What Is His Name?
Pageant
Advent/Christmas Resources For Young And Old
A Christmas Anthology
Object:
Notes
This Christmas program is written for children or for the total congregation's participation. In its flexibility any congregation, regardless of its size, can experience anew the telling of the story of the birth of Jesus, as well as relate the Christmas story to today's world.
Characters
The characters in this drama include many or few, depending on the size of your congregation.
The CHOIR can be any size or age, or a solo voice may be used. The song "What Is His Name?" is a simple melody which is sung in unison. The director may choose to have certain sections sing various verses or the entire choir may sing all of them.
The NARRATOR should be an adult, possibly the minister, who can speak clearly and with feeling. Mature teens can also do a good job. If you have a very large group with many persons who want speaking parts, the narrator's part can be divided among several people.
The INSTRUMENTAL SOLO can be any instrument which is available. However, a lower-pitched instrument such as an alto sax, trombone, or viola is preferable. If you have several possibilities, use a duet, trio, or other combination which give children a chance to share their talents.
The SLAVES, SHEPHERDS, POOR PEOPLE, KINGS, and SOLDIERS are all played by children in grades one through six. The props used by each can be made in Church School classes, beginning several weeks before time for the play to be presented. Or you could have a special costume-making party when all props would be made on the same day. If you have a very small church, one person in each category will work very well.
The ANGELS are traditionally the preschool and kindergarten children. They come in at the end of the program. They do not have to be on stage very long, since it is often very difficult for the little ones.
MARY and JOSEPH could be either adults or teens or older elementary children.
The BABY could be a life-sized doll wrapped in a blanket.
Costumes
The traditional look is in order. Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and kings may all wear robes with appropriate head dress. Poor people wear tattered, ragged modern-day clothes. Soldiers wear army-type uniforms of modern day or a combination of fighting clothes from several centuries if you have several persons in this category. The angels should have white robes, and wings (halos are optional but can be made from tree trimmings). The slaves may be dressed in modern clothes with chains of paper wrapped around them, especially draped over their arms.
At least one shepherd needs to have a toy lamb (or one made from cotton or pillow stuffing) to place before the manger. The kings will place their crowns and their gifts there. Poor persons will leave a tattered shawl. Soldiers will leave their weapons. Angels will leave stars which can be made of cardboard and aluminum foil. The slaves will leave their chains.
Setting And Scenery
The entire program takes place in the stable with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Each group is added to the stage until finally the angels complete the scene.
Mary should be seated on a small stool or chair in the center of the stage with Joseph standing beside her on her left. The manger with the baby should be directly in front of and between them. They both look at the manger during the program until the end when Mary picks up the baby and stands beside Joseph. Each group in turn approaches this scene while the choir sings the verse pertaining to them. They stop in front of the manger, facing it until the narrator finishes. Then they lay down their token and move behind Mary and Joseph until all are present. The angels are the last to enter. They stay in front of the manger, sitting on the floor so they do not hide the baby.
The choir can be at one side of the scene and the Narrator on the other.
Congregation Participation
Only one verse of most of the carols is used. (More can be used if you so desire. Most people know the words to the first verse, so you would not have to use books.) If you will not be using a bulletin, the responsive reading may be done by the Narrator and the Choir or by two other participants.
Order Of Service
Prelude
Words Of Welcome And Announcements
Opening Prayer Narrator
Carol
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"
Offering
Carol
"Silent Night"
(two verses)
Mary and Joseph Enter
Narrator
Luke 2:1-7
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 1)
Slaves Enter
Narrator
Carol
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
(one verse)
Narrator
Luke 2:15-16
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 2)
Shepherds Enter
Narrator
Responsive Reading
Leader: Blessed are the poor in spirit,
People: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Leader: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
People: For they shall be satisfied.
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 3)
Poor Persons Enter
Narrator
Instrumental Solo
"We Three Kings"
Narrator
Matthew 2:1-2
Poem
"Gifts For The King"
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 4)
Kings Enter
Narrator
Carol
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
(one verse)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 5)
Soldiers Enter
Narrator
Carol
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
(verses 1 and 4)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 6)
Angels Enter
Narrator
Children
"Away In A Manger"
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 7)
Narrator
Luke 2:19
Carol
"Joy To The World"
(all verses)
Benediction
Postlude
What Is His Name?
