(Taken from the Bible, Luke 2 & Matthew 2 and from the Friend, December 1984 & December

1985) Nalani Bird

THE NATIVITY SING-A-STORY

CHARACTERS & COSTUMES SR: All have speaking parts except where denoted. JR: No speaking parts except the Child part. Narrators to read.

Narrators: 2 adults, Primary Music Leader-N1, Male Adult-N2 Voice of the Lord: Adult (can be narrator 2) Child (for reading poem-no costume) Samuel the Lamanite Nephi, the son of Lehi Joseph Mary Innkeeper (he will sit on the center aisle seat) Angel (Adult voice for JRcan be member of Primary Presidency) 2 Shepherdsno speaking parts 3 Wisemenonly 1 speaking part
PROPS & OTHER ITEMS

Cradle/Manger Baby wrapped in blanket 2 Chairs Wisemen gifts Lighted Star on a tall stick (place against wall behind the manger scene) Bible Book of Mormon Globe or map to show where Samuel prophesied in the Americas and
where Bethlehem is

Picture of Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall Picture of Lehi and His People Arrive in the Promised Land Flip Charts in binder for songs they dont know well iPod & iPod speakers (to play When Joseph Went to Bethlehem for JR) 2 Extension Cords for star & iPod Speakers) Hymn Books or copy of songs that SR will sing from Hymn book Piano Light (if turning off the lights at the end) Twinkling white lights hung on wall with removable 3M hooks (optional)

SCRIPT

Make copy of script for each narrator & helper Copy & cut apart the speaking parts for the SR For JR, narrator 1 or 2 as designated will read each characters part For SR, the children will read their parts
ROOM SET UP

Post Beautiful Savior visual on board. Set up twinkling lights with removable hooks on the front wall (optional). Set up a light for the piano (optional if turning off the lights to sing at the
end).

Set up cradle/manger in front of room with a chair for Mary slightly to the Set up a chair for Samuel to stand on slightly left of center stage. Have adult helper(s) help the children to dress in the costume and help
keep the children moving on their parts. right of center stage.

Have a row of chairs in the front empty for the children in costume to sit

until their part. Have the helpers bring the dressed children back to sit in those chairs. Important to have them sit up front so they are all together and can watch and participate until their part.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BACK STAGE HELPERS Thanks for your help!!! Have the first row of chairs in the room available for the characters to sit in. Dont have them go back and sit with their class. It is important to keep the children on the front row so they can watch and sing until their part. If they sit off to the side, they will more likely not pay attention and goof off. Please select the children to play the characters. As you are dressing the children, please tell them to listen to the people telling the story so they can help act out what is being done. I may say the action parts between [ ] to help them, but please help them along with their actions if needed. This is all an ad-lib type of thing, so just go with the flowno stress to make it all perfect. Please give the SR children their speaking parts after they are dressed. JR: Get Samuel and Nephi ready first, maybe before Primary starts then start getting the other children ready asap. SR: The children could be selected and start getting ready as they are assembling in the hallway before ST. For SR, all parts will have a small speaking part except where noted. Children needed the for Sing-a-Story:

Child for reading poem (no costume) Samuel the Lamanite Nephi Joseph Mary Innkeeper (Please sit him on a center aisle seat) Angel Shepherdsno speaking parts (2) Wisemenonly 1 speaking part (3)

SCRIPT FOR THE NATIVITY SING-A-STORY Characters to be played by children pantomiming the actions. The JR speaking parts will given by narrator 1 or 2 as designated. Narrator 1 may also give cue prompts as needed that are in [ ]. Some SR children will have speaking parts. SONG(S): sing 1 or more songs as needed as the children finish dressing in their costume and to set the mood: Picture a Christmas CS. p. 50. 1:44 Silent Night Hymns, #204 first verse. 1:00 Child: The best part of December My favorite time, by far Is when we read the story Of the Baby and the star. Narrator 1: [Show Bible] At Christmastime we all love to read from the Bible the familiar story of the birth of baby Jesus. [Show Book of Mormon] The Book of Mormon also tells about the birth of Jesus and about the star. The Book of Mormon tells of Prophets in the Americas that prophesied of Jesus birth. [Show on globe or map] People on both sides of the world knew of the coming of the Savior. SONG: Beautiful Savior CS. p. 62. (2:52) Narrator 1: [Show picture of Lehi and His People Arrive in the Promised Land.] A few years after Lehi and his family journeyed to America, his son Nephi beheld a vision of the city of Nazareth and a beautiful virgin girl who was to be the mother of the Son of God [Nephi Enters slightly left of center stage.]

