One of my favorite family traditions was when we performed a nativity skit for my parents! Sometimes it was silly, and sometimes, it was VERY silly! (Imagine Madison with an Aladdin hat on, giggling as a “wiseman”!) But it was always very meaningful and fun.
This week, one of my friends organized a nativity scene in his apartment and invited other college students to attend. Although it was a tight fit, we were surprised to find that about 15 people came to watch as we read from the Bible and silently acted out the roles. A Mary and a Joseph were selected from my church group, my roommate and I played the shepherds, and a few neighbors acted as the wise men. It only took about 15 minutes to organize as we improvised costumes, and about 10 minutes to perform, but a wonderful feeling of light filled the room. I felt peace as I gazed down and saw the “Christ child” in His manger, wondering what it must have been like for the shepherds to do so, on that night so long ago.
The beautiful thing about the nativity skit is that you can involve as many people as you’d like! I’ve done skits with just a few family members and also with the whole extended family (and trust me, that’s a ton of sheep!) It’s also fun to do with school and church youth groups. And it is so easily put together! Do you have a few towels or blankets? Then you’ve got what you need!
This is definitely a tradition I will continue with my family in the future!
–Makayla
You can start the tradition in your homes, church, or anywhere. Here’s a simple skit outline to help!
Note: We read the Christmas story from the Bible (We’ve included the scriptures you’ll need!), and then the actors silently walk in. They don’t have any lines, only the narrator with the words from the Bible. It is really easy, but still powerful.
Mary and Joseph:
Luke 2, verses 1-7
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
(Mary and Joseph walk in, pose and freeze)
The Shepherds:
Luke 2, verses 8-16
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
(Shepherds walk in, pose and freeze)
The Wise Men:
Matthew 2, verses 9-11
9 “[And the wisemen] departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 ¶ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
(Wisemen enter, pose and freeze)
At the end, we all sang Silent Night! ❤️
For more tradition ideas from This Blue Dress, click here!