christmas pageant

st
Update: November 1 2004
Sc r ipt w r it t en by Br en da n Lea h y
Spec ia l t h a n k s t o Jessi e Qu ei or a n d Ma tth ew Bi sh op
G lor ia Dei! Lu t h er a n Ch u r c h Br en da n Lea h y
4 6 1 Colleg e Pa r k w a y 41 0 3 7 0 xxxx
A r n old, MD 2 1 0 1 2 @g m a il. c om
4 1 0 -5 4 4 -3 7 9 9

List of Carols Used Concept of the “Boys and Girls” characters

Th e Fi rst N oel Th i s sty l e of Ch ri stm a s pa g ea n t i s presen ted i n th e sty l e of
A n g el s We Ha v e Hea rd On “ch i l dren for ch i l dren ’s th ea tre”; a n el em en t to ch i l dren ’s
Hi g h th ea tre i s i n tera cti on between ch i l dren wa tch i n g a n d th e
Go Tel l i t on th e Mou n ta i n ch i l dren on sta g e. Th ey ea si l y g et i n v ol v ed a n d often wi l l y el l ou t
a bou t th e story to th e a ctors. It wa s m y wi sh to i n cl u de th i s
A wa y i n a Ma n g er i n tera cti on di rectl y i n to th e scri pt by h a v i n g a g rou p of ch i l dren
We Th ree Ki n g s si tti n g on th e fl oor i n th e fron t th rou g h ou t th e en ti re pa g ea n t
Ha rk! Th e Hera l d A n g el s wh ere a t g i v en m om en t Ca m el a n d Don key wi l l prom pt th e
Si n g ch i l dren for th e ri g h t a n swer.
Joy to th e Worl d
Concept of “Nativity Scene” and “Reflective World”
I’v e ch osen spl i t th e pa g ea n t i n to two sepa ra te “worl ds”. Th e
Ch ri stm a s story wi l l be presen ted a s a l i v e n a ti v i ty scen e,
i n stea d of a cti on i t i s to l ook l i ke a l i v e portra i t of th e Ch ri stm a s
story . Th e oth er h a l f i s th e refl ecti v e si de, th i s h a s th e n a rra tors
wh o descri be wh a t i s h a ppen i n g i n si de th e n a ti v i ty scen e a s i t
l ooks to th e con g reg a ti on .

Cast of Characters
Na t i v i t y Scen e Refl ect i v e Wor l d
Boy s a n d Gi rl s 5 Gra de
th
Scen e 2
Don key Jessi Qu ei or N a rra tor 2-1
Ca m el Bren da n Lea h y N a rra tor 2-2
Ga bri el A 7 Gra der
th
Scen e 3
8th Gra de
Ma ry 6 th Gra der N a rra tor 3-1
Sh eph erds 3 rd & 2 nd Gra der N a rra tor 3-2
Fl ock of Sh eep 3&4 y ea r ol d cl a ss Scen e 4
Ki n derg a rdn er/1 st
Fl ock of A n g el s N a rra tor 4-1
g ra de
Joseph 6 th Gra der N a rra tor 4-2
In n Keeper 6/7 Gra der
th
Scen e 5 9 th Gra de
Wi se Men 4 th Gra de N a rra tor 5
Scen e 6
N a rra tor 6
R em a i n i n g y ou th ca n ei th er be pa rt of th e ch oru s or boy s a n d g i rl s
christmas pageant 1/9
 Scene 1
(Stage is bare except for a table, upstage center, nothing is atop table. The
table will remain onstage the entire pageant. Pianist begins to play Prelude/First
Noel. A group of children walk in from rear of the sanctuary, bringing with them
pieces of the nativity scene. They set up the nativity scene on the table (except
for Jesus) and sit down on the floor.
ALL:
THE FIRST NOEL THE ANGEL DID SAY
WAS TO CERTAIN POOR SHEPHERDS
IN FIELDS AS THEY LAY;
IN FIELDS AS THEY LAY, KEEPING THEIR SHEEP,
ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT THAT WAS SO DEEP.
NOEL, NOEL, NOEL, NOEL,
BORN IS THE KING OF ISRAEL.
(Donkey enters from side,
Donkey: (To congregation) That’s my story, this is, the story of the birth of Jesus. I am
but a meek Donkey, (whispering) don’t tell anybody else I said this, but I’m the very
bestest part of Christmas.
(Camel enters from behind as Donkey is saying her above line. Donkey does not
see him)
Cam el: Ahem!
(Camel taps Donkey on her shoulder; she’s startled when she hears this.)
Donkey: Camel, I didn’t know you w ere around.
Cam el: Yes, w hat w ere you telling all these children?
Donkey: Oh, nothing, nothing at all!
Cam el: I’m sure of it. (to the children) Boys and girls, did Donkey say she w as the
bestest part of Christmas?
(Children will respond correctly)
Donkey: Well, I umm…
Cam el: Now Donkey, you just know that isn’t true…
Donkey: (shamed) Yeah, I know .
Cam el: Because, of course, the best part of Christmas… is me!
Donkey: Oh Camel don’t start again. I don’t w anna hear it anymore!
Cam el: After all, it w as me w ho braved the fields at night, nobles on my back, the stars it
my eyes.. (continues of in noble banter).
Donkey: (covering ears) I’m not listening! (sings) Lalalalala