Nephi, the son of Lehi: JR- Narrator 2, SR-Child reads And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! [1 Ne. 11:13, 1 Ne. 2021.] [Nephi sits back down on the front row.] Narrator 1: Later the Nephites and the Lamanites were also told of the coming of Jesus by Samuel, a Lamanite prophet. [Show Picture of Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall to remind them of the story that was told last week.] Do you remember the story I told you last week about Samuel the Lamanite preaching and prophesying to the Nephites? Do you remember what he said? [Samuel enters and stands on a chair left of center stage.] Samuel, the Lamanite: JR- Narrator 2, SR-Child reads Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. [Hel. 14:23, 5.] SONG: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus CS. p.36 first verse. (0:45) Narrator 1: Many Nephites did not believe Samuel. They threw rocks and shot arrows at him. [Have children pretend to throw rocks and arrows at Samuel.] But Samuel was protected as he gave his message from the Lord. Then he returned home to his own people. [Samuel goes and sits back down on the front row.] 5

Some of the people, however, DID believe Samuels words, and they repented and were baptized. Nephi, he was the grandson of Helaman, was a leader among those who believed. When five years had almost ended, the wicked unbelievers said that they would kill the righteous people if the signs prophesied by Samuel did not appear. [Nephi kneels in prayer center stage.] Nephi prayed for the people who believed in Jesus Christ. He did not want the wicked people to kill them. He prayed all day, and then the Lord spoke to him. Voice of the Lord (in a deep, strong voice): Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. [3 Ne. 1:13.] [Nephi gets up and sits back down in his chair.] Narrator 1: Five years had passed and it had happened as Nephi and Samuel had prophesied. SONG: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus CS. p. 36 second verse. 0:45 Narrator 2: [As narrator reads, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem by walking across the front of the room and around to the back stopping at the center aisle in back.] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. [Luke 2:1, 3-5.] SONG: When Joseph Went to Bethlehem CS. p. 38 first verse. 0:50 JRplay iPod, SRBoys sing only

Narrator 1: It was so crowded there in Bethlehem that Joseph was not able to find them a nice place to stay. [JR: Tell the children that they are the innkeepers telling Joseph no. Demonstrate No action by shaking head and finger in No and then have all the children do that as Mary and Joseph slowly walk down the isle from the back of the room towards the front stopping at the front by the innkeeper who is standing to the side of center stage area.] Joseph and Mary had come a long way, and Joseph knew Mary was very tired. After being told no by all the innkeepers, Joseph pleaded with one of the innkeepers. (For JR, you can begin each part by saying, Joseph said or Mary said, etc.) Joseph: (JR: Narrator 1) My wife is with child and is very tired. Surely you have some place where she can rest. Innkeeper: (JR: Narrator 1) Theres an unused stable. If you want to use it, you may. [Point to the stable.] Joseph: (JR: Narrator 1) Thank you for your kindness, but Mary needs a comfortable room to rest in. Mary: (JR: Narrator 1) Joseph, let us take the stable. I am tired and cannot go any farther. [Mary and Joseph walk to the front of the room right of center stage and Mary sits by the manger and Joseph stands beside her.] Narrator 2: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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. [Luke 2:6-7.] [Mary lifts baby Jesus from the manger and hugs and rocks him.] SONG: JRAway in a Manger CS. p. 42 0:45 first verse SRMarys Lullaby CS. p. 44 2:03 SR: Girls only

[Shepherds move to the front, slightly left of center stage.] Narrator 2: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [Angel comes and stands to the right of the shepherds to speak to them.] 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. And the angel said unto them Angel: (JR: Adult voice for the angel) Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [Luke 2:10-11] Narrator 2: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, [Luke 2:13] Angel: (JR: Adult as voice for the angel) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. [Luke 2:14] [Angel walks over to Mary and Joseph and stands behind them and holds the star. Hand angel the star.] SONG: JR: Stars Were Gleaming CS. p. 37 first verse. 0:45 SR: Angels We Have Heard on High Hymns, # 203, all verses. 3:00 Narrator 2: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. [Luke 2:15-16] [Shepherds walk to manger and stand to the right of the manger.] SONG: The Shepherds Carol CS. p. 40 both verses. 1:00

