Below are some worship resources which you are welcome to use at no charge. Please just use a copyright acknowledgment "Copyright Lisa Frenz. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission."
by Lisa Frenz © 1994
Notes
Cast:
P = Pastor Congregation
R= Reader
N = Narrator
B/S = Benjamin/Sarah: The child (or 2 children) looking for a "good" gift to give Jesus
P = Farmer(s): Who has some grain for Jesus
C = Cow(s): Who has fresh milk for Jesus
R = Rabbit(s): Who has soft fur for Jesus to pet
D = Donkey(s): Who can give Jesus rides
S = Shepherd(s): Who can give Jesus Sheep wool for clothing
W = Wise men: Who can give Jesus riches
M = Mary: The mother of Jesus
J = Joseph: The father of Jesus
Benjamin/Sara will require one or two actors who can handle a larger part. Benjamin/Sarah’s lines are set up so they can be split between two actors, but if you don’t have that many kids, the part can be combined into a Sarah or a Benjamin. The same for the shepherds and wisemen.
Costumes can be as simple as scarves, and ears and tails or as elaborate as you want.
Scriptures are from the International Children’s Bible (Tommy Nelosn, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee) unless otherwise noted.
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Prelude
Stand
Song: From Heaven Above vs. 1,2,3,4
Tune Name: VOM HIMMEL HOCH Music: V. Schumann, Geistliche Lieder, 1539
Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978 Copyright Administrator: Augsburg Fortress
From heav'n above to earth I come . . to all the world, and gladly sing:
To you this night is born a child . . .shall be the joy of all the earth.
This is the Christ, God's Son most high, . . .and from all sin will set you free.
The blessing which the Father planned . . .you may with us his glory share.
P: Welcome in the name of the Bather an the Son and the Hole Spirit.
C: Amen.
R1: So when Christ came into the world, he said: "You do not want sacrifices [or ritual killings] and offerings. But you have prepared a body for me. You do not ask for burnt offerings [or gifts] and offerings to take away sins.
R2: Than I paid. 'Look., I have come. It is written about me in the book. My God, I have come to do what you want,'"
R3: In this Scripture he first said, "You do not want sacrifices and offerings. You do not as for burnt offering and offerings to take away sins." [These are what the law commands.]
R4: Then he said, "Here I am. I have come to do what you want." So God ends the first system of sacrifices so that another system can be set up.
R5: Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do. And because of this, we are made holy through the sacrifice of his body. Christ made this sacrifice only once, and far all time.
Hebrews 10:5-10
Song: Gather Us In/Here in This Place vs. 1, 2, 4
Tune Name: GATHER US IN
Text & Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950, (c) 1982 GIA Publications, Inc.
Here in this place new light is streaming, . . .we shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a myst'ry, . . .give us the courage to enter the song.
Not in the dark of buildings confining, . . .fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
P: Light is dawning,
C: And we are waking.
P: Hope is returning,
C: And are waiting.
P: Joy is swelling,
C: And we are thrilling.
Song: The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came
Tune Name: GABRIEL'S MESSAGE Music: Basque carol, arr. C. Edgar Pettman, 1865-1943
Text: Basque carol, para. Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
with wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame:
"All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary,
most highly favored lady." Gloria!
"For know a blessed mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honor thee;
thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
most highly favored lady." Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said.
"My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
in Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
"Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
P: Love is coming,
C: And we are warming.
P: Faith is growing,
C: And are we seeking.
P: Glory is beaming,
C: And we are glowing.
P: Peace be with you.
C: And with you.
(Sharing of the peace)
Song: How Joyfully vs. 1, 2, 3
Tune: O SANCTISSIMA
Refrain: O how joyfully, how blessedly,
Comes the glory of Christmas tine!
To a world so lost in sin, Christ the Savior, enters in:
Praise Him all ye Christians, praise Him evermore! Refrain
Jesus, born in lowly stall, with His grace redeems us all:
Praise Him all ye Christians, praise Him evermore! Refrain
Hosts of angels from on high, Sing, rejoicing, in the sky:
Praise Him all ye Christians, praise Him evermore! Refrain
Sit
R6: Mary got up and went quickly to town in the mountains of Judea. She went to Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the unborn baby inside Elizabeth jumped. Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She cried out in a loud voice, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby which you will give birth to. You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? When heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. You are blessed because you believed what the Lard said to you would really happen.
R7: Then Mary said, "My soul praises the Lord; my heart is happy because God is my Savior. I am not important, but God has shown his care for me, his servant girl. From now on, all people will say that I am blessed, because the powerful One has done great things for me. His name is holy. God will always give mercy to those who worship him. God's arm is strong. He scatters the people who are proud and think great things about themselves. God brings down rulers down from their thrones, and raises up the humble. God fills the hungry with good things, but sends the rich away with nothing, God has helped his people Israel who serve him, He gave them his mercy. God has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his children forever.”
