The Birth of Jesus: A Nativity Play

Characters:
 Narrator
 Angel Gabriel
 Mary
 Joseph
 Innkeeper
 Shepherds (2-3)
 Wise Men (3)
 Angel Choir
 Animals (optional for younger children)
 Star Bearer (optional)
Scene 1: The Announcement
(The stage is set with Mary sitting quietly, sewing. Angel Gabriel appears with a
bright light.)
Narrator:
Long ago, in the town of Nazareth, a young woman named Mary was chosen for a
very special task by God.
Angel Gabriel:
Hail, Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, for you have
found favor with God. You will give birth to a son, and you shall call Him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
Mary:
(standing and bowing her head)
I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.
(Angel Gabriel exits. Mary looks thoughtful and then smiles with peace.)
Scene 2: The Journey to Bethlehem
(Joseph leads a donkey, with Mary seated on it, across the stage. They knock on
several doors, and innkeepers shake their heads.)
Narrator:
At that time, the Roman Emperor ordered a census, and everyone had to return to
their hometown to be registered. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, but the
town was crowded.
Joseph:
(knocking on a door)
Please, do you have any room for us? My wife is about to have a baby.
Innkeeper 1:
Sorry, there’s no room here. Try the next house.
(Joseph tries another door.)
Innkeeper 2:
We’re full, but there’s a stable out back. You can stay there if you need shelter.
Joseph:
Thank you. We’ll take it.
(Mary and Joseph move to the stable, where animals are gathered. A soft light
shines on them as they settle in.)
Scene 3: The Birth of Jesus
(Mary gently lays baby Jesus in a manger as soft music plays. Joseph stands
protectively by her side.)
Narrator:
And so, in the humble stable, the Savior of the world was born. Mary wrapped
Him in cloth and laid Him in a manger.
Scene 4: The Shepherds and Angels
(Shepherds are seated on one side of the stage, warming themselves by a fire.
Suddenly, a bright light appears, and angels fill the stage, singing.)
Narrator:
That night, shepherds were in the fields, watching their flocks. Suddenly, an angel
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.
Angel Gabriel:
Do not be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. You will find Him
wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.
(The angel choir sings “Glory to God in the Highest.”)
Shepherd 1:
Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.
(The shepherds leave the stage, heading toward the stable.)
Scene 5: The Visit of the Wise Men
(The Wise Men enter, following a large, bright star held by the Star Bearer. They
carry gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.)
Narrator:
Far away, wise men saw a star in the sky and knew it meant a great king had been
born. They followed the star until it led them to the stable.
Wise Man 1:
We bring gifts for the newborn King.
Wise Man 2:
Gold, for His royal lineage.
Wise Man 3:
Frankincense, for His divinity.
Wise Man 1:
Myrrh, for His future sacrifice.
(They kneel and present their gifts. The shepherds and Wise Men gather around the
manger, marveling at the baby.)
Scene 6: The Celebration
(Angels, shepherds, Wise Men, and animals surround Mary, Joseph, and baby
Jesus. All sing “Silent Night” or another Christmas hymn.)
Narrator:
And so, the Savior of the world was born, bringing hope and light to all people.
May we always remember the miracle of that holy night.
(Curtain closes as the cast bows.)
End of Play
The Birth of Jesus: A Detailed Nativity Play.

Characters:
 Narrator
 Angel Gabriel
 Mary
 Joseph
 Innkeepers (2)
 Shepherds (2-3)
 Wise Men (3)
 Angel Choir (multiple angels)
 Animals (optional)
 Star Bearer (optional)
 Herod (optional, for Wise Men scene)

Scene 1: The Announcement

(The stage is divided into two parts: Mary's home on one side and a serene
heavenly glow on the other. Mary sits near a small table, sewing or praying. Angel
Gabriel appears in a bright light.)
Narrator:
Long ago, in the quiet town of Nazareth, a young woman named Mary lived a
simple, faithful life. One day, she received a message that would change the world
forever.
(Mary looks startled as the bright light surrounds her.)
Angel Gabriel:
Greetings, Mary! You are highly favored. The Lord is with you.
Mary:
(surprised and nervous)
What kind of greeting is this? Why have you come to me?
Angel Gabriel:
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and
give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be
called the Son of the Most High. His kingdom will never end.
Mary:
(still in awe)
How can this be, since I am not yet married?
Angel Gabriel:
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you. The child to be born will be called the Son of God.
Mary:
(humbly kneeling)
I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me as you have said.
(Angel Gabriel smiles and exits. Mary, now filled with wonder, looks upward,
clasping her hands.)

