Multi-Grade Christmas Program What Shall We Call Him Music Bible Memory work Witnessing RuthAnn Fillman, rfillman@gccsda.org This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visithttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 444 Castro Street, Suite 900, Mountain View, California, 94041, USA.
General Information - What Shall We Call Him This program was created to fit the small school with multi--grade classrooms but could easily be adapted to fit large schools with choirs, etc. The number of people who have lines to memorize is minimal. The "actors" could be increased or decreased depending on your needs. The musical selections could be changed. The power point gives the words for the selections included in this document. Congregational singing can take place with direction. Choirs, hand bell choirs or solos for voice or instrument can be used whenever a song is inserted in the presentation. For our program we made red and gold names of Jesus with sparkles on them. They were large enough to be read from a distance. In the program the children from the family placed them on a tree. Once the children left the platform the angel placed the names on the tree. If you would rather not use a tree there are other ways that the names could be displayed. I have included pictures of the name "ornaments" and other pictures you might find helpful. For music we used accompaniment CDs that were created for hand bells. Those sources are included. For some songs we used the SDA Hymnal. Any source you have available to you would work fine. You just have to practice the timing so your "actors" know what to do and for how long. For the entrance of the three kings we had the kings play antiphonally for the first verse. They then walked slowly down the aisle while playing bells. The power point slide for this song has letters at the bottom. That was a code for the kings to watch as they walked down to the front. One of the kings who had a sweet boy's voice sang as he walked from the back. That was really enjoyed by all. The last song is Joy to the World. We started with a very simple (musically) first verse played by bells and each verse increased in complexity and volume. During the last verse the congregation stood and sang the words to the first verse. It makes for a very moving and memorable ending. This program is great for witnessing because it is a trip through the Bible and presents Jesus in His full involvement. It also gives children a chance to memorize scripture. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. My email is rfillman@gccsda.org. ENJOY and God bless you as you work with His wee ones. RuthAnn
What Shall We Call Him? Hymns in order 1. O Come All Ye Faithful (piano and hymn book congregational singing) 2. The First Noel (bells) 3. O Come, O Come Immanuel (bells 4. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (bells) 5. Silent Night (bells) (start Joseph, Mary and Jesus) 6. What Child Is This (bells) 7. Infant Holy and We Three Kings (bells) (start the three wise men) 8. Hark The Herald Angels Sing (bells) 9. Angels We Have Heard on High (bells) 10. Song by Sharon 11. Joy To The World (bell) (congregation sings verse one from hymnal on 4 th time through)
What Shall We Call Him? (All the blocking, movements, will have to be adapted to fit your requirements and the number of students you are using. If you have a larger number you can have separate actors and musicians to give everyone a part and then the moving of students will be easier and minimal. We have produced this program with 22 to 26 students. If you have fewer students you can get older church members or your church choir to help with the music. I have left the blocking instructions in with my students names. The instructions for the characters, Timmy, Sally and Wendy use the character names. You can easily edit the text to fit your needs. I have found that including different colored texts helps your volunteers that have minimal practice time. It also helps your sound people. It is always nice to give your sound people a full script to follow, as well as a separate list of the songs in the order they will be used and highlight the ones that involve the sound crew. If you have pre-k and kinder students, they can be used as sheep and angels during the building of the nativity scene.) Opening Hymn O Come All Ye Faithful Opening Prayer by Pastor or Elder (Mom, Dad, Timmy, Sally and Wendy are on stage as skit begins. Mom and Dad are seated in chairs and the children are seated on the floor.) Mom Timmy Dad Sally Mom Wendy Dad Timmy Dad Alright kids, its time for sundown worship. What are we going to talk about Dad? Well, first I thought we would share what we learned about in Sabbath School today. That s easy! We learned about Jesus. I am sure we all learned about Jesus. My teacher talked about the Messiah. That is Jesus. Dad, we talked about our Savior Timmy, that s Jesus too.
