Living Nativity Program
Every year on Christmas Eve, our family dresses up and reenacts the birth of the Savior. Here is a script, complete with hymns, that we have modified over the years. I hope it will help bring the true spirit of the season to your family.
Narrator: For centuries the people awaited the Messiah, for the prophets had said, "Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel...which means God with us."
They further prophesied that he should be born in Bethlehem of Judea, for thus have they said, "And thou, Bethlehem, which lieth in the land of Judea, in thee shall be born a prince...for out of thee shall come the Messiah, who shall save my people Israel."
And it came to pass in those days, that there went our a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.
Mary and Joseph enter
And Joseph (because he was of the house and lineage of David) went with Mary his espoused wife, up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
Sing: O Little Town of Bethlehem - Hymns #208
Narrator: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her first born 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 baby in manger
Sing: Away in a Manger - Hymns #206
Shepherds enter (facing away from manger)
Narrator: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Angel enters facing shepherds
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, 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 Savior, which a Christ the Lord.
Sing: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Hymns #211
Narrator: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hose praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Sing: Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains - Hymns #212
Angel leaves
Narrator: 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. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph...and the babe lying in a manger.
Sing: Silent Night - Hymns #204
Shepherds turn toward manger; enter wisemen and Herod
Narrator: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold there came wisemen from the east to Jerusalem, 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.
Exit Herod
Sing: With Wondering Awe - Hymns #210
Narrator: And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Wisemen kneel
Sing: Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful - Hymns #202
And thus the prophecy was fulfilled...from obscure beginnings in a distant land came the Hope and Salvation of the World... 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, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Sing: Joy to the World - Hymns #201
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