WALK TO BETHLEHEM – by Tanis Harms, © 2020
WALK TO BETHLEHEM – by Tanis Harms, © 2020
.....use in address bar: churchskits.blogspot.com
(Ideal for an interactive walk-through-experience. See below the script for instruction-ideas of how to organize.)
STYLE:
Drama. (6 pages)
PREMISE:
The Christmas story is told in a sequence of soliloquies.
TOPIC:
Christmas story.
SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah, Matthew, Luke.
CHARACTERS (LINE COUNT) DESCRIPTION:
(1) HOST – welcoming
(8) TOUR GUIDES – at least 9 or more who are responsible
(1) ELIZABETH – elderly woman
(1) MARY – teenager
(1) TOWN CRIER – loud, clear voice, not rushed
(1) JOSEPH – mature but down to earth
(1) INNKEEPER – business-minded
(1) SHEPHERD - earnest
(1) MAGI – elderly wise
(1) PERSON –a good part for a Pastor
ENTRANCE: with introduction and instructions.
(Host and a Tour Guide step up to the next group.)
HOST:
Good evening and welcome. You are about to enjoy a walk to Bethlehem, to see what Christmas is all about. This is your tour guide, (name), who will guide you to each location. When you enter these doors here, you will enjoy some Christmas music for a few minutes. Then, when your tour guide says, “Follow me” it will be time to start your tour.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
WAITING AREA: with music to set the mood.
(This can be in the lobby using just one of the doors. Rope off the entrance area from the doors that are being used, and the area where the group should wait. Play music, or have a few people singing. Then after 3-5 minutes...)
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 1: Elizabeth’s dwelling.
(Elizabeth paces the floor, shushing her baby, then puts baby into a basket when she sees the group.)
ELIZABETH:
Just so you do not get the wrong idea, my name is Elizabeth. My baby’s name is John. When he grows up, he will be a prophet, who will prepare the way for Jesus, our Messiah. An angel told this to my husband Zacharias, who is a Jewish priest. We have been married for many, MANY years, and were never able to have a baby. Until now! Such an answer to prayer. Let me tell you, there was lots of praying on my part. So, it is an absolute miracle! But there is an even greater miracle! For hundreds of years, us Israelites have been waiting for our Messiah to be born. And now, my niece, Mary, is pregnant with the Holy One. When she came here for a visit, I welcomed her with a hug, and my yet unborn baby leapt with joy! I knew at once that she was carrying the Christ-child. But – well - you can visit her, yourself, and she can tell you all about it!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 2: Mary’s dwelling.
(Mary can be sewing or sweeping until she sees the group.)
MARY:
Oh. Hi. I suppose you have heard the news. Not everyone knows about this yet, but – well, one evening an angel came to see me and told me that I would conceive a Child, by the Holy Spirit, even though I’m still a virgin. Even though I’m not perfect. Although I do love the Lord. So whatever God asks of me, I do want to trust God fully, knowing that He will work things out.
(Mary braces herself before continuing.)
MARY:
You see, I’m already engaged. I was engaged before all of this happened. And my fiancé, his name is Joseph, is a very godly man. Although, when I told him about this, understandably, he really struggled to believe all of this. But this is God’s will, and as the angel reminded me, nothing will be impossible with God... It’s been just over 3 months now, so very soon, I will start to show. Well, I’m just praying and waiting as patiently as I can, to see how God will prompt Joseph to understand God’s plan. I just wonder what Joseph is thinking now. Maybe you can go visit him, and find out.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 3: town street corner.
(When the Town Crier sees the group approaching, he holds up a scroll to read, and calls out very clearly.)