Sally Mom Sally Wendy Sally Timmy Dad Mom Wendy Dad Wendy Sally Dad Mom What do you mean Dad? How could Jesus have all those names? Sally, you have more than one name. I do? Sure Sally, you know how Grandma always calls you Sugar Dumpling. That s a name. I guess you re right. And what about when the teacher calls you Miss Smith? Yah? What about that, Sally? (said with a chuckle) Dad, maybe this week we should build worship around the names of Jesus. You mean Jesus has seven names? Jesus has a lot more names than that. Let s find out what they are! And maybe what they mean! OK! Let s all research and see what we can find. Mom and I will come up with names and you kids try to find out what they mean. We ll take the names in order and review the whole story of Jesus our Savior and Messiah. Let s make the names and put them on the tree to remind of us of some of the characteristics of Jesus. Wendy and Sally go to bells Timmy to right side room 1 st Bell Hymn The First Noel Easy Hymns light green, pg. 5, track 8 After song Wendy and Sally to organ side door, go into room, be sure lights are out and door is slightly open so Sally can be heard Mom enters from the left and calls to kids who are off stage to the right. Mom Sally Kids, let s meet in the living room. OK Mom, we ll be right there.
Dad Mom (says to Mom) I wonder what the kids found out. We re about to find out. Kids enter and take their places on the floor as in the first scene but can shift Timmy Dad Timmy Mom Sally Dad Wendy Timmy Dad Timmy Mom, Dad, guess what. I found out what our first name for Jesus means. What was the first name? You remember Dad. It s from Exodus 3:14. Jesus calls himself the I Am. In Hebrew, it is a form of the verb to be and means that Jesus is eternal. He used this name when he was promising Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. It means he has always been even before creation. I ll put this name on the tree. (Timmy puts the name I Am on the tree.) Thanks Timmy. That was really interesting. Wow! What was our second name? Creator was the second name. I think that s you Wendy. OK Dad! Jesus is called Creator in several places but my favorite is in Isaiah chapter 40 verse 28. It says, The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. In verse 31 of that same chapter it says that those that wait on him shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not be faint. Isn t that awesome? (Wendy puts the name Creator on the tree.) Yah, that s awesome but how do we know that verse is talking about Jesus? Because, Timmy, in John chapter 1, verses 1-3 it says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. And Revelation chapter 19, verse 13 calls Jesus the Word of God when it tells about his second coming. I get it Dad. Wendy put the name Creator on the tree, and Dad we can put Word on the tree too. (Wendy puts one name and Timmy puts the other.)
Sally Mom Narrator I have the name Deliverer. After Jesus Created, He delivered. He delivered the Israelites several times and He delivers us too. In Romans 12:26 Isaiah chapter 59 is quoted. It says, The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob. We know that s Jesus because in the next verse it says, For this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins. Great job Sally! Go ahead and put Deliverer on the tree. (Sally puts the name Deliverer on the tree.) And so as the family had worship each evening the children came forward and shared what they had learned about the names of Jesus, and as each one concluded, that name was hung on the tree so that all through the season everyone would be reminded who Jesus really is, our Hope and so much more (Angel puts Hope on the tree) Sally to bells, Timmy and Wendy to organ, be ready to go up to speak 2 nd Bell Hymn O Come, O Come Immanuel Christmas Carols chords, page 12 Audrey Sally stays at bells Wendy Timmy Another name for Jesus is Sacrifice. In Old Testament times God s followers were required to bring animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. In Hosea Chapter 6 God tries to tell the people that what He really wants is for them to reflect His character, not offer sacrifices. Then He sends Jesus to show us all His character and to become a living sacrifice. In First John chapter 2, verse two it says, Jesus Christ the Righteous One is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Isn t that amazing? (Angel puts Sacrifice on tree) The name for Jesus that I think I like best is Shepherd. I want to be a farmer when I grow up and I can just see Jesus out in the hills tending to His sheep so tenderly. And when I think that I am one of His sheep it makes me feel safe, loved and protected. In Psalm 23:1 it says, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Group comes forward to recite the entire psalm. Timmy stays in place and finishes his part after the Psalm) The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters, he restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name s sake. Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
and in First Peter chapter 5, verse 4 it says, And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will not fade. How unselfish Jesus is. (Angel puts the name Shepherd on the tree.) Wendy and Timmy to bells, Sally to organ 3 rd Bell Hymn It Came Upon A Midnight Clear More Hymns dark green, chords, pg 17, track 8 Wendy to organ, 1-4 stay in place Sally Do you know what else makes me feel safe? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. (Angel puts the name Prince of Peace on the tree.) Sally to bells, Grades 1 4 recite Isaiah 9:2, 6 7 first half. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Angel places these names on the tree) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom,.to establish it, and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forward
