The First Christmas

By Jenn Adams Wilks

You can put on this play with your family, friends, or Primary class. Read Luke 2:1–16 to help you prepare.

Characters:

• Mary

• Joseph

• Innkeeper

• Shepherd 1

• Shepherd 2

• Angel

Costumes:

• Make the costumes simple: a robe for Joseph, a scarf for Mary, and staffs for the shepherds.

Prop Ideas:

• a blanket draped across two chairs for the stable

• small pillows to represent sheep

• a doll or bundled-up blanket to represent the baby Jesus

Idea: Have the audience sing the songs with the characters.

Song: “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem,” first verse (Children’s Songbook, 38).

Mary: I hope we can find a place to stay soon. We have been traveling for so long.

Joseph: There’s an inn up ahead. Wait here and rest while I find out if there’s room for us.

[Joseph helps Mary sit down and then knocks at the “door.” Innkeeper answers.]

Innkeeper: What do you want?

Joseph: I’m looking for a place to stay. My wife and I have come a long way, and we need a place to sleep.

Innkeeper: I’m sorry, but the inn is full.

Joseph: Please, can’t you do something to help us? My wife is going to have a baby soon.

Innkeeper: I guess you could sleep in the stable. It’s all I have.

Joseph: Thank you. That is very kind.

[Joseph goes to Mary and helps her up.]

Joseph: There isn’t room in the inn, but the innkeeper said we can sleep in the stable.

Mary: Oh, I’m so glad we found a place for the night.

[They walk to the stable. Mary and Joseph sit down, and the scene ends.]

Song: “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem,” second and third verses (Children’s Songbook, 38).

[Shepherds are watching their sheep. The angel comes, and the shepherds fall to their knees.]

Shepherd 1: Who are you?

Shepherd 2: Please don’t hurt us.

Angel: Do not be afraid. I bring joyful news! Tonight the Son of God was born in Bethlehem. You will find the baby lying in a manger.

Shepherd 1: Let us go now and see this child.

Angel: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Idea: Put a big paper star on a stick and hold it over the stable.

Song: “Stars Were Gleaming” (Children’s Songbook, 37).

[Shepherds go to the inn and knock at the “door.” Innkeeper answers.]

Shepherd 2: We’ve come to see the Christ child.

Shepherd 1: An angel told us He would be lying in a manger.

Shepherd 2: Do you know where He is?

Innkeeper: A child was born in my stable tonight. I’ll show you the way.

[Shepherds follow the innkeeper to the stable, where Joseph and Mary are seated next to a manger with the baby Jesus inside.]

Shepherd 1: It’s true! There really is a baby lying in a manger, just like the angel said there would be.

Shepherd 2: This really is the Savior, Christ the Lord.

[Shepherds and innkeeper kneel around the manger.]

Song: “Silent Night” (Hymns, no. 204).