christmas pageant 2/9

 PROMPTED BY DONKEY: ALL
NOEL, NOEL, NOEL, NOEL,
BORN IS THE KING OF ISRAEL.

THEY LOOKED UP AND SAW A STAR

SHINING IN THE EAST BEYOND THEM FAR,

AND TO THE EARTH IT GAVE GREAT LIGHT,

AND SO IT CONTINUED BOTH DAY AND NIGHT.

NOEL, NOEL, NOEL, NOEL,

BORN IS THE KING OF ISRAEL.

(During the hymn, Camel has gone off to side of nativity scene and is sitting
while writing on a piece of paper)
Donkey: Camel?
Cam el: Hmm?
Donkey: What’re you doing?
Cam el: Oh, nothing, nothing at all.
Donkey: Oh come on, tell us w hat you’re w riting! We all w ant to know , (to boys and
girls) isn’t that right boys and girls?!
(“Yes”)
Cam el: Oh okay. I’m w riting a list of w hy Christmas is all about me!
Donkey: Oh, it is so not. It’s about me! Here, follow me, I’ll prove it.
(Donkey grabs Camel and drags him off around alter during scene change)

Scene 2 – Gabriel Visits Mary

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
CONGREGATION

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

SWEETLY SINGING O’ER THE PLAINS,
AND THE MOUNTAINS IN REPLY
ECHOING THEIR JOYOUS STRAINS.
REFRAIN
GLORIA, IN EXCELSIS DEO!
GLORIA, IN EXCELSIS DEO!

