The Nativity of Jesus, also 

The Nativity, refers to the accounts of the birth of Jesus, primarily

based on the two accounts in the gospels of Luke and Matthew, and secondarily on
some apocryphal texts.

The canonical gospels of Luke and Matthew both describe Jesus as born in Bethlehem in Judea, to
a virgin mother. In the Gospel of Luke account, Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem
for the census, and Jesus is born there and laid in a manger. [1] Angels proclaim him a savior for all
people, and shepherds come to adore him. In the Matthew account, astronomers follow a star to
Bethlehem to bring gifts to Jesus, born the King of the Jews. King Herod orders the massacre of all
the boys less than two years old in Bethlehem, but the family flees to Egypt and later settles in
Nazareth. Many scholars view the two narratives as non-historical and contradictory. [2][3][4][5] Other
traditional Christian scholars maintain that the two accounts do not contradict each other, pointing to
the similarities between them.[6] Some scholars view the discussion of historicity as secondary, given
that gospels were primarily written as theological documents rather than chronological timelines. [7][8][9]
[10]

The main religious celebration among members of the Catholic Church and other Christian groups is
the Church service onChristmas Eve or on the morning of Christmas Day. During the forty days
leading up to Christmas, the Eastern Orthodox Church practices the Nativity Fast, while the majority
of Christian congregations (including the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion,
many Mainline churches, and Baptists) begin observing the liturgical season of Advent four Sundays
before Christmas—both are seen as times of spiritual cleansing, recollection and renewal to prepare
for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

In Christian theology, the Nativity of Jesus concerns the Incarnation of Jesus as the second Adam,
in fulfillment of the divine will of God, undoing the damage caused by the fall of the first man, Adam.
The Artistic depiction of Nativity has been a major subject for Christian artists since the 4th century.
Since the 13th century, the Nativity scene has emphasized the humility of Jesus and promoted a
more tender image of him, as a major turning point from the early "Lord and Master" image, affecting
the basic approaches of Christian pastoral ministry. [11][12][13]
 Scene 1 (Outside the town)
(Narrator enters)
   
Narrator Hear ye, hear ye. Caesar Augustus declares that there will be a census. Everyone will be counted and
must return to their native towns. Let this be known to everyone!
   
(The narrator exits, and Joseph and Mary (pregnant) enter)
   
Joseph Mary, I know you are heavy with child, but we must go to Bethlehem for the census.
   
Mary Yes Joseph. I think I can travel and I know the Lord will be with us in this journey.
   
(Joseph and Mary pack up and start their journey. They walk over to the first inn and knock at the door. Innkeepers are
behind doors.)
   
1st Innkeeper Yes, I'm coming. Hold on.
   
Joseph We have been traveling for a long time, do you have a room for us?
   
1st Innkeeper I am very sorry, but there is no more room here. Try next door.
   
(Joseph and Mary walk over to the next inn, and knock at the door.)
   
2nd Innkeeper I am so sorry, if you are looking for a place to stay we are completely booked here. Try next door.
   
(Joseph and Mary walk to the next inn and they barely get to the door when the 3rd Innkeeper comes out.)
   
3rd Innkeeper Unbelievable, this place is almost wall to wall with people. (He looks at Mary with compassion) I don’t
think you will find any room available in this town. But you should not be traveling any more this late in
the evening. If you don't mind, you could get some rest in my stable out back. It isn’t the most
comfortable place, but at least there will be a roof over your head. And the animals are wonderful, they
will not bother you.
   
Joseph My wife must have some rest. The stable will be fine.
   
3rd Innkeeper Well then, follow me
   
(The Innkeeper steps aside and leads Joseph and Mary to the stable, then all Innkeepers exit)
 
   
Scene 2 (Inside a stable)
   
(Joseph helps Mary sit down on the floor and then begins to prepare a bed for them.)
   
Joseph I know God is with us. It is much better to sleep here than outside.
   
Mary Joseph, I don’t feel very well. I am really tired and I am having this pain. I think it’s time for the baby to be
born.
   
Joseph Please Mary, lie down here on this nice bed I prepared. It won't be long now.
   
   
Scene 3 (A field)
   
(Narrator enters)
   
Narrator Meanwhile, some shepherds were tending their flocks at night when suddenly an angel appears right
before them
   
(Angels enter. While the angels speak, Mary wraps the baby Jesus in cloth and lays Him in a trough.)
   
Angel 1 Behold, I bring goods news of a great joy. For today, in the city of David there is born for you a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in
a manger.
   
All Angels Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.
   
Shepherd 1 Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about.
   
Shepherd 2 Let’s tell our friends and we all go. Praise God for this Good News. Come on it’s a long journey.
   
Narrator And so the shepherds, after hearing the angels, went to visit the Baby. Some time later, three Magi saw a
bright star in the sky
   
(Narrator exits and Magi enter. Star is displayed)
   
1st Magi (Pointing to the star) Look, a star. Look how bright it is!
   
2nd Magi (Looking at the star) It is the sign. The wonderful sign. The King of the Jews is born!
   
3rd Magi Let us go and worship Him. Gifts, we need gifts!
   
1st Magi I know what I can give Him. I will give Him gold, for He is Royalty.
   
2nd Magi My gift will be special. It will be myrrh.
   
3rd Magi Frankincense will be my gift. Let us put them in special boxes, because He is King.
   
(The three Magi each place their gift into a treasure box. Narrator enters. Then Magi walk over to the stable while looking at
the star. Mary takes the child and holds him in her arms.)
 
   
Scene 4 (Inside a stable)
   
(Narrator enters)
   
Narrator And so the Magi found their King, by following the star. When they arrived they bowed down, worshiped
the King, and offered their gifts to him.
   
(The Magi slowly place their gifts in front of Mary, look at the baby and then they bow down. Then Angels enter)
   
Angels Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men!