Curtains are closed with the children sitting in front of the stage on the steps and chairs out to the side. They have red bows on their shirts and dresses. Microphones placed here and there so they can be heard singing in this big room. While singing "The Nativity Song", children enter when their part is sung.

Props needed: Star, manger, animals, doll, gold, frankincense and myrrh, red bows,

Parts: Child to hold the star:

Angel:

Bring the cattle in:

Bring the manger in:

Shepherds:

Wise Men:

Mary (with doll):

Joseph:

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CHILD #1:________________

Christmas is a time to share,

A time to love, and a time to care,

For the Savior came to earth;

Let us celebrate His birth.

SONG: "Christmas Day" (The Friend December 1987) First verse and chorus only this time

CHILD #2:_________________

Every Christmas season

Our eyes grow strangely dim

When all the little children

Sing a cradle hymn.

SONG: "Away in a manger" (C.S. page 42)

CHILD #3:__________________

Think of that first Christmas,

And from your heart will stem

A picture pathway leading

Back to Bethlehem.

SONG: "The Nativity Song" (C.S. page 52)

The children who have a part go behind the curtain and get ready during this verse.

Verse 1:

This is the season beloved of the year,

Sing a rhyme; Christmastime soon will be here.

Tell the true story of Jesus' birth,

When, as a baby, he came to the earth.

Star and Angel come in at the appropriate time.

Verse 2:

This is the new star, shining so bright.

Lighting the world on that first Christmas night.

This is the angel proclaiming the birth,

Singing "Hosanna!" and "Peace on the earth!"

Boys bring in the animals and manger at appropriate time.

Verse 3:

This is the stable, shelter so bare;

Cattle and oxen first welcomed him there.

This is the manger, sweet hay for a bed,

Waiting for Jesus to cradle his head.

Shepherds and wise men come in at appropriate times.

Verse 4:

These are the shepherds, humble and mild,

hast'ning to worship the heavenly child.

These are the wise men who followed the star,

Frankincense, gold, and myrrh brought from afar.

Mary (carrying the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes) and Joseph start coming in together at the beginning of the verse . Slowly walk to the front, center of stage by the manger and stand there until the verse is over.

Verse 5:

See the sweet mother, Mary so fair,

Joseph, who guided the donkey with care.

See the dear baby of Bethlehem,

Little Lord Jesus, the Savior of men.

CHILD #4:__________________

Christmas is a time to share,

A time to love, and a time to care,

For the Savior came to earth;

Let us celebrate His birth.

Children on the stage move in towards Mary and Joseph and towards the front of the stage to sing the last song.

SONG: "Christmas Day" (The Friend December 1987) ALL THE WAY THROUGH