TOWN CRIER:
Hear ye, hear ye. This decree is issued by Caesar Augustus! There is to be a census taken in the entire Roman world! Everyone must go to their own town, from where their ancestors came from, to register, and be counted. I repeat, everyone must go to the town of their ancestors. This decree has been issued by Caesar August, himself! Everyone in the entire Roman kingdom must comply. All - must - go! Understand and remember, all Israelites, that you too are under Roman law and the leadership of Caesar Augustus! None are exempt. You must begin your journeys to the town of your ancestors and be counted for this worldwide census!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 4: Joseph’s dwelling.
(There could be a carpentry project nearby, but Joseph is pacing and thinking, until he sees the group.)
JOSEPH:
Did you hear about the census being taken?
(Joseph can wait for a few nods from the group.)
JOSEPH:
Since I am a descendant of king David, this means I must go to Bethlehem. I mean, I know this is all in God’s timing! It has to be. Because it’s all starting to make sense now. And this census will actually help us in many ways. Because when Mary, my fiancée, told me that- Wait. Has anyone met my fiancée, Mary? Yeah? So, you probably already know. So, yes. I did struggle to believe her when she told me that she was expecting. That she is pregnant– with Israel’s expected Messiah! Don’t worry. I get it now. God just sent an angel to me in a dream, telling me that Mary is truly carrying the Christ-child, and I am to marry her, and keep her a virgin until Jesus is born. But, wow! I will be helping to raise the Son of God! It’s a lot! Although, I suppose I can contemplate all of this as we make our way to Bethlehem. It’s a long journey, so, I guess I should get us ready to go! Right? I guess, you all are going, as well?!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 5: Innkeeper’s dwelling.
(Innkeeper can sit at a table with a quill and “paper”, then looks up as the group enters.)
INNKEEPER:
Ah, welcome to Bethlehem. But, I’m so very sorry to say, we have no more vacancy. All the rooms filled up very quickly because of all this census-stuff. Sadly so, because there was a couple who just arrived, Joseph and Mary, who was - sooo pregnant. I quickly thought, you know, they could stay in our stable. I know-I know, having a baby in a barn is not the best. But there was no way I was going to send them out to live in the streets! I even brought them a few rags so they could wrap up the newborn and keep Him warm. But I have to tell you something! This is no ordinary baby! They named Him, Jesus, by the way. But, I just have a feeling that this baby Jesus is going to do something very, very important! So if you can, I highly recommend seeing Him. They’re still over there in the stable. It’s over that way.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 6: Shepherd’s field.
(Sheep can be heard in the background. A vigilant Shepherd holds a staff, and gets excited when he sees the group.)
SHEPHERD:
Oh! Have you heard the great news yet? Angels appeared! They came to give us shepherds the news. US! The shepherds. Like, we are the nobodies in society. Yet, somehow we are still important in God’s eyes! Everyone is important in God’s eyes. Because, God sent the angels to tell us that Jesus, our Messiah, has been born! And we would find Him in the town of David, in Bethlehem, in a manger, wrapped in rags! Even so, with such a humble birth, He is our King! He is the Great Shepherd. It’s kind of inspiring, really. And, He is our Lord and Savior! This is the news of great joy for ALL people! Have you seen Jesus yet? Were you already on the way? By all means, go - and see for yourself!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 7: Magi’s tent.
(Magi studies a scroll, until he looks up and notices the group.)
MAGI:
Welcome, weary travelers. Are you on your way to see Jesus? We have just come from that way. It has been about two years now since His star first appeared. BECAUSE we had heard the prophesies of long ago, us magi from the east knew that this star signified something very great: that the King of kings had just been born! It was going to be an extremely long journey, so we left with a very large caravan to follow the star! We wanted to meet Him so that we could worship Him, and offer Him our most treasured gifts - because the King of kings, Himself, was going to give the world His most precious gift of all. And, well, there’s so much more to say. And I could talk about Jesus all day long. But I see that you are eager to be on your way. Please! Let me not delay you any further from finishing your journey. Please.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 8: stable.
(In the stable is an empty manger. Behind that, is a cross or the shadow of a cross. Person steps forward when they see the group.)
