Christmas Nativity Pageant for Families (Non-Denominational)

Christmas Nativity Pageant for Families (Non-Denominational)

Cast of Characters (many of these can be played by the same person)
Angel/s
Mary
Joseph
Innkeepers
Shepherds
Lambs (perfect for the littlest ones)
Wise Men
Narrator
Scripture Reader
Stage Director
Star

Props
Costumes
Shepherds Staffs
Gifts for Wise Men
Doll for Baby Jesus
Star
New Testament
Old Testament
Hymnals (if needed)
Piano (if available)
Manger (doll crib or box)
Towel/ball to stuff Mary’s tummy

The Pageant Narrative

Narrator: The Savior’s birth was prophesied around the world. In the Old Testament, Isaiah was one of many prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Scripture Reader: Read Isaiah 9:6 “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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Sing: “Joy to the World”

Narrator: Mary was a chosen vessel of the Lord. She would be the mother of Jesus. An angel visited Mary and helped her understand her divine mission.

Scripture Reader: Luke 1:26-28, 30-31, 37-38 “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: an blessed art thou among women...And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest..And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord.”

Stage Directions: The angel speaks to Joseph

Narrator: The angel visited also Joseph, her soon to be husband. Comforting and preparing him for the difficult journey ahead.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 1:20-21 “The angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son...for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Stage Directions: Mary is pregnant and she and Joseph knock on innkeeper doors. They are rejected. They move to a manger and hold baby Jesus doll.

Scripture Reader: (read slowly giving children time to enact) Luke 2: 1, 3-7 “And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...And Joseph went up from Galilee...unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child...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.”

Sing: “Away in a Manger”

Stage Directions: The angel stands on a chair and speaks to the Shepherds and lambs. The shepherds act afraid.

Scripture Reader: Luke 2: 8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Sing : “Far, Far Away on Judea Plains”

Scripture Reader: Luke 12-14 “And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to Bod in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Sing: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Stage Directions: Shepherds and lambs come to see the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They kneel down and worship him.

Scripture Reader: Luke 2: 15-16 “And...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.”

Narrator: These shepherds visited by the angel watched the most sacred lambs. These were lambs without blemish, to be offered for sacrifice. The Savior, the lamb of God, was the greatest gift ever given. The sacrifice without blemish. In the first few years of Jesus’s life he was visited by certain wise men, bearing gifts.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 2: 1-2 “Behold there came wise men 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.”

Sing: “We Three Kings”

Stage Directions: Wise men follow the star to Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. They present him with gifts.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 2: 9-12 “And, lo, the star...went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was....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, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Narrator: May each of us remember why we give gifts this night. Whom we celebrate. May we keep the spirit of Jesus Christ and his example with us every day and every night of every year. Amen.

Sing: “Silent Night”