A Simple Nativity Play

We act out the Nativity every year on Christmas Eve. We did it at my house growing up, and we have continued on the tradition. Since my sister moved to town, we have done it with them, and my parents were here for it this year too.

Most of the cast of characters - an angel, a shepherd,

a wise man, Joseph,another wise man,

another shepherd, and Mary

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went

out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world

should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius

was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 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:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused,

being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days

were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him

in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding

in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring

you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.


11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David

a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel

a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth

peace, good will toward men.

1 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,

2 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.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things,

he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and

scribes of the people together, he demanded

of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea:

for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 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.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men,

enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 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.

9 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.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with

exceeding great joy.

11 ¶ 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.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not

return to Herod, they departed into their own

country another way.

"Away In A Manger"