christmas pageant 3/9

 SHEPHERDS, WHY THIS JUBILEE?
WHY YOUR JOYOUS STRAINS PROLONG?
WHAT THE GLADSOME TIDINGS BE
WHICH INSPIRE YOUR HEAVENLY SONG?
REFRAIN
COME TO BETHLEHEM AND SEE
CHRIST WHOSE BIRTH THE ANGELS SING;
COME, ADORE ON BENDED KNEE,
CHRIST THE LORD, THE NEWBORN KING.
REFRAIN
(Mary is kneeling in prayer Gabriel stands on a riser in an angel pose
Narrators stand outside Nativity scene.
Camel and Donkey are watching up from upstage.)
Narrator 2-1: This is Mary.
Narrator 2-2: Mary isn’t planing to have a baby.
Narrator 2-1: But she’s going to have one, and it’s going to change the w orld.
Cam el: Hey, you’re not even in this part of the story.
Donkey: Shh! Just listen.
Narrator 2-1: “[…]God sent the angel Gabriel to[…] Mary. 28The angel w ent to her and
said, ‘Greetings, you w ho are highly favored! The Lord is w ith you.’” (NIV Luke
1:26-28)
Narrator 2-2: Mary w as scared of w hat the Angel might have to say to her.
Narrator 2-1: “ 30But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor
w ith God.’” (NIV Luke 1:30) You are going to give birth to a son, “he w ill be great”,
and you are to give him the name Jesus, he w ill be the son of God! “The Lord God
w ill give him the throne [… and …] his kingdom w ill never end.” (NIV Luke 1:33)
Narrator 2-2: “’How can this be?’ Mary asked the angel[.]” (NIV Luke 1:34)
Narrator 2-1: “ 35The angel answ ered, “The Holy Spirit w ill come upon you, and the
pow er of the Most High w ill overshadow you. So the holy one to be born w ill be
called the Son of God.”(NIV Luke 1:35)
Cam el: The son of God huh?
Donkey: I know , sounds exciting.
(Both crossing down.)
Cam el: That angel w as pretty neat.
Donkey: If you think one angel w as neat w ait until you see w hat happens next.
(Both start to exit)
Cam el: What tw o angels?
Donkey: More.
Cam el: Three angels?
Donkey: More.

christmas pageant 4/9

Cam el: Four angels?
Donkey: More.
Cam el: (Counting fingers.) Donkey?
Donkey: Yes Camel?
Cam el: I can only count to four! Donkey, I’m still the best part of Christmas.
(The bicker they’re “are not” and “are too” off stage)

Scene 3 – Flock of Angels visit Shepherds

(During song Shepherds and sheep enter into nativity scene, then during song
Flock of Angels enter.)
CONGREGATION
REFRAIN
GO, TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN,
OVER THE HILLS AND EVERYWHERE
GO, TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN,
THAT JESUS CHRIST IS BORN.
WHILE SHEPHERDS KEPT THEIR WATCHING
OVER SILENT FLOCKS BY NIGHT
BEHOLD THROUGHOUT THE HEAVENS
THERE SHONE A HOLY LIGHT.
REFRAIN
THE SHEPHERDS FEARED AND TREMBLED,
WHEN LO! ABOVE THE EARTH,
RANG OUT THE ANGELS CHORUS
THAT HAILED THE SAVIOR’S BIRTH.
REFRAIN
DOWN IN A LOWLY MANGER
THE HUMBLE CHRIST WAS BORN
AND GOD SENT US SALVATION
THAT BLESSED CHRISTMAS MORN.
REFRAIN
Narrator 3-2: “And there w ere shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping w atch
over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them…
(The flock of angels enter.)
Narrator 3-2: …And the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they w ere terrified.”
(NIV Luke 2:8-9)
(Shepherds turn center, drop their jaw and put their hands on their cheeks,
“home-alone style fear”)
Narrator 3-1: “ 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good new s of
great joy that w ill be for all the people.” 11Today a Savior has been born to you; he
is Jesus Christ 12This w ill be a sign to you: You w ill find a baby w rapped in cloths
and lying in a manger.”

christmas pageant 5/9

 (Kids enter and prepare to sing their “Angel Band” song.)
ANGEL BAND
15
Narrator 3-2: “ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,
w hich the Lord has told us about.’” (NIV Luke 2:15)
(Sheep, Shepherds and Angels are seated.)