and for evermore. Cole and Chris to back of church to get into costumes and bells Gabby, Morgan, Nathan, Madison and Bella go to piano side to sit Saylor to organ side room to change to Mary costume (Cole and Chris were two of the wisemen. Girls were angels and Mary) Wendy Another name for Jesus that brings great hope and amazement is Immanuel. In Matthew chapter 1, verse 23 it says, The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means God with us. And do you know what is even more amazing? This verse in Matthew is a quote from the 7 th chapter of Isaiah that prophesies the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before it happened. (Angel puts the name Immanuel on the tree.) Wendy to bells Narrator: What an exciting time in earth s history or should I say in the history of the entire universe? Offering appeal Amen and bell choir stands Shepherd to piano side room 4 th Bell Hymn Silent Night Special Occasions, page 24, dark blue, track 24 Students recite Luke 2:1 20 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a degree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (Mary and Joseph enter platform from organ side, place Jesus in manger, and hold their places)while they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them
in the inn. (two shepherds walk out from left) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. (Angel steps forward from right) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them (angel raises hands), Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, (only shepherd say this part) Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what they had been told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 5 th Bell Hymn What Child Is This Christmas Bells, Red, pg. 16-17, track 16 Daniel go to back with bells and get into costume (Daniel was third wiseman) Narrator Christmas, what a special time of year, a time when God s character is perhaps reflected better than at any other time. Let us all pledge to be mirrors of His character throughout the entire year. Prayer by Elder (Pray for those in the book, etc.) Kyle to podium 6 th Bell Hymn Infant Holy and We Three Kings Christmas Bells, Red, pg 6, track 6 (while this hymn is played 3 wise men, playing bells come from the back of the church playing bells and join the manger scene) Cole and Chris are on stage, Daniel goes to bells
Timmy Our next name for Jesus is Teacher. I never really thought of Jesus being a teacher. Jesus went to the temple as a young boy and the priests found themselves being taught about God s character. In John chapter 13, verse 14 Jesus says Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another s feet. If Jesus himself called himself Teacher he really must have been a teacher. I know we all have lots to learn from him. (Angel puts the name Teacher on the tree) Kyle to bells Narrator Jesus is so many things to all of us. He is our Savior. In John 4:42 it says, They said to the Samaritan woman, We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man is really the Savior of the world. Christ is the Savior of the world, come to deliver us from the power of death. He is the one who seeks and saves the lost. (Angels puts the name Savior on the tree.) He is also our Redeemer. Christ s death is the payment that redeems us from the debt we owe to God s law, ransoming our lives and guaranteeing us a place in His family. Job said, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Angel puts the name Redeemer on the tree.) 7 th Bell Hymn Hark the Herald Angels Sing Christmas Bells, Red, pg 10-11, track 10 Brianna to podium, Shania to organ ready to go to podium Sally Timmy, since you want to be a farmer you might really be interested in this next name. Do you know that Jesus is called the Vine? In John chapter 15 Jesus tells the parable of the vine and the braches. In the first and second verses he says, I am the vine and my father is the gardener, he cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. It s like a lesson in agriculture which many people of that day were familiar with. I am sure that we all want to stay connected to Jesus the Vine. (Angel puts the name Vine on the tree.) Brianna to bells, Shania to podium Wendy Remember how Timmy started this study of the names of Jesus with the name I Am? Here s another name that shows that Jesus has always been. Alpha and Omega. That means the beginning and the end. Jesus is all things, always has been and always will be. Jesus says so himself in Revelation Chapter one, verse eight. He says, I am the Alpha and
Shania to bells Omega who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. That s pretty powerful! (Angel puts the name Alpha and Omega on the tree.) 8 th Bell Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High Christmas Bells, Red, pg 2-3, track 2 Kyle to podium Timmy How about this name, Bight and Morning Star? Jesus says in Revelation chapter 22, verse 16, I Jesus have sent my angels to give you this testimony I am the Root, and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star. Jesus is the brightest star, the Light of the World. We shall not lose our way in his light. (Angel puts the names Root, Offspring of David, and Light of the World on the tree as Timmy speaks, Timmy puts Bright and Morning Star on the tree as the Angel finishes.) Kyle to bells Song by Sharon and Julie about the names of Jesus Narrator Jesus is our Messiah. Messiah is the Hebrew word translated into Greek, as Christ. Both words mean Anointed One, one especially appointed by God for his plan and purpose. I am so thankful that God loves us enough in spite of our weak and flawed characters to grant Jesus all of the attributes presented to us through his many names from I Am to Messiah, Alpha and Omega. (Angel puts the names Messiah and Anointed One on the tree while narrator is talking.) Grades 1-4 Recite Jesus You Are Worthy by Brenton Brown Jesus you are mercy, Jesus you are justice, Jesus you are worthy that is what you are. You died alone to save me; you rose so you could raise me. You did this all to make me a chosen child of God. Worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise; For with your blood you purchased us for God. Jesus you are worthy, that is what you are; Perfect sacrifice crushed by God for us Bearing in your hurt all that I deserve. Misjudged by my misdeeds you suffered silently. The only guiltless man in all of history What joy the whole story brings. Please listen to the bells play joy to the world and join us singing the first verse when directed. (Angel places Joy to the World on top on the tree while the congregation is singing.) 9 th Bell Hymn Joy to the World Hymns for 8 Note Hand bells, pg 21-22, track 22 Narrator Now the tree is complete. A reminder of just who Jesus is. (Closing Prayer)
