The Christmas Story

NARRATOR: In those days, Caesar Augustus decreed;

Caesar: (in stentorian tones): A census must be taken of the entire Roman world. Everyone must go their own town to register. 

NARRATOR: So Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 

ALL SING: Stanza 1 of "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

NARRATOR: He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

ANGEL 1: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

ANGEL 2: Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them:

ALL ANGELS: Do not be afraid; for I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.

ALL SING: Stanza 1 of "Angels We Have Heard on High"

NARRATOR: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 

ALL ANGELS: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!

ALL SING: Stanza 1 of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

NARRATOR: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said:

ALL SHEPHERDS: Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.

NARRATOR: So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 

ALL SHEPHERDS: Now that we have seen him let us spread the word concerning what has been told us about this child!

NARRATOR: And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. And Mary treasured all these events and pondered them in her heart.

MARY: So many wonderful and amazing things have happened! Surely God's plans and purposes are being fulfilled.

ALL SING: "Joy to the World"

Adapted, Eleanor Johnson, Greenwood, WI