Narrator 2: 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, saying . . . [Wisemen enter to slightly left of center stage and face the audience.] Wisemen 1: (JR: Narrator 2) 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. Narrator 2: And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [Matt. 2:1-2,9-10] [Wisemen look towards the star then walk to the baby Jesus and stand left of the manger, opposite of shepherds.] [Mary places Baby Jesus back in the manger.] Narrator 2: 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. [Matthew 2:11] [Wise Men kneel down and place the gifts in front of the cradle.] Narrator 1: These earthly treasures were gifts fit for a king. Yet Jesus own gift was the GREATEST gift of all. He brought eternal life. Boys and girls, let your thoughts always be upon Him, especially at this time of year so that you may learn of Him and follow in His footsteps. SONG: He Sent His Son CS. p. 34 (2:03) Child: I love the Christmas story, I love the songs we sing, But most of all I love the Savior Jesus Christ, the King.

Narrator 1: It all happened. It truly did! The prophecy from the prophets of old had been fulfilled. The star had risen. And faithful people on both sides of the world saw the sign and understood. Jesus, our Savior, was born in Bethlehem! [Turn the lights out to sing the final song(s)optional]. SONG(S): JR Christmas Bells CS. p. 54 (1:03) SR Joy to the World Hymns, # 201 first verse. (0:45) If time permits, sing other Christmas songs: SR: Oh, Come All Ye Faithful Hymns, # 202 first verse. (1:00)

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SR CHILDRENS SPEAKING PARTS Cut apart each script part to give to each character. ------------------------------------------------------------NEPHIS PART SONG: Beautiful Savior CS. p. 62. (2:52) Narrator 1 speaks after the song, then Nephi comes to the front of the room and says, Nephi And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! [1 Ne. 11:13, 1 Ne. 2021.] [Nephi moves off to the side but still up front.] [After Samuels part, you will come back up front and kneel in prayer.] ------------------------------------------------------------SAMUELS PART Narrator 1 speaks and reminds children of Samuel the Lamanite story, then Samuel comes to the front and stands on a chair and says, Samuel, the Lamanite: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. [Hel. 14:23, 5.] [Stay on the chair until you hear the part about going home after the song.] 11

JOSEPH, MARY & INKEEPERS PARTS (JOSEPHS COPY) [Mary and Joseph slowly walk down the isle from the back of the room towards the front stopping at the front by the innkeeper who is standing to the side of center stage area.] Joseph: My wife is with child and is very tired. Surely you have some place where she can rest. Innkeeper: Theres an unused stable. If you want to use it, you may. Joseph: Thank you for your kindness, but Mary needs a comfortable room to rest in. Mary: Joseph, let us take the stable. I am tired and cannot go farther. [Mary and Joseph walk to the front of the room and Mary sits by the manger and Joseph stands beside her.] ------------------------------------------------------------------JOSEPH, MARY & INKEEPERS PARTS (MARYS COPY) [Mary and Joseph slowly walk down the isle from the back of the room towards the front stopping at the front by the innkeeper who is standing to the side of center stage area.] Joseph: My wife is with child and is very tired. Surely you have some place where she can rest. Innkeeper: Theres an unused stable. If you want to use it, you may. Joseph: Thank you for your kindness, but Mary needs a comfortable room to rest in. Mary: Joseph, let us take the stable. I am tired and cannot go farther. [Mary and Joseph walk to the front of the room and Mary sits by the manger and Joseph stands beside her.]

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JOSEPH, MARY & INKEEPERS PARTS (INKEEPERS COPY) [Mary and Joseph slowly walk down the isle from the back of the room towards the front stopping at the front by the innkeeper who is standing to the side of center stage area.] Joseph: My wife is with child and is very tired. Surely you have some place where she can rest. Innkeeper: Theres an unused stable. If you want to use it, you may. Joseph: Thank you for your kindness, but Mary needs a comfortable room to rest in. Mary: Joseph, let us take the stable. I am tired and cannot go farther. [Mary and Joseph walk to the front of the room and Mary sits by the manger and Joseph stands beside her.] ------------------------------------------------------------------WISEMANS PART 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------ANGELS PART Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [Luke 2:10-11] Narrator 2: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, [Luke 2:13] ANGELS PART Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. [Luke 2:14] [Angel walks over to Mary and Joseph and stands behind them and holds the star.] 13