Characters
Mary
Joseph
A manger with a baby (doll) in it
Slaves with chains
Shepherds with sheep
Poor people with tattered, ragged clothes
Kings with crowns
Soldiers with weapons
Angels with stars
Choir*
Narrator*
Congregation*
Instrumental solo*
*Indicates speaking or musical parts. All others are nonspeaking.
Prelude (CHOIR takes its place)
Words Of Welcome And Announcements
Opening Prayer
Narrator
As we gather this night to celebrate the birth of your Son, O God, we ask that you will renew within each of us that spirit of Christmas which the shepherds felt and that filled the angels with song. May we name the Christ within our hearts this night. Amen.
Carol
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"
Offering (Optional)
Carol
"Silent Night"
(Sing two verses while MARY and JOSEPH take their places.)
Narrator
O listen this day to the story we tell,
A story so old, yet so new.
A baby was born in Bethlehem.
Words of the prophets come true.
(Read) Luke 2:1-7
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 1)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(SLAVES begin to move toward the manger holding their chains.)
We shall call him Lord,
Because we are slaves.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Lord.
Narrator (Optional: may be read by one of the slaves.)
Slaves. We are slaves. We are in bondage to sin. We are in bondage to self -- to bad habits. We are in prisons of our own making. Let us all call him Lord, and loose our chains of bondage, freeing ourselves to love. Lord, we give you our chains. Make us free.
(SLAVES lay their chains down by the manger and move to the background.)
Carol
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
(verse 1)
Narrator
Luke 2:15-16
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 2)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(SHEPHERDS come forward to the manger, at least one of them carrying a toy lamb.)
We shall call him Shepherd.
Like sheep we all stray.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Shepherd.
Narrator (Optional: may be read by one of the shepherds.)
We are shepherds, but so many times we act like sheep. We wander near and far. Like sheep, we are gentle and kind, but like sheep, we are prone to wandering. We aren't really bad most of the time, but we just nibble ourselves out of the pasture. When we are needed or when the flock is counted, we are not there. We wait for the shepherd to lead us back to where we really want to be. Let us call him Shepherd, and lay our lives at his feet, listening for his voice. Let us call him Shepherd.
(SHEPHERDS lay their lamb by the manger and move to the background.)
Responsive Reading (Optional: Narrator and Choir may do this.)
Leader: Blessed are the poor in spirit,
People: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Leader: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
People: For they shall be satisfied.
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 3)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(POOR PEOPLE wearing ragged clothes with patched shawls or jackets enter and move toward the manger.)
We shall call him Savior,
Because we are poor.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Savior.
Narrator (Optional: one of the poor folks may read.)
We do not understand how so many of us poor exist in a world of plenty. Jesus did not say that we have to be poor. He only stated a fact, that there will always be poor folks. Sometimes through our own foolishness or sin we bring poverty upon ourselves, but most of us are victims of circumstances, environment, or birth. We just happened to be born in the wrong place. Poverty will never change without a Savior, so here is our gift. Let us all call him Savior.
(POOR PERSON lays shawl by the manger and moves to the background.)
Instrumental Solo
"We Three Kings"
(one or two verses)
Narrator
Matthew 2:1-2
Poem
"Gifts For The King"
The star pierced the darkness,
And shattered the night;
New hope dawned and sparkled,
As they followed its light.
Many miles they traveled
Over mountain and sea;
Bringing gifts for the King --
The King foretold to be.
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 4)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(KINGS move toward the manger carrying their gifts.)
We shall call him King of kings,
We bring him our gifts.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be King of kings.
Narrator (Optional: one of the kings may read.)
We are kings. Kings of important countries. We have traveled very far to see a true King. We have brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but we are really bringing him much more. No one can rule without good advice. No one can love well without loving and respecting someone higher. We love, honor, and respect the one who sent this child, therefore, we love, honor, and respect the One who is sent. We are only shadows. Here is a true King of all kings. Let us call him King of kings.
(KINGS place their gifts and crowns by the manger and move to the background.)
Carol
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
(verse 1)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 5)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(SOLDIERS move toward the manger bearing their weapons.)
We shall call him Prince of Peace,
Of war we are weary.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Prince of Peace.
Narrator (Optional: one of the soldiers may read.)
There shall be wars and rumors of wars. We represent all the men and women who have died, and who will die in the ceaseless, endless, life-shattering wars and violence of this earth. Nations against nations, we slaughter thousands. Race against race, we hurt and divide. Family against family, brother against brother, sister against sister, parent against child. The list of wars that rage among us is endless. Not all wars are fought with guns or tanks or missiles. Most are fought with tongues and ignorance. Let us give him our weapons. Let us call him Prince of Peace and let the healing of war's hurts begin. Let us all call him Prince of Peace.
(SOLDIERS lay their weapons down by the manger and move to the background.)
Carol
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
(verses 1 and 4)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 6)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(ANGELS move toward the manger.)
We shall call him Son of God,
We see him in glory.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Son of God.
Narrator
We worship him as Son of God. We watch with love and compassion as he takes the form of humankind. We wait, hovering close, ready for the command to pick him up if he falls, to feed him if he hungers, to minister to him in any way. We believe that this one who is chosen to be his Mother will love him. She will protect him as long as she can. We will always be ready to step in if necessary. He is our own King. Our own Son of God. We leave a symbol of our presence and call him Son of God.
(ANGELS lay their stars by the manger.)
Children
"Away In A Manger"
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 7)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(MARY picks up the baby and holds him close to her as she stands next to JOSEPH through the rest of the program.)
He shall be called Shepherd, Savior, King of kings,
Prince of Peace, Son of God. I shall call him Jesus.
Narrator
Luke 2:19
Carol
"Joy To The World"
(all verses)
(CHILDREN begin to exit on the second verse, followed by the CHOIR, followed by the NARRATOR, who gives the benediction from the back of the room. CHILDREN and CHOIR should stand quietly at the back until the benediction is given, then they can be first in line for cookies, if you care to serve refreshments.)
Benediction Narrator
By whatever name you call this infant of Bethlehem, take him into your home, into your heart and soul. May he be yours. May you know the peace and joy of this Christmastime, because you indeed know the Christ of Christmas. Amen.
Postlude
This Christmas program is written for children or for the total congregation's participation. In its flexibility any congregation, regardless of its size, can experience anew the telling of the story of the birth of Jesus, as well as relate the Christmas story to today's world.
Characters
The characters in this drama include many or few, depending on the size of your congregation.
The CHOIR can be any size or age, or a solo voice may be used. The song "What Is His Name?" is a simple melody which is sung in unison. The director may choose to have certain sections sing various verses or the entire choir may sing all of them.
The NARRATOR should be an adult, possibly the minister, who can speak clearly and with feeling. Mature teens can also do a good job. If you have a very large group with many persons who want speaking parts, the narrator's part can be divided among several people.
The INSTRUMENTAL SOLO can be any instrument which is available. However, a lower-pitched instrument such as an alto sax, trombone, or viola is preferable. If you have several possibilities, use a duet, trio, or other combination which give children a chance to share their talents.
The SLAVES, SHEPHERDS, POOR PEOPLE, KINGS, and SOLDIERS are all played by children in grades one through six. The props used by each can be made in Church School classes, beginning several weeks before time for the play to be presented. Or you could have a special costume-making party when all props would be made on the same day. If you have a very small church, one person in each category will work very well.
The ANGELS are traditionally the preschool and kindergarten children. They come in at the end of the program. They do not have to be on stage very long, since it is often very difficult for the little ones.
MARY and JOSEPH could be either adults or teens or older elementary children.
The BABY could be a life-sized doll wrapped in a blanket.
Costumes
The traditional look is in order. Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and kings may all wear robes with appropriate head dress. Poor people wear tattered, ragged modern-day clothes. Soldiers wear army-type uniforms of modern day or a combination of fighting clothes from several centuries if you have several persons in this category. The angels should have white robes, and wings (halos are optional but can be made from tree trimmings). The slaves may be dressed in modern clothes with chains of paper wrapped around them, especially draped over their arms.
At least one shepherd needs to have a toy lamb (or one made from cotton or pillow stuffing) to place before the manger. The kings will place their crowns and their gifts there. Poor persons will leave a tattered shawl. Soldiers will leave their weapons. Angels will leave stars which can be made of cardboard and aluminum foil. The slaves will leave their chains.
Setting And Scenery
The entire program takes place in the stable with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Each group is added to the stage until finally the angels complete the scene.
Mary should be seated on a small stool or chair in the center of the stage with Joseph standing beside her on her left. The manger with the baby should be directly in front of and between them. They both look at the manger during the program until the end when Mary picks up the baby and stands beside Joseph. Each group in turn approaches this scene while the choir sings the verse pertaining to them. They stop in front of the manger, facing it until the narrator finishes. Then they lay down their token and move behind Mary and Joseph until all are present. The angels are the last to enter. They stay in front of the manger, sitting on the floor so they do not hide the baby.
The choir can be at one side of the scene and the Narrator on the other.
Congregation Participation
Only one verse of most of the carols is used. (More can be used if you so desire. Most people know the words to the first verse, so you would not have to use books.) If you will not be using a bulletin, the responsive reading may be done by the Narrator and the Choir or by two other participants.
Order Of Service
Prelude
Words Of Welcome And Announcements
Opening Prayer Narrator
Carol
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"
Offering
Carol
"Silent Night"
(two verses)
Mary and Joseph Enter
Narrator
Luke 2:1-7
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 1)
Slaves Enter
Narrator
Carol
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
(one verse)
Narrator
Luke 2:15-16
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 2)
Shepherds Enter
Narrator
Responsive Reading
Leader: Blessed are the poor in spirit,
People: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Leader: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
People: For they shall be satisfied.
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 3)
Poor Persons Enter
Narrator
Instrumental Solo
"We Three Kings"
Narrator
Matthew 2:1-2
Poem
"Gifts For The King"
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 4)
Kings Enter
Narrator
Carol
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
(one verse)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 5)
Soldiers Enter
Narrator
Carol
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
(verses 1 and 4)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 6)
Angels Enter
Narrator
Children
"Away In A Manger"
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 7)
Narrator
Luke 2:19
Carol
"Joy To The World"
(all verses)
Benediction
Postlude
What Is His Name?
Characters
Mary
Joseph
A manger with a baby (doll) in it
Slaves with chains
Shepherds with sheep
Poor people with tattered, ragged clothes
Kings with crowns
Soldiers with weapons
Angels with stars
Choir*
Narrator*
Congregation*
Instrumental solo*
*Indicates speaking or musical parts. All others are nonspeaking.
Prelude (CHOIR takes its place)
Words Of Welcome And Announcements
Opening Prayer
Narrator
As we gather this night to celebrate the birth of your Son, O God, we ask that you will renew within each of us that spirit of Christmas which the shepherds felt and that filled the angels with song. May we name the Christ within our hearts this night. Amen.
Carol
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"
Offering (Optional)
Carol
"Silent Night"
(Sing two verses while MARY and JOSEPH take their places.)
Narrator
O listen this day to the story we tell,
A story so old, yet so new.
A baby was born in Bethlehem.
Words of the prophets come true.
(Read) Luke 2:1-7
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 1)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(SLAVES begin to move toward the manger holding their chains.)
We shall call him Lord,
Because we are slaves.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Lord.
Narrator (Optional: may be read by one of the slaves.)
Slaves. We are slaves. We are in bondage to sin. We are in bondage to self -- to bad habits. We are in prisons of our own making. Let us all call him Lord, and loose our chains of bondage, freeing ourselves to love. Lord, we give you our chains. Make us free.
(SLAVES lay their chains down by the manger and move to the background.)
Carol
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
(verse 1)
Narrator
Luke 2:15-16
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 2)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(SHEPHERDS come forward to the manger, at least one of them carrying a toy lamb.)
We shall call him Shepherd.
Like sheep we all stray.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Shepherd.
Narrator (Optional: may be read by one of the shepherds.)
We are shepherds, but so many times we act like sheep. We wander near and far. Like sheep, we are gentle and kind, but like sheep, we are prone to wandering. We aren't really bad most of the time, but we just nibble ourselves out of the pasture. When we are needed or when the flock is counted, we are not there. We wait for the shepherd to lead us back to where we really want to be. Let us call him Shepherd, and lay our lives at his feet, listening for his voice. Let us call him Shepherd.
(SHEPHERDS lay their lamb by the manger and move to the background.)
Responsive Reading (Optional: Narrator and Choir may do this.)
Leader: Blessed are the poor in spirit,
People: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Leader: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
People: For they shall be satisfied.
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 3)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(POOR PEOPLE wearing ragged clothes with patched shawls or jackets enter and move toward the manger.)
We shall call him Savior,
Because we are poor.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Savior.
Narrator (Optional: one of the poor folks may read.)
We do not understand how so many of us poor exist in a world of plenty. Jesus did not say that we have to be poor. He only stated a fact, that there will always be poor folks. Sometimes through our own foolishness or sin we bring poverty upon ourselves, but most of us are victims of circumstances, environment, or birth. We just happened to be born in the wrong place. Poverty will never change without a Savior, so here is our gift. Let us all call him Savior.
(POOR PERSON lays shawl by the manger and moves to the background.)
Instrumental Solo
"We Three Kings"
(one or two verses)
Narrator
Matthew 2:1-2
Poem
"Gifts For The King"
The star pierced the darkness,
And shattered the night;
New hope dawned and sparkled,
As they followed its light.
Many miles they traveled
Over mountain and sea;
Bringing gifts for the King --
The King foretold to be.
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 4)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(KINGS move toward the manger carrying their gifts.)
We shall call him King of kings,
We bring him our gifts.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be King of kings.
Narrator (Optional: one of the kings may read.)
We are kings. Kings of important countries. We have traveled very far to see a true King. We have brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but we are really bringing him much more. No one can rule without good advice. No one can love well without loving and respecting someone higher. We love, honor, and respect the one who sent this child, therefore, we love, honor, and respect the One who is sent. We are only shadows. Here is a true King of all kings. Let us call him King of kings.
(KINGS place their gifts and crowns by the manger and move to the background.)
Carol
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
(verse 1)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 5)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(SOLDIERS move toward the manger bearing their weapons.)
We shall call him Prince of Peace,
Of war we are weary.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Prince of Peace.
Narrator (Optional: one of the soldiers may read.)
There shall be wars and rumors of wars. We represent all the men and women who have died, and who will die in the ceaseless, endless, life-shattering wars and violence of this earth. Nations against nations, we slaughter thousands. Race against race, we hurt and divide. Family against family, brother against brother, sister against sister, parent against child. The list of wars that rage among us is endless. Not all wars are fought with guns or tanks or missiles. Most are fought with tongues and ignorance. Let us give him our weapons. Let us call him Prince of Peace and let the healing of war's hurts begin. Let us all call him Prince of Peace.
(SOLDIERS lay their weapons down by the manger and move to the background.)
Carol
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
(verses 1 and 4)
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 6)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(ANGELS move toward the manger.)
We shall call him Son of God,
We see him in glory.
Oh . . . . . . . . . .
His name shall be Son of God.
Narrator
We worship him as Son of God. We watch with love and compassion as he takes the form of humankind. We wait, hovering close, ready for the command to pick him up if he falls, to feed him if he hungers, to minister to him in any way. We believe that this one who is chosen to be his Mother will love him. She will protect him as long as she can. We will always be ready to step in if necessary. He is our own King. Our own Son of God. We leave a symbol of our presence and call him Son of God.
(ANGELS lay their stars by the manger.)
Children
"Away In A Manger"
Choir
"What Is His Name?"
(verse 7)
What is his name, this Babe in a manger?
What shall we call him? What is his name?
(MARY picks up the baby and holds him close to her as she stands next to JOSEPH through the rest of the program.)
He shall be called Shepherd, Savior, King of kings,
Prince of Peace, Son of God. I shall call him Jesus.
Narrator
Luke 2:19
Carol
"Joy To The World"
(all verses)
(CHILDREN begin to exit on the second verse, followed by the CHOIR, followed by the NARRATOR, who gives the benediction from the back of the room. CHILDREN and CHOIR should stand quietly at the back until the benediction is given, then they can be first in line for cookies, if you care to serve refreshments.)
Benediction Narrator
By whatever name you call this infant of Bethlehem, take him into your home, into your heart and soul. May he be yours. May you know the peace and joy of this Christmastime, because you indeed know the Christ of Christmas. Amen.
Postlude
