SermonStudio

Characters

Narrator

Luke

Mary

Roman Soldier

Joseph

Innkeeper

Shepherd 1

Shepherd 2



Questions

1.
Why did Joseph and Mary leave their home in Nazareth and come to Bethlehem?

2.
Why was Jesus born in a barn?

3.
Who were the first visitors to come to the stable?

4.
As far as we know, did any community leaders come to the stable to see Jesus?



Narrator: Luke tells us that before writing his gospel, he did careful research, talking directly with the people involved in the actual events. We find Luke talking to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Luke: Both you and your husband, Joseph, lived up north in Galilee. How was it that you were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?

Mary: The Romans ruled our land and their emperor, Caesar, was hungry for some of our Jewish shekels. So he sent out a decree.

Roman Soldier: Now hear this. His divine majesty, Caesar Augustus, ruler of all the earth, has decreed that there will be a census for all people living in Israel. Every family must register in the town of the husband's ancestors. Any family failing to register will have their home, their land, and livestock confiscated and they will become slaves of the state. Deadline to register is sixty days.

Luke: But you were almost ready to have a baby. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was over seventy miles. Surely the government would make an exception for you.

Mary: Rome allowed no exceptions. It was difficult, but God was with us. When we arrived in Bethlehem, we found the city filled with people. There were no rooms anywhere. Every home and the one inn in Bethlehem were packed. A few stayed in tents but most had to sleep in the streets. Joseph pleaded with the owner of the inn.

Joseph: But, Innkeeper, my wife is about to have a baby. She can't give birth out in the streets.

Innkeeper: I'm sorry, but every room is taken. Even the closets and hallway are crammed full. I don't even have a room for myself. If it were humanly possible I would.... Say, I do have a barn out back, where the guests keep their animals. You could stay there.

Joseph: (doubtfully) My wife give birth in a barn? ... with animals?

Innkeeper: It really wouldn't be all that bad. It's out of the wind and cold. The straw is clean and soft. The animals give off enough heat to keep that barn warm. You could stay there free of charge. It's the best I can do.

Joseph: (sincerely) Then God bless you, sir. I appreciate this more than I can say.

Luke: (amazed) You mean to say the King of Israel was born in a barn?

Mary: God works in unexpected ways, doesn't he? Perhaps God was showing his love for poor and humble people.

Luke: But surely in a few days the leaders of the community realized who was born in the barn? Most certainly the city's mayor, rabbi, and business leaders came to pay their respects.

Mary: None of the important citizens came to the stable, nor did King Herod or the High Priest up in Jerusalem, and that's only six miles away. No, God sent his Messiah, my son, in a hidden and unexpected way.

Luke: (amazed) So not one person knew what God had done in that stable?

Mary: There was one small group that came that night. A few humble shepherds.

Shepherd 1: Is this where the baby boy was born? We have come to see the child.

Joseph: Come in, friends; you are welcome. But how did you hear of the birth of our son?

Shepherd 2: A messenger told us. We were out in the fields with our sheep when he appeared.

Mary: A messenger? We sent no one to tell the news.

Shepherd 1: We think it was an angel. We were told to come to the village and search for the child. After many inquiries, we were told to come here.

Joseph: And here is the child, our son, baby Jesus.

Shepherd 2: (a long sigh in admiration) What a beautiful child! Truly a gift from heaven!

Shepherd 1: (reverently) That's exactly what the messenger said. This birth is good news! The promised one has come to save us.

Shepherd 2: We will tell our families, our friends, our neighbors, and the whole town!

Joseph: They may not believe you.

Mary: They may even laugh.

Shepherd 1: Let them laugh. But God has given us the privilege of seeing this amazing child, perhaps the long-awaited Messiah.

Shepherd 2: Before returning to our sheep, we wish to kneel and thank God for what he has given us; indeed, the whole world.

Luke: A beautiful story. I will include it when I write my gospel.



Read the questions again, and prompt answers from the children.