In 2005 our family started a tradition of a Nativity Play program. We had just had Gandalf that year and wanted to make sure we focused on Christ during Christmas. Christmas Eve seemed like the perfect time because there wasn’t the competition of Santa gifts on Christmas morning. We invited both side of the family over along with any friends. We have a soup potluck and homemade bread. Some years we even had more friends over than family. I loved seeing our kids grow up and play different roles as we acted out the Nativity play. One of my friends daughters, who once played Mary or and angel is now off at college. One time we even met in our neighborhood clubhouse because we had so many great neighbors come. I love singing and reading the scriptures together as a family.
I wanted to share the program that we use. My husband only used text from the scriptures. He chose songs and verses to sing after certain parts. I look forward to the day when we will have an even bigger family. I hope that my children will keep this tradition alive. I love seeing my children get excited to dress up as Wiseman or shepherds. This year Georgiana is all about holding Baby Jesus. She carries him around our house all the time. I know as we make the story of Christ’s birth part of our celebration we can feel the real meaning of Christmas.
Last year we were living in Arizona and ended up celebrating just our family. Grady was Joseph, I was an angel, Gandalf was a Wiseman, Draco a shepherd, Yoda a sheep, and Georgina Mary. We wrapped her little doll us to be the Christ child. We sang, just our little family, and I attempted to play the songs (really made me miss Alex!) and the spirit was so strong. I love that sweet memory.
This year my dear friend invited over to her house and we really wanted to go. But Grady felt the desire to have a place where everyone was welcomed. In case they needed a place to go. Luckily they invited us over Christmas Day too. I remember my friend Judy from the David Salon tell me her home was always open to others who needed a place for the holiday. She was such an example to me. I am thankful we have friends we can gather together with for the holidays. And I am thankful for a tradition that helps us focus on the birth of our Savior. Click the banner to watch a video about #asaviorisborn . It’s a perfect video to share with your family.
And I hope this nativity play program makes gathering as a family a little easier.
Nativity Play
Luke 2
Narrator: 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 wife, being great with child.
“O, Little Town of Bethlehem” p208
Narrator: 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 a firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
“Silent Night” (verse 1) p204
Narrator: 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,
Angel 1: “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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Angel 2: “12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Narrator: 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.
“Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” p202
Narrator: 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another,
Shepherd 1: “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
Narrator: 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
“Silent Night” (Verse 2) p213
Matthew 2
Narrator: 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,
9 … 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.
“Joy to the World” p201
Narrator: 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.
“Silent Night” (Verse 3) p204
I invite you to have a Nativity Play with your family. And if you post a picture on Instagram use the hashtag #nativity so we can see your family’s picture too! I am excited as I assigned my older two a song to play on the piano.
Merry Christmas and Happy Sunday!