Luke 1:39-55
Hymn: It Came upon the Midnight Clear vs. 1, 4
Tune Name: CAROL Music: Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900
Text: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-1876, alt.
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to all,
from heav'n's all-gracious king."
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.
For lo! The days are hast'ning on,
by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold,
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and all the world give back the song
which now the angels sing.
N: There's a story to tell today. It's about excitement and joy, a search and it's finish. It's about a birth and a gift. Listen.
Song: O Come, Little Children vs. 1, 2, 3
Words: Christoph von Schmid, 1794 (Ihr Kinderlein, kommet, o kommet doch all); translated from German to English by Melanie Schulte (1885-1922)
Music: Johann A. P. Schulz (1747-1800)
O Come, Little Children, O come, one and all!
O come to the cradle n Bethlehem's stall!
Come, see what has happened this holiest right;
Cone, gaze on the gift from the Father of Might.
(The animals and farmer(s) enter)
How sweetly H lies in His bed made of straw,
As Mary and Joseph behold Him in awe!
The shepherds are kneeling before His poor bed,
While caroling angels are heard overhead.
(Mary and Joseph and the baby enter)
O come, join the shepherds, and on bended knee
Give thanks to the Father for Jesus, our King.
O lift up your voices and join "in the praise,
That angels from Heav’n to the Father now raise.
(The shepherds and wise men enter)
N: Now once there was a little boy/girl named Benjamin/Sarah. He/She was always the first one to hear the latest news. One day this is what he/she/they heard:
B/S: Mary and Joseph of Nazareth have traveled to Bethlehem, the city of David, because of the Roman taxes.
B/S: Mary is due to have her baby really soon, and it's supposed to be a very special child, and she's naming him Jesus:
B/S: (Imagine, knowing that her baby is a boy before its born!)
B/S: An angel told her that her told is going to be king!
B/S: I would think that she's had the baby by now.
B/S: Do you suppose it really is a boy, and a king?
B/S: How exciting! Everyone's talking about it!
B/S: Oh, boy! I've got to see this special baby, and see f he really is king!
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children: Refrain (bars 1-8) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
(The farmer(s) and the cow march by Benjamin/Sarah. Benjamin/Sarah stop them.)
B/S: What are you singing? What are you doing?
F: We're going to Bethlehem.
C: To see the new king, Jesus.
F: I'm taking him some fresh grain.
C: I'm going t give him my milk!
B/S: You are! That's neat! Can I/we come?
F: Sure, but don't forget to bring a gift!
B/S: I'll just tell parents where I'm going and be right back.
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children: (bars 1-2, 9-20) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
(The farmer(s) and the cow start marching in place. B/S hurries off stage and comes running back and they all start marching "down the road." Next they meet the Rabbit(s).)
B/S: Hi! Rabit(s).
R: Hi! Where are you off to?
F: We're going to Bethlehem.
C: To see the new king, Jesus.
F: I'm taking him some fresh grain.
C: I'm going t give him my milk!
R: Can I come? I've got soft fur far the baby to pet.
F: Sure!
B/S: Oh, no! I/we forgot my/our gift!
C: Come on!
B/S: But, what will I do!
B/S: I don't have grain, or milk or fur!
B/S: What will I give the baby?
F: Well, we can't go back.
B/S: Maybe I/we can find something can the road.
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children : (bars 20-41) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
(They all march off. They meet the donkey next.)
D: Hey! What are you all doing?
F: We're going to Bethlehem.
C: To see the new king, Jesus.
F: I'm taking him some fresh grain.
C: I'm going to give him my milk!
R: I'm going to let him pet my soft fur.
D: Sound like fun! I can give him rides. He'll like that. (noticing that Benjamin./Sarah is/are hanging back.) What are you giving this kingly kid? Huh?
B/S: I don't know.
B/S: I forgot my gift.
B/S: Have you seen anything on the road I can give him?
D: Nope.
B/S: Oh, well maybe can trade with someone.
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children : (bars 41-61) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
(They all march off. They meet the shepherd(s) next, blocking the road and excited.)
D: Make way! Make way! What are you doing hogging the road?
S: We've just seen an angel.
S: Lot's of angels!
S: They told us about a new king born in Bethlehem, so we're going to see him.
F: We're going to Bethlehem, too.
C: To see the new king, Jesus.
F: I'm taking him some fresh grain.
C: I'm going to give him my milk!
R: I'm going to let him pet my soft fur.
D: I'm going to give him rides. He'll like that.
S: Let's all go together!
S: That gift idea is great.
S: We'll take him some lambs wool for clothing. (noticing Benjamin/Sarah at the back of the group). What about you? What are you taking to the king?
