“The First Christmas,” Friend, Dec. 2014, 44–45
The First Christmas
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’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.
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).