For the small church that doesn't have a lot of time to prepare, here is an ideal Christmas program and order of worship. It can be presented as part of a Sunday school program or a Sunday worship service. This play reminds us that the simplicity of God's gift to us -- his son, Jesus -- dims all the glitter and glitz of the commercial Christmas season.
Based around the familiar song "The Friendly Beasts", this short program brings us the true message of Christmas through the words of two donkeys, three doves, four cows, and four sheep. Their reflections reassure a young boy who wonders if we all have forgotten "whose birthday is it anyway?" Costume suggestions are included, and an opportunity for the children to share their Christmas ornaments and angel food cake with the congregation is incorporated into the program. The lines are short and easy to learn, and, with the help of "the friendly beasts", we are reminded of the powerful reason for the season, Jesus' birthday!