PERSON:
You have come to Bethlehem to see Jesus? He is no longer in the manger. He grew up. At the age of 30, He began His ministry. And 3 years later, the Israelites rejected Jesus as their Messiah, because THEY wanted Him to save Israel from the Roman government, but Jesus came to save people from their sin. So, it was God’s will that Jesus came to earth in flesh, to die on the cross in our place. And if you went to see His grave, He is no longer there, either. Jesus rose again to have victory over sin and death, so that when we trust and believe in Him as our personal Lord and Savior, we will have everlasting life! This is the greatest gift that we celebrate at Christmas! I pray that you have received the Lord’s gift of salvation and know Jesus personally. And thank you so much for coming and joining us on our walk to Bethlehem.
(optional)
As you exit, please except one of our little thank you gifts, and we hope to see you again very soon. May God bless the rest of your journey and your evening.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
(Tour Guide drops group off at the exit area, and then goes back to the beginning to lead another group through.)
OUTSIDE OR IN A LARGE LOBBY AREA:
OPTION 1:
Tour Guide drops group off in the lobby or an area outside where they can collect a pre-packaged gift of maybe candy, candy canes, a pouch of hot chocolate, etc., as well as a pamphlet of info for your church.
OPTION 2:
You can have an area where the tour ends that has a few farm animals to visit, a craft station, carolers, a hot chocolate station, etc.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A WALK-THROUGH EXPERIENCE EVENT:
VENUE PLANNING:
Make sure your church or building is large enough to accommodate a smooth flow from area to area. There are 8 scenes altogether, but you don’t have to do them all.
TICKET COLLECTION AREA
ENTRY AREA
WAITING AREA
SCENE 1: Elizabeth’s dwelling.
SCENE 2: Mary’s dwelling.
SCENE 3: Town Crier’s street corner.
SCENE 4: Joseph’s dwelling.
SCENE 5: Innkeeper’s dwelling.
SCENE 6: Shepherd’s field.
SCENE 7: Magi’s tent.
SCENE 8: Stable with empty manger and shadow of a cross.
EXIT AREA
GROUP ACCOMODATIONS:
Figure out from the size of your venue and set areas how big of a group would be able to comfortably move through, and be able to see the acting taking place.
JUST FOR EXAMPLE:
- 12 people per group
- start a tour every 5 minutes
- run for 3 hours, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
- tours start at 5:00 to 7:20 pm, every 5 minutes
- 336 people would be able to come through
DEPENDING ON:
how many want to come, maybe have more than one evening
DEPENDING ON:
if you don’t have enough rooms or actors, or you want to shorten the experience, and have more people see it, you can eliminate some of the scenes
DEPENDING ON:
how eager your actors are to do many, many soliloquies, you could have groups start maybe every 2 ½ or 3 minutes. You’ll want to time that out though.
DEPENDING ON:
how many actors you have, you could have several actors for each role, so they can change off
DEPENDING ON:
acting abilities, audio tape all dialogue and have actors mime along (you’ll need audio players, etc. at each set)
“TICKETS”:
Once you decide when, how often, and how many people allowed per group, have a way for people to sign up, with instructions like:
- come 15 minutes ahead of schedule at a specific area
- park in a specific area
- your time will be called or texted 5 minutes before
- the length of time the tour takes is... (45 minutes)
- is there something to see or do afterwards
EXTRA PROPS:
- tour Guides could have little flag poles to hold up.
- guide ropes can be used to keep people on the right path, or keep people far away enough from the actors.
- have clear signs saying “ENTRANCE” and “EXIT ONLY” to avoid any confusion.
- at the entrance, have a designated spot for the person taking the tickets, or checking digital tickets. This could be done just outside, or in the area between the doors of outside and the lobby, if you have that.
