Here is a simple, readers theater nativity I wrote for my Primary Sharing Time. I also used it for a Family Home Evening. Other than Joseph and Mary, all parts are gender-neutral. You may increase the number of parts by having two shepherds, two angels and two wise men/women, as each role has two speaking parts.
Song: Away in a Manger
Children’s Songbook 42
Mary
One day, when I was engaged to Joseph but not married yet, an angel came to see me. The angel told me not to be afraid. He said that God had chosen me to have a son named Jesus, who would be the son of God. He told me that with God nothing is impossible. I told the angel that I was willing to do what God wanted me to.
Song: Mary’s lullaby
Children’s Songbook 44
Joseph
I didn’t know what to do when I found out that Mary would have a baby. Then an angel appeared to me in a dream and told me that Jesus would save us from our sins. Mary and I were far away from home in Bethlehem when the baby was born. All of the hotels were full so we had to stay in a barn. When the baby was born, we wrapped him in cloth and laid him in a manger. A manger is a container that holds food for animals.
Song: When Joseph Went to Bethlehem
Children’s Songbook 38
Angel
When Jesus was born, everyone in heaven was so excited! I came down from heaven to tell the people on earth the joyful news. Then many other angels joined me, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in heaven. Peace on earth. Good will for all.”
Song: Angels we have heard on high
Hymnal 203
Shepherd
I was outside taking care of my sheep when angels came. They said that Jesus had been born. When the angels left, we hurried to the town of Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus. Since then, I tell everyone I meet about Jesus and that special night.
Song: The First Noel
Hymnal 213
Wiseman (or Wise Woman)
I lived far away from Bethlehem. The scriptures said that a new star would appear in the sky when Jesus was born. When my friends and I saw the star, we traveled far to see baby Jesus and bring him gifts.
Song: With Wondering Awe
Hymnal 210
Wiseman (or Wise Woman)
Wise men and women study the scriptures.
Shepherd
Tell everyone the good news about Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Joseph
Sometimes the greatest miracles begin in humble circumstances.
Mary
Follow God’s plan for you. Don’t be afraid. With God, nothing is impossible.
Angel
Rejoice because Jesus can save us from sin and bring us peace.
Song: Once within a lowly stable
Children’s Songbook 41
Oh my gosh, the tears. I didn’t expect to be choked up by that. It was so simply written, and I didn’t sing along in the appropriate places as I read, but those statements at the end were so powerful. Thank you.
Amen, Olea. Amen, Emily CC.
I too loved those last statements. I too got teary eyed. Mary’s line was particularly beautiful to me.
Thank you, April.
I got teary, too! We are so doing this for Christmas Eve. Thanks, April!
[…] And while I had rewritten the story with more modern, simple language when I was charged with a Primary children’s program, and used my own contemporary voice the time I was asked to give a Christmas talk, for a group […]