A Shepherd’s First Christmas

A Shepherd’s First Christmas is a gentle, 15-minute Christmas play that tells the nativity story through the eyes of a little shepherd boy. Designed especially for preschoolers and early elementary, this narrated script keeps speaking parts simple and short while still capturing the wonder of the angel’s announcement, the shepherds’ excitement, and the quiet beauty of meeting baby Jesus in the manger.

Perfect For:

• Preschool & early elementary programs

• Children’s church, kids’ services, and school chapels

• Small churches or groups with limited rehearsal time

Key Features:

• Length: ~15 minutes 

• Cast Size: 6–10 speaking roles (plus easy non-speaking roles)

• Style: Narrated from an older shepherd’s point of view with a child “Little Sam” acting out his younger self

• Age-Friendly: Minimal lines for kids; the Narrator carries the story

• Flexible Music: Built-in spots for simple carols like “Away in a Manger” or “Silent Night”

• Simple Staging: Two basic areas – a hillside field and a small stable – using straw bales, a manger, and simple robes

Why Leaders Love It:

• Easy to rehearse with very young children

• Clear gospel focus: God coming close to ordinary people

• Adorable “little shepherd” visuals that parents and grandparents will love

• Works as a stand-alone kids’ program or as part of a larger Christmas service

What You Need:

• Shepherd robes or oversized T-shirts and scarves

• Simple staffs, lamb plush toys, and angel halos

• A basic manger with a baby doll and a stable backdrop

A Shepherd’s First Christmas gives your youngest kids a meaningful, manageable way to share the story of Jesus’ birth—full of wonder, warmth, and just the right amount of “aww.”

A Shepherd’s First Christmas

A 15-Minute Narrated Nativity for Little Ones

CAST (6–10 roles, easily expandable)

• NARRATOR / OLD SHEPHERD – “SAM” – Main storyteller, older version of the child shepherd, warm and gentle.

• LITTLE SAM – Young shepherd child (mostly gestures and a few short lines).

• SHEPHERD 1 – Older shepherd, kind.

• SHEPHERD 2 – Older shepherd, a bit grumpy but soft-hearted.

• ANGEL OF THE LORD – Main angel, clear voice.

• ANGEL CHOIR – 2–6 children as extra angels (simple “Glory to God” line together).

• MARY – Quiet, gentle, stays by the manger.

• JOSEPH – Protective and calm, stands near Mary.

• (Optional extras: Lambs, stable animals, extra shepherds – no speaking needed.)