The First Christmas: A Nativity Story

Length: 30–45 minutes

Cast Size: 12–25 actors (highly flexible for small or large groups)

Props: Simple manger, cloth cradle, lantern, robes, cardboard animals, star decoration

Best For: Children’s ministry, primary schools, Sunday school, family services, Christmas Eve programs

The First Christmas: A Nativity Story is a warm, traditional retelling of the birth of Jesus, written especially for young performers. With short, easy-to-memorize scenes and a gentle narrative flow, this script is ideal for children from kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as mixed-age church groups and classrooms.

The play begins with the angel announcing God’s message, follows Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, and leads to the familiar, cherished moment in the stable where baby Jesus is laid in the manger. Friendly shepherds, joyful angels, and awe-filled Wise Men bring energy and color to the story, making it both engaging and accessible for young actors.

Designed with flexible casting, simple costumes, and minimal props, this script fits beautifully on small church stages, classrooms, and multi-purpose rooms. It can be performed with as few as 12 children or expanded to include entire classes or children’s choirs.

An optional Part 2 is included, offering a meaningful reflection scene where the children step out of character, talk about what they learned from the Nativity story, and share how they can carry the message of Christmas into their real lives. This section allows leaders to extend the performance for worship services, devotionals, or family outreach events.

The play concludes with the entire cast gathered around the manger as Silent Night or Joy to the World plays softly—creating a heartfelt, reverent atmosphere that parents, families, and congregations deeply appreciate.

Why ministries love this script:

• Short scenes ideal for young readers and first-time performers

• Flexible cast size and simple staging

• Familiar, biblical storytelling with gentle narration

• Optional extended reflection scene for deeper spiritual impact

• Perfect for Christmas Eve services, school programs, and Sunday school musicals

• Emotional, family-friendly, and easy to rehearse

The First Christmas: A Nativity Story beautifully captures the heart of the Christmas season—celebrating the humble arrival of Jesus and reminding every child (and adult) that the message of hope and love is for all people, everywhere.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: A NATIVITY STORY

A Simple, Traditional Christmas Play for Children and Churches

CAST OF CHARACTERS (Flexible, 12–25 actors)

• Narrator 1 & Narrator 2 (can be 1–3 narrators total)

• Mary

• Joseph

• Angel Gabriel

• Head Angel

• Angels’ Choir (3–8 children)

• Caesar’s Messenger / Town Crier (optional)

• Innkeeper (can add Innkeeper’s Wife or Child)

• Shepherd 1, 2, 3 (add more shepherds as needed)

• Shepherd Children (optional)

• Wise Man 1, 2, 3

• Star Bearer (child holding a star on a stick)

• Extra Townspeople / Animals (children with simple costumes or masks)

Note:

• Roles can be doubled (e.g., Townsperson also plays Angel, extra Shepherd also plays Wise Man, etc.).

• Lines for young children can be shortened or spoken in unison.

SET & PROPS

• Simple Nazareth corner: stool or bench, a clay pot/cloth

• Bethlehem street / registration area: small table, scroll, quill (for Caesar’s decree)

• Inn door: simple doorway or sign “INN”

• Stable: manger (wooden box), hay or straw, cloth cradle, cardboard animals

• Star decoration held by Star Bearer

• Simple robes, scarves, and sashes for costumes

• Lantern, staff(s) for shepherds, small boxes for wise men’s gifts

SET & PROPS

45 Minutes