)
Song: “What Child Is This?” __________________
Narrator 1: And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Narrator 2: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
(Shepherds get up from manger scene and they talk to one another with zeal and excitement that they should share the news! Then they go down each side of aisle and tell the good news that Jesus is born! Shake hands with everyone and say, “The Christ Child is born!” “Baby Jesus is born!” "Have you heard the news? The Messiah has come!" Remain at back and return later during song, “Go Tell It On The Mountain”.)
Narrator 3: The angels told the shepherds that Baby Jesus was born, and the shepherds told the people along the way. But this was not the first news of the Christ Child. The prophets foretold of His birth down through the ages. The Prophet Isaiah told us His name.
Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. “ (Isaiah 7:14)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Narrator 4: The prophet Micah foretold where He would be born.
Micah: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)
Narrator 3: Yes, the Christmas story has been handed down from generation to generation, kept pure and true through the Holy Scriptures. Tonight we want to ask the question, “Who told you?” Let’s hear some testimonies from dear Christian friends as they walk down memory lane and share their sweet stories of people God used in their lives to tell them about His blessed Son.
(Individuals take turns reading their testimonies on stage.)
Narrator 4: The prophets foretold the coming of Christ down through the ages. The angels told the shepherds that Jesus was born and the shepherds told the people they met along the way. Some of our dear friends have answered the question, “Who told you?” Now we have come to our next question, “Whom do you tell?”
Song: “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (All begin singing and Shepherds come up aisle and take their places, singing with the group at the manger scene.)
Narrator 3: The Lord is coming back as He told us in John 14:1-3. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Until Christ comes back again, He has left us here as witnesses, to share the gospel story with a lost and dying world. Moms and Dads, keep telling your children. Grandparents, keep on telling. Sunday School teachers, keep on teaching. Preachers, keep on preaching. Children, tell your friends and neighbors. Don’t get discouraged and quit telling. You don’t know the impact your Christian testimony can have on another person’s life.
Song: “Thank You For Giving To The Lord” ________________________
Narrator 4: We have looked at the questions, “Who told you?” and “Whom do you tell?” but maybe you could not answer those questions. You may need to begin with the most important question of all. “Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?” You can! You have heard the Christmas story many times. You believe that Baby Jesus was born in a stable and laid in the manger. Yet, maybe you have never asked the Lord to come into your heart and save you. The Lord Jesus left His home in heaven to come give His life to pay the debt for your sin. Won’t you trust Him today? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
