18 pages
Flexible cast of 18 – 30+
Three hobos gather in New York City in the early 1900s. Winter is approaching, and they hatch a plan to get themselves arrested so they can winter in jail, where at least they will have a warm bed and three squares a day. They proceed with multiple attempts to get themselves nabbed, but each attempt fails, for one reason or another. Dejected, they wander the streets until they come to a church where they hear a Christmas hymn playing. The beauty of the scene and the power of the music prompts them to pledge to reform their lives and start afresh—and it’s at t...
32 pages
3-12, gender flexible.
There's wonderful news in the air - the Son of God is born! Follow the adventure of a shepherd boy and his lamb as they cross the countryside telling anyone they can about the birth of the Messiah! But it turns out that not quite everyone shares their excitement about the good news. "Pass-It-On Christmas" is equal parts chaotic comedy and touching storytelling that is sure to become a holiday favorite for all ages. This utterly delightful comedy is perfect for almost any Christmas occasion: small cast, large cast, small stage, no budget, children's audience, ...
28 pages
Large, flexible cast for adults and children
It’s Christmas Eve and Jim and Nancy Marley, with their three kids, Tom, Belle, and Tony, have just returned from buying more presents at the mall. They agree that they’re too tired to go to church, so after a quick prayer, they head off to bed. But when young Tony makes a special request, Gabriel, the Angel of Christmas Past, appears. He starts the family on a special journey which is soon led by Mike, the Angel of Christmas Present, and then Archie, the Angel of Christmas Future. Needless to say, the family’s journey to Bethlehem that wonderful night change...
14 pages
10 agents and a group of younger children, no gender requirements
The children are given a "Mission Impossible"-type assignment to take a trip across America to find things that remind them of the original Christmas story. The young “agents” travel to Texas, Iowa, Alaska, Maine, Hawaii, and Florida to find things in each state that remind them of the nativity. In between stops to the various states, younger children may sing or recite poems. The play concludes with a reminder that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and a prayer that we won’t be at war for any Christmases in the future. Optional corresponding scripture readings th...
24 pages
4 m, 6 w, 5 flexible, 2 youngsters, small children’s choir, and extra adults
The Thompsons like to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus by displaying a nativity scene on their front lawn, much to the dismay of their homeowners’ association president, Mrs. Matthews. Citing "rule 763" she wants the display taken down – immediately! Mrs. Matthews gets her wish when she discovers that the Thompsons’ nativity figures have been stolen by local troublemakers. As Mrs. Thompson's oldest son Joey sets out to find the figures, he meets Maria, a troubled young girl who has wandered onto his yard looking for shelter. With the help of three w...
32 pages
Approx. 5 m, 4 w, 7 flexible, 2 boys (small speaking), children’s choir.
Little Peggy Angel, known around Heaven for always wearing a ball cap, is very shy. But when she learns that an upcoming audition for a heavenly messenger is open to all angels, she decides to try out. This is her chance to do something important and she’s both scared and thrilled about the opportunity. That is until another angel named Diva informs Peggy that she shouldn’t waste her time auditioning for something this significant. Peggy’s confidence is crushed and it’s up to her friends to encourage her to follow her heart and attempt to become involved in t...
18 pages
13 speaking parts, extras.
The older angels are preparing for the coming of the Christ Child but the little angels have not been told the great secret and their mischievousness is disturbing. Michael, the littlest one, is the worst! But when the Guardian Angel explains, they are eager to do their share. How Michael is chosen to be the one to accompany Gabriel down to earth makes this a play of beauty and dignity for smaller children. Performance time: 25 minutes.
11 pages
Flexible cast.
All the children in your church can participate in this play which explains the nativity in a simple, beautiful way. Two youngsters, Sam and Lori, have brought their young friend, Terry, to their church's Christmas pageant rehearsal. When they open a gift box which contains items associated with the nativity - an angel, a doll, a toy lamb, a shepherd's staff, and others - Sam and Lori explain to Terry that these are the best gifts to receive. Scripture readings and carols by the other children enhance the explanations of the nativity and add beauty to the per...
41 pages
Flexible cast
This collection will delight all church children's leaders. The 22 recitations and choral readings are perfect for preschoolers and elementary school children. Older youngsters will enjoy performing the three plays: "Christmas Gifts From Jesus," "Channel J-O-Y," and "The Fourth King." Because of the flexibility of this book, any number of children can be involved. It's great for any size church - a must for this Christmas.
17 pages
1 man, 7 boys, 5 women, 1 girl, 6 flexible.
Here is a lighthearted play about a group of toys in a Christmas window display. One night after hours they come across some rather unusual visitors. As Raggedy Ann and Andy, Barbie, Cat in the Hat, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Winnie the Pooh and Queen Amadala watch the visitors in quiet wonder. When GI Joe spies shepherds and wise men approaching he shouts, "They are bringing in more troops!" Along with the toys, a little girl, with the help of the wise old shop owner, Mr. Wiggins, discovers that Christmas is about giving, not just receiving. A captivating ...
15 pages
Large, flexible cast.
The season of giving often misplaces the reason for giving, but that's not so in this delightful play. As the children of Bethlehem plan a baby shower for Jesus before he has to leave for Egypt, they learn the story of His birth. Yes, the angels are just a bit impatient and some people don't like one of the wise men's gifts, but everyone is in the party spirit. The play also serves as a mission project as the gifts (diapers, food, clothes, etc.) the children bring on stage can be dedicated to babies born today in less fortunate circumstances. Children from 3 ...
17 pages
Large, flexible cast.
PowerPoint visuals, music, and narration blend together to form this beautiful Christmas program that you personalize to make uniquely yours. "God's Great Gift" is seen through three program parts: the Creation story, the Christmas story, and your own church story. Start with our eight photos of the heavens taken from outer space (included) and collect your own slides along with statements of thanksgiving from each of your Sunday school classes. Adults and children alike can celebrate together in this service of worship because the production is done ahead of...
26 pages
Widely flexible,from children to young adults.
Benny is a young boy who thinks he is too little to do anything right. His grandmother decides to tell him a story of an impulsive young angel named Benjamin. He seems to have missed the journey to Bethlehem to welcome King Jesus. When Benjamin sets out to find Bethlehem on his own, he encounters a series of discouraged people. He proceeds to help them find their place in God’s plan, all the while fearing he himself has missed his own place. As he helps Mary and Joseph find a place for their baby to be born, he discovers God’s plan for his life and most impor...
28 pages
Large flexible cast, doubling possible.
It's Christmas and everyone is happy. Everyone, that is, except Travis, who tried to play a little joke on the Pastor's wife and now only has sticks and stones to look forward to. His grief is intensified by Felicity whose perfect record this past year has earned her all that she wants for Christmas - and she wants 364 gifts, one for each day of her goodness. After Felicity blows her contract and loses everything, they both learn that there is still one gift they can receive for Christmas...one that no one can ever be good enough to earn (Isaiah 64:6), but yo...
12 pages
6 m, 3 w, 6 flex, extras.
Bring the biggest news story ever to your congregation with special, on-the-spot reports from the hills of Bethlehem. Reporters interview villagers on the scene including shepherds who tell how the singing of angels led them to a stable where a baby has just been born. Soon the reporters interview wise men and even the baby's parents themselves. As one reporter closes the newscast he wonders what the world will one day make of the events of this night.