A short children's program, approximately 20 minutes. The stage is divided into three areas: the main area is a living room scene, a second area is for the choir, and a third area is for the nativity pantomimes. Props and sets may be simple or elaborate. The storyline needs to keep moving quickly between the scenes, and those pantomiming need to use plenty of action. If needed, the children can sing in the choir and also play another role.

Family (dressed contemporarily)

Nativity (dressed in biblical costume; pantomime only)

Carolers (choir in street clothes, but with mittens, hats and mufflers)

Family: (enters "living room")

Father: (rubbing stomach) Boy, that was a delicious Christmas dinner!

Andrew: Yes, I think that was the best cherry pie I’ve ever eaten!

Timmy: You think every cherry pie is the best one you’ve ever eaten.

Amy: Now it’s time to read the Christmas story, isn’t it Dad?

Father: Yes, Amy, it is. Susie, will you please get the Bible?

Susie: (gets up and gets Bible from small end table. Takes it to Father. ) I like to hear about Baby Jesus.

Father: Ok. Luke 2. (pause) Here it is. "And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city."

Father: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David."

Mother: (listening) I think I hear carolers.

Timmy: I hope they sing a lot of songs.

Amy: Yes, I love listening to carols.

Susie: Me too!

Father: Now where were we?

Father: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David. To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Father: "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.

Father: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Father: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men."

Carolers: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Father: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, 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, and when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Father: and all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Father: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

(Shepherds exit. Father closes Bible) Well, we’ve heard some beautiful songs by the carolers, now how about if we sing one.

Susie: But what about the wise men?

Amy: Yes, let’s hear about the wise men.

Father: (opening Bible again) They’re not mentioned in Luke, so let’s turn to Matthew.

Father: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod, the king, 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.

Father: When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Father: Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Father: When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 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. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

(Wisemen exit. After a slight pause, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus exit.)

Timmy: Let’s sing Joy To The World.

Amy: Yeah, let’s.

Susie: Yes.

Father: Ok. (Can lead the family or entire congregation)

Father: Now who wants to give a gift first?

Susie: I do! I do!

Father: Ok, we’ll let you start.

Susie: (goes to tree, picks out gift and brings it to Amy) I made it myself!

Amy: (takes lid off gift, and holds up some simple homemade object) Thank you Susie, it’s beautiful!

Father: Ok, who wants to be next?

Andrew: I have a special gift for Mom,

Father: (nods toward Andrew)

Andrew: goes to tree, gets gift and brings it to Mother.

Mother: Why thank you, Andrew. (but just sits there, doesn’t open it)

Andrew: (after a short pause) Well.... aren’t you going to open it?

Mother: Oh, I think I’ll wait until you children have opened some presents first.

Andrew: Oh- (pausing, disappointed) okay.

Timmy: I have a gift.

Father: (nods)

Timmy: (gets up, and brings gift to Andrew) This one is for you.

Andrew: (opens gift and displays it) Thank you, Timmy.

Amy: Is it my turn now?

Father: Yes, you may give a gift now.

Amy: (brings gift for Susie) Merry Christmas, Susie.

Susie: (lifts lid, and displays) Thank you, Amy!

Andrew: Mom, will you open yours from me, now?

Mother: In just a little bit. I’m having so much fun watching the other gifts being opened.

Susie: I have one for you, Daddy.

Father: (smiling) Ok, bring me your gift.

Susie: (brings gift to Father) This is special to you from me.

Father: I’m sure it is special. (opens gift, and displays) Thank you so much for this ________, Susie. Well, there’s only one gift left, and it’s from Aunt Ruth to all of us. Who wants to open it?

Timmy and Susie: I do!! I do!! (go to tree and lift lid off together)

Susie: It’s candy!

Timmy: My favorite. (takes box to Father, who takes one and passes it around, each member "eating" one.)

Andrew: Mom, now will you open my gift?

Mother: (hesitatingly) Well..... (looks at package, fingers bow)

Andrew: (obviously hurt) Why don’t you want to open my present? I made it just for you.

Mother: Oh, Andrew, I do want to open your present. But first I want you to think of something. Why do you want me to open it?

Andrew: Because I love you, Mom. And I want you to have it.

Mother: Then you must know just how we feel about you.

Andrew: About me?

Mother: Yes, we love you very much, Andrew. But you want to wait to receive God's gift of salvation. Just as I put off opening your gift so that I could watch the others open theirs.

Father: That’s right, Andrew. You’re afraid that accepting Jesus as your Savior will make you miss out on other things. And so, you’ve been putting off that decision.

Andrew: Well, yes. But I always thought I would do it tomorrow -- or next week. I didn’t mean to put it off so long, but now, I see what you mean.

Father: We never know if tomorrow or next week will be too late. And that makes us sad.

Andrew: Can I pray right now? Can I ask Jesus to forgive my sins tonight? Right here?

Father and Mother: Yes you can, and we’ll pray with you.

Andrew: Dear Jesus, I know that I’ve sinned. I know that I need a Savior. Please forgive me and become that Savior today.

Andrew: (solo) Thank You Lord

Pianist: continues playing Thank You Lord softly

Narrator: Most of you have heard about how Jesus came as a baby, and how the shepherds and angels sang the glory of his birth. And most of you know that Jesus was God in the form of man, and that when He grew to a man, He offered Himself as the sacrifice for my sins, and yours. But maybe, just maybe, there is one of you here today who has put off that decision to accept Him as your personal Savior. God loved you so much, that He sent Jesus here on earth, so that you can someday be with Him in heaven. What a gift! But just like the Mother in our story, you must choose to open and receive that gift. If you haven’t yet made that decision, would you do so today? Please don’t put it off. Salvation is the best gift you’ll ever receive.