Scene 4 – Donkey, Mary, Joseph and the inn

(Camel and Donkey enter.)
Cam el: I’m bored, let’s skip to my part. (Hops to a noble position) The camel and his
noble w ise men approached, braving the dark night w ith nothing but a…
Donkey: Not yet Camel! This is my part of the story!
Cam el: (shamed) Sorry.
Donkey: Just sit dow n and w atch, you’ll see how I’m the best part of Christmas! (Sticks
tongue out Camel.)
(Camel sits off to side; Donkey exits to prepare for entrance.)
Narrator 4-1: Mary and Joseph set off for Bethlehem.
Narrator 4-2: Mary, pregnant w ith baby Jesus rode on the Donkey’s tired old back.
(Donkey, Mary and Joseph enter. Donkey is standing, hunched over hold back in
pain and breathing gasping.)
Cam el: Donkey? Are you alright?
Donkey: Oh yeah, yeah, I just need a little rest.
Cam el: The best part of Christmas huh?
Donkey: Did you not see me carry pregnant Mary all that w ay? I mean, that’s a long
w alk, I’d like to see you try better!
Cam el: Okay fine, you just w ait until w e’re at the inn.
Narrator 4-1: Mary and Joseph looked for a place to stay w here the baby Jesus could
be born.
Narrator 4-2: But there w as no room at the inn.
(The nativity sceane shifts as the inn keeper comes on stage.
Joesph asks a silent question, but the inn keeper gestures no.)
Narrator 4-1: The inn keeper felt sorry that he couldn’t do anything to help Joseph and
the pregnant Mary.
Narrator 4-2: But then the inn keeper had an idea!
Narrator 4-1: He told them he w as very sorry that he did not have a room, but he had a
manger they could use for the night.
Narrator 4-2: They accepted this offer.

Scene 5 – Away in a Manger

(the manger scene is set up)

christmas pageant 6/9

 CONGREGATION
AWAY IN A MANGER
AWAY IN A MANGER, NO CRIB FOR A BED,
THE LITTLE LORD JESUS LAID DOWN HIS SWEET HEAD,
THE STARS IN THE BRIGHT SKY LOOKED DOWN WHERE HE LAY,
THE LITTLE LORD JESUS ASLEEP ON THE HAY.
(Mary, Joseph and Donkey enter into positions. Camel is watching from side.)
(Shepherds and sheep enter)
Narrator 5: In the manger that night, Jesus, the son of the God w as born.
(The next lines are to be read as a reflection.)
Narrator 2-1: “ 30But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor
w ith God.’” (NIV Luke 1:30) You are going to give birth to a son, “he w ill be great”,
and you are to give him the name Jesus, he w ill be the son of God! “The Lord God
w ill give him the throne [… and …] his kingdom w ill never end.” (NIV Luke 1:33)
Narrator 4-2: But there w as no room at the inn.
Narrator 4-1: He told them he w as very sorry that he did not have a room, but he had a
manger they could use for the night.
Narrator 3-1: “ 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good new s of
great joy that w ill be for all the people.” 11Today a Savior has been born to you; he
is Jesus Christ 12This w ill be a sign to you: You w ill find a baby w rapped in cloths
and lying in a manger.”

THE CATTLE ARE LOWING, THE BABY AWAKES,

BUT LITTLE LORD JESUS NO CRYING HE MAKES.
I LOVE YOU, LORD JESUS; LOOK DOWN FROM THE SKY,
AND STAY BY MY SIDE UNTIL MORNING IS NIGH.
BE NEAR ME, LORD JESUS, I ASK YOU TO STAY
CLOSE BY ME FOREVER, AND LOVE ME, I PRAY.
BLESS ALL THE DEAR CHILDREN IN YOUR TENDER CARE,
AND TAKE US TO HEAVEN, TO LIVE WITH YOU THERE.
Narrator 5: Hark, baby Jesus is born. God has given the w orld his only son! Jesus’ birth
w as so big that it even drew three very special people from afar to see him.
Cam el: (Hopping up) Oh! This is my part of the story! I gotta get ready. (Runs off)
Narrator 5: God gave the w ise men a sign so they could find baby Jesus, a star, a star
that shined so bright even in the darkness, the w ise men could find their w ay.

