Bible Blossom - Storyteller's Handbook

C HRISTMAS : T HE B IRTH OF C H R I S T • 145

Theme

The arrival of Christ the Lord is good news of great joy for all people!

Setting

The fields around Bethlehem

• Shepherds – keeping watch over their flocks • The Angel of the Lord • Mary and Joseph • Jesus

Major Characters

Plot

Introduction and Rising Action 1. Around Bethlehem many shepherd are keeping watch over their flocks by night. 2. Suddenly, the Angel of the Lord appears to them with a great multitude of other angels. 3. He tells them to go find the Messiah (or Christ), who has been born this very night in Bethlehem. Climax 4. The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem. 5. They find Mary and Joseph, and Jesus the newborn Lord, wrapped swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. 6. The shepherds tell Mary and Joseph about the announcement of the angels. Falling Action and Resolution 7. Everyone is amazed by what the shepherds say. 8. Mary treasures up the words in her heart. 9. The shepherds return to their flocks praising the Lord.