“The First Christmas,” Liahona, December 2014, 74–75
The First Christmas
The author lives in Utah, USA.
You can put on this play with your family, friends, or Primary class. Read Luke 2:1–16 to help you prepare.
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 is an inn up ahead. Wait here and rest while I find out if there is 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.
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 angels 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).