B/S: I don't know.
B/S: I forgot my gift.
B/S: Do you have something I can trade you for? I've got these three sling-shot stones.
S: Sorry, don't need anymore stones.
B/S: Oh, well, maybe I/we can buy something in Bethlehem.
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children : (bars 61-70) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
(They all march off. They meet the wise men next standing on the side of the road.)
W: Excuse us, can you tell us if we're far from Bethlehem?
S: It's just over the hill.
W: That's great!
W: We're following that star (they all look up and “oooh”)
W: It's leading us to a great king who's just been born.
S: You mast be going to the same place we are.
F: We're going to Bethlehem, too.
C: To see the new king, Jesus.
F: I'm taking him some fresh grain.
C: I'm going to give him my milk!
R: I'm going to let him pet my soft fur.
D: I'm going to give him rides. He'll like that.
S: I’m/we’re going to take him some lamb's wool for clothing.
W: (nodding wisely) We also bring gifts: myrrh, frankincense and gold.
D: Ok!
W: But, what about you little one(s)? (looking at Benjamin/Sarah) What are you bringing for a gift?
B/S: I don't know.
B/S: I forgot my gift.
B/S: Can I/we buy something from you?
W: Certainly, how much do you have to spend?
B/S: (search pockets more and more frantically) It's gone! My money's gone! Now what will I/we do?
W: A gift is meaningless unless it is yours to give. I am afraid you will have to bring nothing.
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children : (bars 70-end) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
(They all march off and arrive at the manager.)
J: Mary, we have visitors.
M: You are welcome, but why are you here?
F: We've come to Bethlehem.
C: To see the new king, Jesus.
F: Here is some fresh grain for him.
C: I have my milk to give him!
R: I'm going to let him pet my soft fur.
D: I'm going to give him rides. He'll like that.
S: Here’s some lamb's wool for clothing.
W: We also bring gifts: myrrh, frankincense and gold.
(They all come forward and leave Benjamin/Sarah by him/her self)
J: Thank you, all of you. (looks at Benjamin/Sarah who comes forward very slowly)
B/S: I don't have anything to give Jesus.
B/S: I forgot my gift, and didn't have anything to trade and lost all m money!
B/S: I'm/we’re sorry, I/we shouldn't be here. (starts to leave, and Joseph catches hold of him/her)
J: Wait, don’t go.
M: What's you name?
B/S: Benjamin/Sarah.
M: Benjamin/Sarah, did you come because you wanted to come?
B/S: Yes.
J: Did you walk all the way from your home?
B/S: Uhuh.
M: Was that easy?
B/S: No!
J: You didn't give up?
B/S: No, but I/we still don't have a gift!
M: Benjamin/Sarah, gifts don't have to "things." They don't. even have to be "deeds."
B/S: I don't understand.
J: Benjamin/Sarah, you came here and that makes you special. Just being yourself is all that matters. You don't need or find or trade for or buy a gift. YOU are a gift to Jesus.
M: One more precious than gold, because you are a child of God.
N: That's our story. And your story. Christmas shopping for God is easy. All you need to do is bring, yourself.
Suggested Kids Song: March of the Christmas Children : (bars 71-89) (By Don Sebesky. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Christmas. Choral Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing. (11320))
Suggested Song:
Little Drummer Boy
(Davis, Onorati, Simeone, Mills Music)
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum . . .
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum . . .
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum . . .
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
or In the Bleak Midwinter
Tune Name: CRANHAM Music: Gustav Theodore Holst, 1874-1934
Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti, 1830-1894
In the bleak midwinter,
frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron,
water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow,
snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter,
long ago.
Heaven cannot hold him,
nor earth sustain;
heav'n and earth shall flee away
when he comes to reign;
in the bleak midwinter
a stable place sufficed
the Lord God almighty,
Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels
may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim
throngèd the air;
but his mother only,
in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the Beloved
with a kiss.
What can I give him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man
I would do my part;
yet what I can give him--
give my heart.
(They all march off and sit down.)
Offering
Stand
Song: What Child s This
Music: English ballad, 16th cent. (Greensleeves)
Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the king,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
the cross be borne for me, for you;
hail, hail the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary!
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby;
joy, joy, for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary!
Prayers
The Lord's Prayer
P: Christmas is coming.
C: O come, Lord Jesus.
P: The story is unfolding.
C: O come, Lord Jesus.
P: The wonder is building.
C: O come, Lord Jesus.
P: Salvation is near, at Bethlehem.
C: But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 3Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. 4And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. (NRSV)
Micah 5:2-4
[If Holy Communion is to be served, the words of institution can go here, followed by the distribution and dismissal.]
Benediction
Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Music: Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908 (St.Louis.)
Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the king,
and peace to all the earth!
How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
but, in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
oh, come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
A: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude