This is a great story for children under 7. The leader reads the phrases and the children provide actions and sounds.
Joseph & Mary went on a lo…o…o…ng trip (walk on the spot)
They went to Bethlehem to be counted in a census (count from one to five)
There was no room in the inn. (shake heads – ‘no’)
So they stayed in a stable. That night when all was quiet (shhhhhh), a baby boy was born to Mary (cradle arms)
Mary rocked the baby (rock cradled arms from side to side)
As she sang a lullaby (hum lullaby)
Out in the field there were shepherds
They watched over their sheep (baa baa)
An angel came to them ( arms partially raised as if wings)
There was a bright light (shelter eyes)
The shepherds were afraid (look afraid, bite nails)
The angel said ‘Do not be afraid’ (shake head)
‘Be Happy’ (smile and in joyful voices say ‘be happy’)
Today Jesus is born in Bethlehem. He is the Lord. Go and look for him (point)
He is lying in a manger. Suddenly many angels sang, ‘Glory to God in the highest’.
Peace on Earth, Good will to all people. The angels were gone (look all around)
The shepherds went to Bethlehem to look for Jesus (walk on the spot)
They walked fast (increase pace)
They found Mary (point) and Joseph (point) and the baby in the stable (point)
They were happy to see baby Jesus (clapping)