Benjamin's Top

The following pageant is based on a 1994 adaption by Carol Rabs (Christian Education Director of First United Methodist Church in North Andover MA).

This is a wonderful and easy to prepare traditional Christmas Eve pageant with many carol suggestions.

Preparation: minimal
Set up a platform or long bench for the angels to stand on. Leave room in front for the action to occur. Make simple costumes for the characters. For the angels, make costumes with sequins on them. Use a simple wooden top for Benjamin’s gift, and make a manger with a wide ledge on one side so there is enough room for the top to be spun. The gifts of the blanket and walking stick can be pantomimed, or actual items can be used. For the lamb, either pantomime or find a good-sized stuffed animal.

Cast/Characters: choir, 8 adults/children
Angel choir, angel, 3 shepherds, Benjamin, Mary, Joseph, and 2 narrators. (Optional: the angels can be recostumed as animals in the stable for Scene three. If so, use simple headpieces to indicate sheep, donkeys, etc.)

Scenes: 3 (3pp)

Main Props: wooden top, manger, blankets, walking stick, costumes

Scene One: Angels in the Heavens  

Narrator 1: On the night when Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, all the angel choirs in heaven had a big celebration. They sang and laughed and danced with the stars. They were so happy, they just had to tell someone—anyone who would listen. (The angels enter dancing and skipping, waving silver ribbons. They stand on the platform or bench.)

Hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels from the Realms of Glory