My favorite part of Christmas Eve has always been acting out the nativity. I remember scavenging the house when we were young, looking for robes, sheets, ties, and other necessary props for the event. Doing it in our own home last year, with only four in our little family, it was short and sweet because we didn't have as many actors. But this year, we had almost the whole family with us, and everyone participated. There was a great hubbub as we gathered our costumes and props and assigned parts. And here is the result in pictures, with scriptures quotes from Luke 2 and Matthew 2.
Grandpa as our Narrator
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. . . And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth . . . To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
Grandma took over Grandpa's usual roll as the donkey. Davis is Joseph and he got to chose Mary - me.
And Darren was the innkeeper.
"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."
No room at the inn!
Joseph was very protective of Baby Jesus!
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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."
Kim as the angel and Matt, Amanda, and Noah as shepherds. Noah was not so afraid of the angel.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Notice the "sheep" being watched over (in Matt and Amanda's hands).
"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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. . . Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child . . ."
Yes, Herod looks vaguely like the innkeeper, played by Darren. Nic and Jeanette were the wise men.
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
It is a very special family tradition, now carried on with the three generations! But it wasn't without bloopers!
Joseph protecting Baby Jesus from the lion/sheep Noah was carrying.
Joseph and the youngest shepherd fighting over the Baby Jesus.
Pointing out the star?!
And Grandma's personal favorite - this picture was taken .5 seconds before Noah saw his chance, since the baby was out, and dived into the manger. Since there was a metal roasting pan under the yellow blanket, it wasn't the soft landing he was expecting. He cried a bit, not because he was hurt, just surprised, and Grandma laughed and laughed and laughed.
I truly love this experience because it helps us remember we are celebrating Christmas because of Christ. We celebrate His birth and His love for each of us. We celebrate because of His example and His sacrifice. And we celebrate this way with our family. What a wonderful Christmas gift!
