The Journey Continues: Christmas Nativity Play, Part II
Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series; it completes the script of a traditional Christmas Nativity play.
ENTER Star hanging on a string from a short pole followed by the Three Wise Men — stop off stage
Narrator: Matthew 2:1-11 1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2. Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him.
Song: We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar; Field and fountain, moor, and mountain, Following yonder star. OHO, star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect Light.
Narrator: 3.When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them, “Where Christ should be born?” 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet. 6. “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel.”
WISE MEN TURN AROUND AND LOOK UP FOR THE STAR
Narrator: 7.Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men; enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
STAR MOVES OVER THE MANGER WITH WISE MEN FOLLOWING LOOKING UP AT STAR
Song: Joy to the World
Joy to the world! The Lord has come; Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him a room, and heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sine! Joy to the earth, The Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy. Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. He rules the world With truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His Righteousness And wonders of his Love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of His Love.
Narrator: 9. When they had heard the king, they departed and lo the star, which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11. And when they were come to the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell, and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: god, frankincense and myrrh.
WISE MEN PRESENT THEIR GIFTS TO MARY AND THE BABY. THEN EVERYONE PRESENT JOIN IN SINGING SILENT NIGHT
Song: Silent Night
Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright… round you virgin-mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent Night, Holy Night… Darkness flies, all is light. Shepard’s hear the angels sing, Alleluia! Hail the King! 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.
END WITH A PRAYER
As a play, recommended cast: Narrator
Narrator Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus
(Manger can be either wood or a cardboard box) Shepherds: Three, plus as many as you need to include Angels: Three, plus as many as you need to include Star-bearer: One Three Wise Men
This script is also available in Spanish: brotherjim@grandecom. net
