“‘Star Wars’ Nativity: A Long Time Ago, in a Village Far, Far Away…”
Below is a short (5 to 7 minute) Star Wars themed nativity that may be used as a pageant, or as part of a service or worship on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We might also call it a tableau. As the Christmas story is read, individuals will be invited forward to help form a living picture. When the reading is done, the tableau will be held for a minute or so as a scene for reflection and personal prayer. Click here for an audio recording of this being enacted on 12/24/2015 at the United Church of Underhill, VT.
“Star Wars Nativity: A Long Time Ago, in a Village Far, Far Away…”
CHARACTERS
| BIBLICAL | STAR WARS | SUGGESTED COSTUMES/PROPS |
| Gabriel | C3PO | Plastic Mask |
| Mary | Princess Leia | White robe and wig |
| Joseph | Han Solo | Han Solo Apron |
| Jesus/Son | Yoda | Yoda mask and robe |
| Angels (2-3) | Pilots | Paper Pilot Masks |
| Shepherds (2-3) | Wookies | Paper Wookie Masks |
| Sheep (2-3) | Storm Troopers | Paper Stormtrooper Masks |
| Star | DeathStar | Cutout of the Deathstar |
| Magi (2-3) | Jedi | Cinctures, lightsabers and gifts |
| King Herod | Darth Vader | Darth Vader mask and cape |
BOLD=Character comes forward, puts on costume and assumes position
Click for .pdf of positions chart: Chart
Prologue
A long time ago, in a village far, far away something very amazing was happening to a young woman named Mary and her fiancé Joseph. God had something special planned and so God sent an angel GABRIEL as a messenger, saying to Mary: “Greetings! The Lord is with you. Mary was a little afraid but Gabriel said, “don’t worry…God favors you…and you will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus and he will be a king of the throne of David and he will reign over the house of Jacob and his kingdom will never end.” Mary was still nervous but she agreed, saying, “Gabriel, may it be as you have said.”
Nativity
(Biblical quotes from Common English Bible)
“In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since JOSEPH belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with MARY, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, A SON THEY NAMED JESUS, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” SUDDENLY A GREAT ASSEMBLY OF THE HEAVENLY FORCES WAS WITH THE ANGEL PRAISING GOD. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
When the angels returned to heaven, the SHEPHERDS said to each other, “Let’s take our SHEEP and go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.”
Meanwhile, while all of this was happening, a STAR appeared over Bethlehem. MAGI from far away in the east saw this star and came to Jerusalem. They were looking for the child, Jesus, who had been born king of the Jews, because they wanted to worship him.
When KING HEROD heard this he became worried. He didn’t like the idea of another king being born so he tried to trick the Magi into showing him where Jesus was. The Magi continued on from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and when they found Jesus they gave him gifts, then they bowed down and worshipped him. When it was time to leave, the Magi had a dream warning them of Herod’s lies and so they returned home to their country without telling King Herod anything about Jesus at all.
Conclusion
That was all a long time ago, in a village far, far away. And it was so long ago and far away that sometimes we forget what an amazing, wonderful, incredible night it was. And so tonight, through the Word, with a living nativity, and with a little help from some Star Wars friends, we remember this Christmas Story. We will now take just a few moments to reflect on this story and this nativity in silence.
[SHORT MOMENT OF SILENCE]
May we remember this story, not only on this special night, but every night. And may we find the courage to tell this story of the birth of the Christ-child to others…for the life of the world…and the life of all the galaxies…far, far away. AMEN.
© Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, 2015