Scene 2: The Journey to Bethlehem

(The stage shows a road to Bethlehem. Mary rides a donkey, guided by Joseph.
The town is bustling with activity; people carry goods, and children run around.
Mary looks tired.)
Narrator:
When the Roman Emperor Augustus decreed that a census be taken, everyone had
to return to their ancestral towns to be registered. Mary and Joseph, though weary
from the journey, traveled to Bethlehem.
Joseph:
(reassuring Mary)
We’re almost there, Mary. Hold on just a little longer.
Mary:
I’m fine, Joseph. The child will be here soon—I can feel it.
(They knock on a door. An innkeeper opens, looking annoyed.)
Joseph:
Please, sir, we need a place to stay. My wife is expecting a baby any moment.
Innkeeper 1:
(shaking his head)
There’s no room here. Try further down the street.
(They knock at another door. Another innkeeper answers.)
Innkeeper 2:
I’m sorry. The inn is full. But I do have a stable out back. It’s not much, but it’s
warm and dry.
Joseph:
Thank you! That will do. Come, Mary.
(They are led to the stable, where hay and animals create a humble setting. A soft
light shines as Mary and Joseph settle in.)

Scene 3: The Birth of Jesus

(Mary sits, holding the newborn Jesus, who is wrapped in cloth. Joseph stands
protectively beside her. Animals quietly look on. Soft music plays in the
background.)
Narrator:
And so, in the stillness of that holy night, the Savior of the world was born. Mary
wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, for there was no
room for them in the inn.
(The lights dim to focus on the glowing manger as Mary smiles gently at baby
Jesus.)

Scene 4: The Shepherds and Angels

(The stage shifts to a hillside where shepherds sit near a fire, watching over their
sheep. Suddenly, a bright light appears, and the shepherds shield their eyes.)
Narrator:
That night, shepherds were in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks. Suddenly,
an angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of God shone around them.
Shepherd 1:
(covering his face)
What is this light? Are we dreaming?
Angel Gabriel:
Fear not! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Today, in the
town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. You will find
Him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
(The light expands as a host of angels appear, singing “Glory to God in the
Highest.” The shepherds fall to their knees in awe.)
Shepherd 2:
Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this child the Lord has told us about!
(They leave the stage excitedly, heading toward the stable.)

Scene 5: The Wise Men and Herod

(The Wise Men enter, following a Star Bearer. They carry gifts and look toward the
sky.)
Narrator:
Far to the east, wise men saw a star that signaled the birth of a great king. They
followed the star, traveling many miles to find Him.
Wise Man 1:
The star shines brighter here. We must be close.
(They stop at Herod’s palace, where King Herod sits on a throne, looking stern.)
Wise Man 2:
We have come seeking the one who has been born King of the Jews. We saw His
star and have come to worship Him.
Herod:
(pretending to be kind)
A new king? How wonderful. Go and find Him, and when you do, return to me so
that I may worship Him as well.
(The Wise Men exchange suspicious glances but nod politely. They continue their
journey.)

Scene 6: The Visit to Jesus

(The Wise Men arrive at the stable, where Mary and Joseph welcome them. The
Wise Men kneel before the manger, offering their gifts.)
Wise Man 1:
We bring gold, fit for a king.
Wise Man 2:
Frankincense, a symbol of His divinity.
Wise Man 3:
And myrrh, foretelling the sacrifice He will make.
(Mary thanks them with a nod. The shepherds also enter, kneeling beside the Wise
Men, and everyone gazes in awe at baby Jesus.)
Narrator:
And so, in a humble stable, people from near and far came to worship the Savior.
They marveled at the miracle before them and rejoiced in the hope He brought to
the world.

Scene 7: The Celebration

(The stage fills with angels, shepherds, Wise Men, and animals surrounding Mary,
Joseph, and Jesus. Together, they sing “O Holy Night” or “Silent Night.”)
Narrator:
The birth of Jesus brought light to the world, reminding us of God’s endless love.
May we always cherish the joy and peace of that holy night.
(Curtain closes as the cast bows to applause.)

Additional Notes:
 Use props like glowing stars, simple costumes, and background music to
create an immersive atmosphere.
 Add dialogue for minor characters (like innkeepers or animals) to provide
humor or emotional depth.
 Include audience participation during the songs if appropriate.