- at the exit, best to have things like: animals, carolers, hot chocolate, craft tables for the people leaving (otherwise, some kids might want to skip the tour)
SETS/PROPS:
Costumes & sets can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
.....use in address bar: churchskits.blogspot.com
(Ideal for an interactive walk-through-experience. See below the script for instruction-ideas of how to organize.)
STYLE:
Drama. (6 pages)
PREMISE:
The Christmas story is told in a sequence of soliloquies.
TOPIC:
Christmas story.
SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah, Matthew, Luke.
CHARACTERS (LINE COUNT) DESCRIPTION:
(1) HOST – welcoming
(8) TOUR GUIDES – at least 9 or more who are responsible
(1) ELIZABETH – elderly woman
(1) MARY – teenager
(1) TOWN CRIER – loud, clear voice, not rushed
(1) JOSEPH – mature but down to earth
(1) INNKEEPER – business-minded
(1) SHEPHERD - earnest
(1) MAGI – elderly wise
(1) PERSON –a good part for a Pastor
ENTRANCE: with introduction and instructions.
(Host and a Tour Guide step up to the next group.)
HOST:
Good evening and welcome. You are about to enjoy a walk to Bethlehem, to see what Christmas is all about. This is your tour guide, (name), who will guide you to each location. When you enter these doors here, you will enjoy some Christmas music for a few minutes. Then, when your tour guide says, “Follow me” it will be time to start your tour.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
WAITING AREA: with music to set the mood.
(This can be in the lobby using just one of the doors. Rope off the entrance area from the doors that are being used, and the area where the group should wait. Play music, or have a few people singing. Then after 3-5 minutes...)
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 1: Elizabeth’s dwelling.
(Elizabeth paces the floor, shushing her baby, then puts baby into a basket when she sees the group.)
ELIZABETH:
Just so you do not get the wrong idea, my name is Elizabeth. My baby’s name is John. When he grows up, he will be a prophet, who will prepare the way for Jesus, our Messiah. An angel told this to my husband Zacharias, who is a Jewish priest. We have been married for many, MANY years, and were never able to have a baby. Until now! Such an answer to prayer. Let me tell you, there was lots of praying on my part. So, it is an absolute miracle! But there is an even greater miracle! For hundreds of years, us Israelites have been waiting for our Messiah to be born. And now, my niece, Mary, is pregnant with the Holy One. When she came here for a visit, I welcomed her with a hug, and my yet unborn baby leapt with joy! I knew at once that she was carrying the Christ-child. But – well - you can visit her, yourself, and she can tell you all about it!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 2: Mary’s dwelling.
(Mary can be sewing or sweeping until she sees the group.)
MARY:
Oh. Hi. I suppose you have heard the news. Not everyone knows about this yet, but – well, one evening an angel came to see me and told me that I would conceive a Child, by the Holy Spirit, even though I’m still a virgin. Even though I’m not perfect. Although I do love the Lord. So whatever God asks of me, I do want to trust God fully, knowing that He will work things out.
(Mary braces herself before continuing.)
MARY:
You see, I’m already engaged. I was engaged before all of this happened. And my fiancé, his name is Joseph, is a very godly man. Although, when I told him about this, understandably, he really struggled to believe all of this. But this is God’s will, and as the angel reminded me, nothing will be impossible with God... It’s been just over 3 months now, so very soon, I will start to show. Well, I’m just praying and waiting as patiently as I can, to see how God will prompt Joseph to understand God’s plan. I just wonder what Joseph is thinking now. Maybe you can go visit him, and find out.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 3: town street corner.
(When the Town Crier sees the group approaching, he holds up a scroll to read, and calls out very clearly.)
TOWN CRIER:
Hear ye, hear ye. This decree is issued by Caesar Augustus! There is to be a census taken in the entire Roman world! Everyone must go to their own town, from where their ancestors came from, to register, and be counted. I repeat, everyone must go to the town of their ancestors. This decree has been issued by Caesar August, himself! Everyone in the entire Roman kingdom must comply. All - must - go! Understand and remember, all Israelites, that you too are under Roman law and the leadership of Caesar Augustus! None are exempt. You must begin your journeys to the town of your ancestors and be counted for this worldwide census!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 4: Joseph’s dwelling.
