The First Christmas is a warm, traditional 30-minute nativity play designed for churches, Sunday schools, and primary school Christmas programs. With a flexible cast of 12–25 actors, it retells the biblical story of Jesus’ birth in a simple, meaningful, and easy-to-stage format perfect for young performers and first-time directors.

The play opens with Old Testament prophecies, guiding children through Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds’ joyful discovery, the angelic announcement, and the wise men’s visit to the manger. Familiar Christmas carols such as Silent Night and Joy to the World are woven naturally throughout the script, inviting audience participation and creating a classic Christmas atmosphere.

Production notes clearly outline staging, narration, and scene transitions, making it simple for churches of any size to present a beautiful and biblically accurate portrayal of the nativity. The optional Part 2: Living the Story Today provides an additional 10–15 minutes of content, helping children understand how the message of the first Christmas applies to their daily lives.

With its flexible roles, strong gospel message, and timeless storytelling, The First Christmas is a wonderful choice for churches seeking a joyful, reverent, and Scripture-centered Christmas program suitable for children of all ages.

The First Christmas: A Nativity Play

An Original Children’s Christmas Script

Overview

• Title: The First Christmas: A Nativity Play

• Length: ~30 minutes (flexible with music)

• Cast Size: 12–25 actors (easily expandable with choir and non-speaking roles)

• Style: Traditional nativity with Scripture-based narration and familiar carols

Cast of Characters

You can double roles or add extras as needed.

• Narrator 1 – Main storyteller, calm and clear

• Narrator 2 – Optional helper; can share Scripture readings

• Prophet Isaiah – Old Testament prophet with scroll

• Prophet Micah – Old Testament prophet with scroll

• Mary – Humble and gentle, full of faith

• Joseph – Kind, thoughtful, protective

• Angel Gabriel – Confident, kind messenger

• Angel Choir – 3+ children; can be more (non-speaking or speaking)

• Caesar’s Messenger – Announces the census

• Innkeeper 1 – Busy and full, but not unkind

• Innkeeper 2 – Optional, can be funny but polite

• Stable Keeper – Offers the stable to Mary and Joseph

• Shepherd 1, 2, 3 – Curious, simple, good-hearted

• Head Shepherd – A bit older or more serious

• Sheep / Animals – Non-speaking roles for younger children

• Star Bearer – Child who carries or holds the star

• Wise Man 1, 2, 3 – Dignified travelers from the East

• Scribe / Chief Priest – Reads prophecy to the wise men

• Extra Townspeople – Filling streets, inns, and market

(You can combine or expand roles depending on how many children you have.)

PRODUCTION NOTES (for Directors)

• Setting:

• One main stage can serve as Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the shepherds’ field by moving a few simple props.

• Center-back: a simple stable (cardboard, cloth, or pallets) with a manger.

• One side: Nazareth home (stool/table).

• Other side: Shepherds’ field (green cloth, a few “rocks”).

• Key Props:

• Scroll(s) for prophets

• Wooden boxes or wrapped boxes for gifts of the wise men

• A cradle/manger with a doll for baby Jesus

• Star on a stick or hanging star for the Star Bearer

• Staffs for shepherds

• Simple robes, sashes, head coverings

• Music Suggestions (no lyrics printed in script):

• “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (short opening line or verse)

• “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

• “Away in a Manger”

• “Angels We Have Heard on High” or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

• “Silent Night”

• “Joy to the World”

• (Use as congregational songs or solo/choir lines between scenes. Director can adapt based on church tradition.)

• Flow:

• Prologue: Old Testament prophecies

• Mary & Joseph: Annunciation and dream

• Census & Journey: Traveling to Bethlehem

• Stable: Birth of Jesus

• Shepherds: Angels’ announcement and visit

• Wise Men: Follow the star and bring gifts

• Finale: All cast at the manger, carol, closing narration