Scene 6
(Camel and the three wise men enter.)
CONGREGATION
WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE,
BEARING GIFTS WE TRAVERSE AFAR,
FIELD AND FOUNTAIN, MOOR AND MOUNTAIN,
FOLLOWING YONDER STAR.

christmas pageant 7/9

 CHORUS:
O, STAR OF WONDER, STAR OF M IGHT,
STAR WITH ROYAL BEAUTY BRIGHT,
WESTWARD LEADING, STILL PROCEEDING,
GUIDE US TO THY PERFECT LIGHT.

BORN A BABE ON BETHLEHEM'S PLAIN;

GOLD WE BRING TO CROWN HIM AGAIN;
KING FOREVER, CEASING NEVER,
OVER US ALL TO REIGN.

CHORUS
Narrator 6: The three w ise men came from afar bringing gifts for the divine infant
GLORIOUS NOW BEHOLD HIM ARISE,
KING AND GOD AND SACRIFICE,
HEAVEN SINGS, "HALLELUJAH!"
”HALLELUJAH!" EARTH REPLIES.

CHORUS
(Camel walks over to Donkey)
Cam el: See, I told you I w as better.
Donkey: Nu uh, I brought baby Jesus to the manger!
Cam el: I brought gifts to baby Jesus!
Donkey: Wait a minute!
Cam el and Donkey: Baby Jesus!
Cam el: Yes! Baby Jesus is the best part of Christmas.
Donkey: Look at his entire story.
Cam el: If it w eren’t for Jesus being the best part of Christmas…
Donkey: We’d have no Christmas at all.
Donkey: (to boys and girls) isn’t that right boys and girls, isn’t Jesus the best part of
Christmas.
(“Yes!”)
Cam el: Aw w , aren’t they such cute little angels?
Donkey: Angels! Are you thinking w hat I’m thinking?
Cam el: I think so, everybody sing:
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING,

GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING,
PEACE ON EARTH, AND MERCY MILD,
GOD AND SINNERS RECONCILE.
JOYFUL, ALL YE NATIONS, RISE,
JOIN THE TRIUMPH OF THE SKIES;
WITH THE ANGELIC HOST PROCLAIM,

christmas pageant 8/9

 'CHRIST IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM'
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING,
GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING.

CHRIST, BY HIGHEST HEAVEN ADORED,

CHRIST, THE EVERLASTING LORD,
LATE IN TIME BEHOLD HIM COME,
OFFSPRING OF A VIRGIN'S WOMB.
VEILED IN FLESH THE GODHEAD SEE;
HAIL, THE INCARNATE DEITY,
PLEASED AS MAN WITH TO DWELL,
JESUS, OUR EMMANUEL!
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING,
GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING.

HAIL, THE HEAVEN-BORN PRINCE OF PEACE!

HAIL THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!
LIGHT AND LIFE TO ALL HE BRINGS,
RISEN WITH HEALING IN HIS WINGS.
MILD HE LAYS HIS GLORY BY,
BORN THAT MAN NO MORE MAY DIE,
BORN TO RAISE THE SUNS OF EARTH,
BORN TO GIVE THEM SECOND BIRTH.
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING,
GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING.
Donkey: Jesus is born, everybody rejoice!
JOY TO THE WORLD
JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME:
LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!
LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM,
AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING.
JOY TO THE EARTH! THE SAVIOUR REIGNS:
LET MEN THEIR SONGS EMPLOY,
WHILE FIELDS AND FLOODS, ROCKS,HILLS AND PLAINS
REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY.
NO MORE LET SINS AND SORROWS GROW,
NOR THORNS INFEST THE GROUND:
HE COMES TO MAKE HIS BLESSINGS FLOW
FAR AS THE CURSE IS FOUND.
HE RULES THE EARTH WITH TRUTH AND GRACE,
AND MAKES THE NATIONS PROVE
THE GLORIES OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNES
AND WONDERS OF HIS LOVE.
(During the above carols all of the children should now be standing on stage.
During Joy to the World, Donkey and Camel hold up the baby Jesus nativity
figure and then place it on the nativity scene that was set up at the beginning.)
THE END

christmas pageant 9/9