Follow That Star Script for Chard s Walking Nativity Town Crier? Carol Joy to the world Location: Actors use the raised area as a stage opposite Boots. Chard Brass and Carol singers near by Narrator: welcome everyone to Follow that Star, Chard s first Walking Nativity. Pageant Please join us on our journey that tells a story that has been told and retold for two thousand years. The Nativity reveals something special about God - that he was prepared to be with us and live amongst us. Imagine the stars in the sky, the sprawling solar system, the endless constellations and among it a little planet called Earth. God made all of these things, and all of the inhabitants, and just as we most needed him two thousand years ago, God came to be with us, to save us from our sins and show us how life should be lived. He could have chosen anywhere for his home, he could have built a palace, far grander than anything the Roman Empire has ever seen, but he didn t, God chose to send his son to be born amongst the forgotten, the overlooked and the poorest. This is the story of how God came to be with us. and how he sent his Angel messengers to prepare the way. Carol.. Angel Gabriel All the Angels walk from the Guildhall in a small procession holding lights. Narrator: The story begins with a young girl in her home in the Town of Nazareth, her name is Mary. (Mary moves on to the platform) She was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Carpenter. The Angel Gabriel suddenly appears to her, the Angel told Mary that 1
she is very special and God is with her. Mary found this hard to understand that she was an ordinary woman. Mary was worried what the Angel meant by the greeting. The Angel told her not be afraid, God is very pleased with her and she will give birth to a son, she is to call him Jesus, the son of the most high. Mary did not understand how this could be as was not yet married, she was a virgin, how could she possibly have a son. The Angel explained how the Holy Spirit will come and his power will give her a baby and people will call him the son of God. Mary said she was a servant of God and she accepted and believed what would happen. Mary was very excited but also worried and told Joseph (enter Joseph and holds her hand) Joseph is very confused and plans to break off the engagement(, he walks away from Mary) but the Angel appears to him (Enter Angel) in a dream and tells him not to be afraid to take Mary home as your wife she is having a baby made possible by the Holy Spirit She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save the people from their sins. At this time the Roman Emperor, Ceasar Augustus, ruled over the land he issued a new order. to make sure everyone paid their taxes. Fanfare of trumpets to herald the Romans Enter Romans marching.up Fore Street from the Guildhall They stop. The Captain reads the Decree from a scroll. By the Proclamation of King Herod and almighty Ceaser Augustus, you are ordered to participate in the census of all people. Each man shall return to the land of his ancestors to register with each member of his family and any resistance will be severely dealt with 2
Narrator: Census ah! more taxes for Herod! Mary and Joseph will need to travel about 100 miles back to Bethehem the home Town of Joseph in order to register. Follow That Star star spins around Star. Narrator. Chard Brass. Carol singers. Mary, Joseph and donkeys. Shepherds and kings. Romans. Anyone else. Carol: Little Donkey Walking down Fore Street into Boden Street to the Library. Carol.The First Nowell Stop at Library Car Park The Shepherds come forward. Angels stand around near by Narrator:. In some fields nearby Shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks. It was night time and they were surprised to see an Angel of the Lord appear in front of them The glory of God shone all around the Shepherds they were terrified! (Shepherds back away from the Angel scared) and if this wasn t enough the angels were joined by a huge group of Angels, called the heavenly host. These shepherds were just ordinary people going about their daily lives, they weren t considered very important. Nobody took much notice of them So they were surprised when the Angel spoke to them. Do not be afraid I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people Today in Bethlehem the town of David, a Saviour has been born, this will be a sign to you. You will find him in a manager wrapped in cloths more Angels came Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth. So the Shepherds decided to go to Behtlehem to look for the child. Narrator.. Follow That Star Walking to Baptist Church. - Stop 3
Carol While Shepherds watched The wise men come forward. Narrator Some time later there were three important people, sometimes called Kings, sometimes Wise men they were the Magi. These were very clever people who knew all the secrets of the stars. But they had made a mistake. They knew from examining the heavens an important event was taking place. A bright star rose in the sky (enter Star) they were following it to worship the person whose birth it foretold. They knew the star heralded the King of the Jews, and where would a king be born? yes they went straight to the Palace in Jerusalem, but didn t find him there. Then they saw the bright Star ahead of them again and followed it until it stopped. An ancient prophecy foretold this, A bright light will shine to all the ends of the earth, many nations will come to you from afar from the remotest parts of the earth to your Holy name, bearing gifts in their hands for the King of Heaven. we will see what gifts they are bring later. Follow that Star Carol: O little Town of Bethlehem Walk to the Phoenix pub. Stop Mary, Joseph and the donkeys move to the front. Narrator: When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem it was very crowded and they were very tired and Mary was nearly ready to give birth to her baby. They knocked on every door looking for a place to stay, but everywhere was full. They tried the very last guest house. KNOCK KNOCK Innkeeper appears. Joseph asked do you have any room at your Inn my wife is about to give birth, The Innkeeper said NO all they could offer is a stable where the animals are kept, Joseph said thank you we will take it. Mary and Joseph walk over to the stable. The rest of the people stay back. Carol: 4 Once in Royal David s City Narrator: Mary gave birth in the stable, they wrapped baby Jesus in swaddling clothes., They placed the Son of God in a Manager, a
trough that is used to feed animals. As Mary looked at the sleeping baby, she knew that he was a precious gift. She was told that Jesus is the son of the most High. (The shepherds walk to the stable and place the sheep near the manager) The Shepherds found the little family in a stable just as the Angel told them. Carol Away in a Manger The wise men entered the stable following the Star Narrator: The wise men followed the star which rested over the stable, they worshiped the baby, (bow down) each of them brought a special gifts. Recognising Jesus as the King of Kings the first Wise man brought him gold. Frankincense was the gift of the second wise man because he knew that Jesus was the Son of God. And the third wise man brought Myrrh because he believed that Jesus was the Saviour of the world. Each of them brought gifts that is why we give gifts at Christmas particularly to the poor and needy. They went home even wiser men, realising precious things are worth far more than money and not always found in the richest places. They realised that they should offer their wealth to Jesus, the Son of God born into poverty, who is a friend of the poor and needy people. Carol.Ding dong merrily on High lightsw to the stable. The Angels take their Narrator. Thank you everyone for coming. There will be refreshments in the Guildhall. Donation buckets are going round for next year. If you would like to know more about the life of Jesus, the Gideons are here giving free New Testaments. Children can sit on a donkey for a photo opportunity. Happy Christmas and God Bless! Optional Carols: at the end: Silent Night. O come, O come Immanuel O come all ye Faithful 5
The procession order: Star Narrator Chard Brass Band Carol singers Mary Joseph and donkeys Angels Shepherds Kings Romans Anyone else 6
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