With the typical cast for an annual Christmas pageant (including a tableau with the Holy Family), we hear the story of the birth of Christ from the vantage point of the Magi, with a conclusion that leads us to focus on the meaning of Epiphany.
This “instant pageant” was developed out of the need to fit busy schedules that don’t allow for elaborate productions and multiple rehearsals for a children’s Christmas pageant. It can be performed as the Liturgy of the Word on a Sunday morning near to Christmas or Epiphany, with only one rehearsal required the day before. By reserving all the speaking parts for older children or teens who serve as narrators and the congregation singing carols during the scene changes, this is a very effective model. For this pageant, hymns are chosen from The Hymnal 1982. The cast can expand or contract as necessary, by using or not using some of the minor roles. Photographs of how this was performed at St. Thomas’ Church in Hamilton, NY are included.
Time length: 20 minutes (including the singing of hymns
Age level: Children (older children/youth as narrators)
Audience: All ages
Pages: 9
Cast: 22 characters +/-:
Magus (Wise Man) with Myrrh
Magus (Wise Man) with Gold
Magus (Wise Man) with Frankincense
Magi’s Astrological Assistants (two)
Camel, fore and aft (two people) – see photographs
Camel attendant
Star of Bethlehem
King Herod
Learned Priest
Joseph
Virgin Mary
Stable Girls (any number)
The Apostle Thomas
Candle-bearers (any number)
Narrators (six)
The Rev. Donnel O’Flynn is rector of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Hamilton, New York.