(There could be a carpentry project nearby, but Joseph is pacing and thinking, until he sees the group.)
JOSEPH:
Did you hear about the census being taken?
(Joseph can wait for a few nods from the group.)
JOSEPH:
Since I am a descendant of king David, this means I must go to Bethlehem. I mean, I know this is all in God’s timing! It has to be. Because it’s all starting to make sense now. And this census will actually help us in many ways. Because when Mary, my fiancée, told me that- Wait. Has anyone met my fiancée, Mary? Yeah? So, you probably already know. So, yes. I did struggle to believe her when she told me that she was expecting. That she is pregnant– with Israel’s expected Messiah! Don’t worry. I get it now. God just sent an angel to me in a dream, telling me that Mary is truly carrying the Christ-child, and I am to marry her, and keep her a virgin until Jesus is born. But, wow! I will be helping to raise the Son of God! It’s a lot! Although, I suppose I can contemplate all of this as we make our way to Bethlehem. It’s a long journey, so, I guess I should get us ready to go! Right? I guess, you all are going, as well?!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 5: Innkeeper’s dwelling.
(Innkeeper can sit at a table with a quill and “paper”, then looks up as the group enters.)
INNKEEPER:
Ah, welcome to Bethlehem. But, I’m so very sorry to say, we have no more vacancy. All the rooms filled up very quickly because of all this census-stuff. Sadly so, because there was a couple who just arrived, Joseph and Mary, who was - sooo pregnant. I quickly thought, you know, they could stay in our stable. I know-I know, having a baby in a barn is not the best. But there was no way I was going to send them out to live in the streets! I even brought them a few rags so they could wrap up the newborn and keep Him warm. But I have to tell you something! This is no ordinary baby! They named Him, Jesus, by the way. But, I just have a feeling that this baby Jesus is going to do something very, very important! So if you can, I highly recommend seeing Him. They’re still over there in the stable. It’s over that way.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 6: Shepherd’s field.
(Sheep can be heard in the background. A vigilant Shepherd holds a staff, and gets excited when he sees the group.)
SHEPHERD:
Oh! Have you heard the great news yet? Angels appeared! They came to give us shepherds the news. US! The shepherds. Like, we are the nobodies in society. Yet, somehow we are still important in God’s eyes! Everyone is important in God’s eyes. Because, God sent the angels to tell us that Jesus, our Messiah, has been born! And we would find Him in the town of David, in Bethlehem, in a manger, wrapped in rags! Even so, with such a humble birth, He is our King! He is the Great Shepherd. It’s kind of inspiring, really. And, He is our Lord and Savior! This is the news of great joy for ALL people! Have you seen Jesus yet? Were you already on the way? By all means, go - and see for yourself!
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 7: Magi’s tent.
(Magi studies a scroll, until he looks up and notices the group.)
MAGI:
Welcome, weary travelers. Are you on your way to see Jesus? We have just come from that way. It has been about two years now since His star first appeared. BECAUSE we had heard the prophesies of long ago, us magi from the east knew that this star signified something very great: that the King of kings had just been born! It was going to be an extremely long journey, so we left with a very large caravan to follow the star! We wanted to meet Him so that we could worship Him, and offer Him our most treasured gifts - because the King of kings, Himself, was going to give the world His most precious gift of all. And, well, there’s so much more to say. And I could talk about Jesus all day long. But I see that you are eager to be on your way. Please! Let me not delay you any further from finishing your journey. Please.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
ROOM/SCENE 8: stable.
(In the stable is an empty manger. Behind that, is a cross or the shadow of a cross. Person steps forward when they see the group.)
