Based on Luke 2:1–20.
Around the time when Jesus was to be born, the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered a census1 to be taken throughout the Roman Empire.
Soldier: I, Caesar Augustus, emperor of Rome, order that everyone in the empire must register his name and property.
Soldier: Everyone must return to the place they are originally from to register and pay taxes.
Joseph’s family was from Bethlehem, a small town close to Jerusalem. So Joseph took Mary, his fiancée, and they started on the journey to Bethlehem.
It was a long and tiring voyage, and Mary was soon to give birth to the baby. Day after day they walked on, until they finally arrived in Bethlehem.
Mary: Oh, Joseph, I am so tired! Let’s find a place to stay.
Joseph: Yes, Mary, it has been a long journey. I’ll ask if there is room here.
Joseph: We have traveled a long way, and my wife is very tired. We need a place to stay.
Innkeeper: I am so sorry! Bethlehem is very crowded these days.
Innkeeper: So many people have come to register that I have no room left.
Innkeeper: The only place I can offer you for the night is a bed of straw in my stable.
Mary: Thank you, kind sir! We’ll be happy to stay there.
Joseph: There, Mary. It is not much, but at least we can rest for the night, and the animals will keep us warm.
Mary: Joseph, the baby will be born tonight!
Joseph: Oh dear! Let me prepare a place for you.
Joseph: There, I’ll … I’ll go get some water.
Joseph made a small bed of straw for Mary, and there in this humble place, Mary gave birth to her first son, Jesus. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him gently in the manger.
Mary: There, my little baby, rest now.
That same night, not too far away from the town, shepherds were watching their sheep on the hills.
Shepherd: Is all well, Ishmael?
Ishmael: Yes, the sheep are resting. It’s such a beautiful night.
Suddenly, an angel appeared. The shepherds were afraid.
Angel: Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news.
Angel: Tonight in Bethlehem, the Savior was born, Christ the Lord.
Angel: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
At the same moment a multitude of angels appeared in the sky singing praises to God: “Glory to God in heaven, and peace on earth to all men.”
Ishmael: Let’s go to Bethlehem to see the baby!
Shepherd: Look, there is a light in the stable.
Ishmael: Quickly! Let’s go see.
Soon they found and entered the stable, where they saw Mary, Joseph, and the baby, just as the angels had told them.
The shepherds then went out and told everyone the wonderful news of what they had seen and all that the angels had told them.
Ishmael: Thank You, God, for sending the Savior and letting us see Him!
Shepherd boy: Wake up! Wake up, everybody!
Woman: What is happening?
Shepherd boy: The Savior was born tonight, here in Bethlehem!
1 census: a count by a government of people living in a certain area