The Nativity Sound Story
Mary and the Angel
About two thousand years ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. One day an angel appeared and told her she had been chosen to have a special baby. The baby would be God's son and she must call him Jesus.
Sound 1: Hark the Herald
Journey to Bethlehem
So Joseph went up from Nazareth to Bethlehem. He went to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him, and was expecting a child. It was a long journey.
Sound 2 and 3: Donkey Clip clopping Donkey Braying
No room at the Inn
At last Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. It was crowded. Mary was tired and needed a place to stay. They walked to many different places.
Sounds 4: Footsteps
But there was no room for them. Door after door was slammed in their faces.
Sounds 5: Door slamming
Eventually, one kind innkeeper said he had a stable where he kept his animals that they were welcome to use.
Jesus is born
And so it was that Mary gave birth to Jesus in that stable. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger.
Sound 6: Baby crying
Shepherds hear the news
At the same time, on a hillside overlooking Bethlehem, some shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep.
Sound 7: Sheep
A bright light appeared in the sky. They were frightened. An angel appeared to them and told them not to be afraid, because he had some good news for all people. Today, in the town of David, a Saviour had been born, he is Christ the Lord.
Shepherds visit Jesus
The shepherds hurried of and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. They were filled with joy at seeing Jesus lying in the manger. Afterwards they told everyone what had happened, and all who heard it were amazed.
Sounds 8: Joy to the World
A new star appears
Some time later, far away in the East, some Magi saw a bright new star shining high in the sky.
Sound 9:Celestial Disturbance
These men studied the stars and they knew this was a sign from God. They rode to Jerusalem to see King Herod.
Sound 10: Hooves
They asked to see the child that would be King of the Jews. The king was troubled. Secretly, he told them to return when they had found the baby so that he could worship the child himself.
The Wise men give gifts
The Magi were guided by the star to Bethlehem. They found Jesus and they bowed down and worshipped him. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Sound 11: Presents unwrapping
That night, the Magi had a dream - an angel warned them that King Herod wanted to kill Jesus and told them not to go back to him. And so they returned home a different route.
This story from over 2000 years ago is why we celebrate Christmas today - it is a story that brings great joy to all.
Sound 12: Church Bells