THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: A traditional Christmas Nativity play
Editors note: This is the first part in a two-part series that gives the script of a traditional Christmas Nativity Play. Next Sunday will have the remainder of the script.
My journey to Christmas takes me to the memory of when this Christmas Nativity script was first used in 1992 by the middleschool bible class at San Marcos Baptist Academy. Verbatim words written in Matthew and Luke were read and interspersed with carols sung by the whole cast, directed, along with the audience, by Alan Hamlin. Since that first “real” production I have used the script with many volunteers who acted out the Bible roles. It’s been done at Redwood Baptist Church as the Christmas program, and in other places outdoors using old bedsheets, towels, etc. as costumes with broom sticks—once a Star Wars light saber---as the shepherds’ staffs. The Wisemen have carried items like pretty boxes, jewelry, purses, etc. as the gifts. Baby Jesus is usually a doll wrapped in a scarf, but twice there was an honest-to-God real baby! Mary and Joseph are the “big Kids, teens, or willing parent’s---improvisation is the key! This year since we are distancing, masks must be added; otherwise, just read the column aloud at home and remember Christmases past! Suggestion: a family members can carry the pieces of the Nativity set as the column is read. Use a CD, or sing out the words with or without music, can be off-key but always with feeling for the meaning of the carol.
Narrator: “Luke 2:1-20. 1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David.) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”
ENTER JOSEPH AND MARY
Song: “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. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So, God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in!”
Narrator: “ 6. And so, it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she 7. 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.”
MARY LAYS WRAPPED DOLL IN “MANGER” (CARDBOARD BOX)
Song: “Away in a Manger”
“Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the bright 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 you Lord Jesus; look down from the sky and stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.”
ENTER SHEPHERDS
Narrator: “ 8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
ENTER ANGELS
9. 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. 10. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear Not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign into you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying 14. ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”
Song: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
“Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled! Joyful all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies, With the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King
SHEPHERDS CROSS OVER STAGE AND BOW BEFORE THE MANGER
!” Narrator: “ 15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.’ 16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which had told them by the shepherds.
Song: “The First Noel”
“The first Noel the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. (chorus) Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, and to the earth it gave a great light, and so it continued both day and night. (chorus) Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel; Born is the King of Israel.”
Narrator: “ 19. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them.”
Readers next week’s column will have Part II—I wish you a good week!-
