Welcome To Our Program!

The stage is set for a Christmas play!  The cast includes a Narrator, Shepherd Boy, Shepherd Girl, Angels, Innkeeper, Mary, Joseph and Three Wise Men.

Narrator:
A long time ago in a city called Bethlehem, a baby named Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph.  Jesus was a very special baby sent from Heaven, and He is the reason that many celebrat Christmas today.  People from all over came to visit Jesus to celebrate the First Christmas.  They brought him gifts -- just like the ones we give to each other at Christmas time.  This little shepherd boy and girl learned about Jesus and learned a very important lesson.

Shepherd Boy:
Look, up in the sky, there's a bright star!

Shepherd Girl:
What do you think it is?  It looks like a shooting star or a big candle!

Angel (entering the stage behind the shepherds):
It's a star that will guide you to celebrate the birth of a special baby.

Shepherd Girl:
Who are you?

Angel:
I'm an angel that has come to bring you this good news.  Now go quickly and follow the star.  The baby named Jesus is waiting for you!

Narrator:
The shepherds immediately left the hillside where they were watching their sheep.   Along the way, the shepherds met other people who were also going to visit the new baby.

Shepherd Boy:
Excuse me, sirs, are you following the star too?

Wise Man:
Why yes.  We are three wise men who have heard about the baby Jesus.  We have waited for this celebration for a long time!  Some say He is going to be a king, so we are bringing Him wonderful gifts.  I have shiny gold.

Second Wise Man:
I have frankincense -- a sweet-smelling incense.  It's a gift fit for asking!

Third Wise Man:
I have myrrh, a wonderful perfume.  What are you two bringing for the baby Jesus?

Shepherd Boy:
I don't have anything to give Him.  I'm just a little shepherd boy.  What could I bring?

Shepherd Girl:
We only have our wooden staffs that we use to guide our sheep.  We only wears sandals and a coat.

Second Wise Man:
I'm sure you have something else to give.  Well, we must be on our way.  We're almost in Bethlehem.

Narrator:
The shepherds were very sad because they didn't have anything to give to Jesus.  But they continued following the star that led them to a tiny stable.  There were lots of people waiting to see the baby.

Shepherd Boy:
I wish I had something for Jesus.  I wish I weren't just a little shepherd.   Then I could buy lots of gifts -- more than anyone else her.

Innkeeper:
Children, children, it's your turn to see the baby Jesus, who is asleep in the manger.   Isn't it exciting?  Just last night, Mary and Joseph cam to the door of my inn looking for a room.  But there was no room at my inn.  Joseph told me that his wife was about to have a baby and asked if there was anything I could do.  Well, I had this stable for them and gave them everything that I could.  I was so happy to help them.

Shepherd Girl:
But we don't have anything to give.

Innkeeper:
Now, don't you worry.  Go inside.  They are waiting for you.

Shepherd Girl:
But we don't have any gifts for your baby.

Mary:
You are the special gift.  You obeyed the angel and came a long way to see Jesus.  That is a wonderful gift!

Joseph:
The love in your heart is the best gift of all.  You have shared your love and made this day even more joyous.

Shepherd Boy:
You mean we can give a gift of love?  It doesn't have to be gold, jewels or fancy presents?

Shepherd Girl:
We can give from the heart.  We can give love to the baby Jesus and everyone we meet!

THE END.