The Do-It-Yourself Nativity Play

by angela on August 2, 2013

DIY NativityThis 20 minute nativity script is purpose written for a church nativity service with a small cast of young people of reading age ( teenagers especially!) in a church with a fun, family atmosphere (adults are required to join in!)

The DIY Nativity Play……

  • tells the traditional bible based nativity story in a hilarious, lighthearted way
  • using narration full of humour, sarcasm and mockery of the adult volunteers (all scripted in rhyme for the narrators to read….with attitude!)
  • is a great way to bring young and old together in a nativity service with a difference.
  • has a great message: ie. WE ALL need to share the message of Jesus.

The fact that the whole script is narrated makes it simple to recast in the event of illness or absence.

Music is not provided with this nativity play as it is intended to be used with carols and hymns for the congregation to join in to, so suggestions of appropriate hymns to use are made.

The DIY Nativity Play script begins with the first narrator as follows…..

As Christmas approaches, across all the nations
Young children are leading the church congregations
The people are waiting to see them perform
The story of Jesus and when he was born.

But this time is different! We’re sorry to say
You won’t have it easy in our church today
For we need your help this year as we tell
The story, but by now you should know it well.

The title you’ll find, should give it away
“The Do-It-Yourself Nativity Play”
Yes that’s what it’s called; I’m sure you know why;
We’re hoping that none of the grown ups are shy!

We’ve found that nativities are hard to do
Without many children to act, but with you
We’ll have enough people to act out the play
And hear God’s message for us today.

So…. just as God taught us we plan to endeavour
To work as one body and do it together
At some point we’ll ask some of you to take part
So now that I’ve warned you, we’re ready to start.

So Mary and Joseph will start on their mission
These 2 will be children to keep with tradition.
We mustn’t forget that our Lord’s chosen maiden
Is travelling slowly as she’s heavy laden.

They’ll start their long walk round the church as we sing
Our very first carol to welcome our king.

Suggested hymn: Come and Join The Celebration

The script continues in this way and the humour comes into it when the narrators start asking for adults to join in from the congregation.  The following is the shepherd’s scene…..

Now, out in the fields on that wonderful night
The shepherds were watching their sheep by moonlight
So now we need shepherds; just 2 from the crowd
We don’t mind who offers: we’re really not proud!

Could 2 adults go to the front over there
Don’t panic, there’s something your size you can wear.
There’s no need to worry, you’ll know what to do
Just make sure you listen and we’ll talk you through.

(Looking at the adults who have volunteered)

We’re scraping the barrel, are you all we’ve got?
I suppose shepherds were known to be an odd lot!                         (Looking back at the congregation)
Just put on a tunic, and pick up a stick                                                  (giving instructions to the shepherds)

…………(PAUSE while they start getting dressed, carry on when they are half way thro)

We’ve not got all day now; come on then, quick, quick!

 

Click here to see  a larger, more complete preview of the script including specific details of the cast and costumes required etc and by all means email me if you have any questions.

If you would like to buy THE DIY NATIVITY PLAY  as an instantly downloadable word document which you can customize to suit your own performance and cast, click here to go to my sister site and click on the orange BUY NOW button.  The script costs just £9.95 and includes  my trademark “Nativity Roll Call” poem for the end of the play, and a free Christmas poem which sums up the message well and could be used within the context of a sermon.

 

 

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