PERSON:
You have come to Bethlehem to see Jesus? He is no longer in the manger. He grew up. At the age of 30, He began His ministry. And 3 years later, the Israelites rejected Jesus as their Messiah, because THEY wanted Him to save Israel from the Roman government, but Jesus came to save people from their sin. So, it was God’s will that Jesus came to earth in flesh, to die on the cross in our place. And if you went to see His grave, He is no longer there, either. Jesus rose again to have victory over sin and death, so that when we trust and believe in Him as our personal Lord and Savior, we will have everlasting life! This is the greatest gift that we celebrate at Christmas! I pray that you have received the Lord’s gift of salvation and know Jesus personally. And thank you so much for coming and joining us on our walk to Bethlehem.
(optional)
As you exit, please except one of our little thank you gifts, and we hope to see you again very soon. May God bless the rest of your journey and your evening.
TOUR GUIDE:
Please! Follow me.
(Tour Guide drops group off at the exit area, and then goes back to the beginning to lead another group through.)
OUTSIDE OR IN A LARGE LOBBY AREA:
OPTION 1:
Tour Guide drops group off in the lobby or an area outside where they can collect a pre-packaged gift of maybe candy, candy canes, a pouch of hot chocolate, etc., as well as a pamphlet of info for your church.
OPTION 2:
You can have an area where the tour ends that has a few farm animals to visit, a craft station, carolers, a hot chocolate station, etc.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A WALK-THROUGH EXPERIENCE EVENT:
VENUE PLANNING:
Make sure your church or building is large enough to accommodate a smooth flow from area to area. There are 8 scenes altogether, but you don’t have to do them all.
TICKET COLLECTION AREA
ENTRY AREA
WAITING AREA
SCENE 1: Elizabeth’s dwelling.
SCENE 2: Mary’s dwelling.
SCENE 3: Town Crier’s street corner.
SCENE 4: Joseph’s dwelling.
SCENE 5: Innkeeper’s dwelling.
SCENE 6: Shepherd’s field.
SCENE 7: Magi’s tent.
SCENE 8: Stable with empty manger and shadow of a cross.
EXIT AREA
GROUP ACCOMODATIONS:
Figure out from the size of your venue and set areas how big of a group would be able to comfortably move through, and be able to see the acting taking place.
JUST FOR EXAMPLE:
- 12 people per group
- start a tour every 5 minutes
- run for 3 hours, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
- tours start at 5:00 to 7:20 pm, every 5 minutes
- 336 people would be able to come through
DEPENDING ON:
how many want to come, maybe have more than one evening
DEPENDING ON:
if you don’t have enough rooms or actors, or you want to shorten the experience, and have more people see it, you can eliminate some of the scenes
DEPENDING ON:
how eager your actors are to do many, many soliloquies, you could have groups start maybe every 2 ½ or 3 minutes. You’ll want to time that out though.
DEPENDING ON:
how many actors you have, you could have several actors for each role, so they can change off
DEPENDING ON:
acting abilities, audio tape all dialogue and have actors mime along (you’ll need audio players, etc. at each set)
“TICKETS”:
Once you decide when, how often, and how many people allowed per group, have a way for people to sign up, with instructions like:
- come 15 minutes ahead of schedule at a specific area
- park in a specific area
- your time will be called or texted 5 minutes before
- the length of time the tour takes is... (45 minutes)
- is there something to see or do afterwards
EXTRA PROPS:
- tour Guides could have little flag poles to hold up.
- guide ropes can be used to keep people on the right path, or keep people far away enough from the actors.
- have clear signs saying “ENTRANCE” and “EXIT ONLY” to avoid any confusion.
- at the entrance, have a designated spot for the person taking the tickets, or checking digital tickets. This could be done just outside, or in the area between the doors of outside and the lobby, if you have that.
- at the exit, best to have things like: animals, carolers, hot chocolate, craft tables for the people leaving (otherwise, some kids might want to skip the tour)
SETS/PROPS:
Costumes & sets can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
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