[These can be placed on podium. No need to memorize, just practice presentation. Memorizing will happen naturally and students will be more confident. Place papers on top of each other and instructed players to put their sheet on the bottom as they finish. This keeps them in order.] SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Wendy Another name for Jesus is Sacrifice. In Old Testament times God s followers were required to bring animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. In Hosea Chapter 6 God tries to tell the people that what He really wants is for them to reflect His character not offer sacrifices. Then He sends Jesus to show us all His character and to become a living sacrifice. In First John chapter 2, verse two it says, Jesus Christ the Righteous One is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Isn t that amazing? (Angel puts Sacrifice on tree) Wendy to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Timmy The name for Jesus that I think I like best is Shepherd. I want to be a farmer when I grow up and I can just see Jesus out in the hills tending to His sheep so tenderly. And when I think that I am one of His sheep it makes me feel safe, loved and protected. In Psalm 23:1 it says, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Group comes forward to recite the entire psalm. Timmy stays in place and finishes his part after the Psalm) The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters, he restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name s sake. Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. and in First Peter chapter 5, verse 4 it says, And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will not fade. How unselfish Jesus is. (Angel puts the name Shepherd on the tree.) Timmy goes to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Sally Do you know what else makes me feel safe? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Sally to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Wendy Another name for Jesus that brings great hope and amazement is Immanuel. In Matthew chapter 1, verse 23 it says, The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means God with us. And do you know what is even more amazing? This verse in Matthew is a quote from the 7 th chapter of Isaiah that prophesies the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before it happened. (Angel puts the name Immanuel on the tree.) Wendy to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Timmy Our next name for Jesus is Teacher. I never really thought of Jesus being a teacher. Jesus went to the temple as a young boy and the priests found themselves being taught about God s character. In John chapter 13, verse 14 Jesus says Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another s feet. If Jesus himself called himself Teacher he really must have been a teacher. I know we all have lots to learn from him. (Angel puts the name Teacher on the tree) Timmy to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Sally Timmy, since you want to be a farmer you might really be interested in this next name. Do you know that Jesus is called the Vine? In John chapter 15 Jesus tells the parable of the vine and the braches. In the first and second verses he says, I am the vine and my father is the gardener, he cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. It s like a lesson in agriculture which many people of that day were familiar with. I am sure that we all want to stay connected to Jesus the Vine. (Angel puts the name Vine on the tree.) Sally to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Wendy Remember how Timmy started this study of the names of Jesus with the name I Am? Here s another name that shows that Jesus has always been. Alpha and Omega. That means the beginning and the end. Jesus is all things, always has been and always will be. Jesus says so himself in Revelation Chapter one, verse eight. He says, I am the Alpha and Omega who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. That s pretty powerful! (Angel puts the name Alpha and Omega on the tree.) Wendy to BELLS
SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY Timmy How about this name, Bight and Morning Star? Jesus says in Revelation chapter 22, verse 16, I Jesus have sent my angels to give you this testimony I am the Root, and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star. Jesus is the brightest star, the Light of the World. We shall not lose our way in his light. (Angel puts the names Root, Offspring of David, and Light of the World on the tree as Timmy speaks, Timmy puts Bright and Morning Star on the tree as the Angel finishes.) Timmy to BELLS
For Memory Work The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters, he restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name s sake. Ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
For memory work The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light For unto us a child is born, To us a son is given; And the government will be upon his shoulder, And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace Of the increase of his government and of peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, To establish it, and uphold it With justice and with righteousness From this time forward And for evermore.
Examples of Names of Jesus Ornaments