Reflections on a Nativity Play
Reflections on a Nativity Play
Following the Star
Every year, as the littles of Blessed Sacrament get ready to perform the Nativity Play, I reflect anew on the miracle and mystery of Jesus’s Nativity. The kids approach their roles in the play with joy and a little nervousness. I think many of us might feel the same way about our roles in God’s big plan.
“The miracle of the Nativity invites both joy and a little holy nervousness—especially when we realize we have a part to play.”
Pointing the Way
We have a lovely big light-up star that hangs above the social hall stage while the kids perform the play. When the angels send the shepherds to visit the newborn Jesus in the stable, they point the way to the star. The narrator reads:
“The angels pointed the shepherds right towards the star.
‘Follow that to Bethlehem—it’s not that far.
There you will find a newborn baby King.
We’re so excited that all we can do is just sing!’”
My favorite photos every year are the ones of the angel choir pointing the way and singing with joy.
“Follow the star—it’s not that far.”
The Journey of the Wise Men
The Wise Men follow that star, too. Our narrator reads:
“On the other side of the world, wise men three also that spectacular light did see.
They knew a new King had come to the earth,
so they loaded their camels to go to the place of His birth.”
Their journey reminds us that recognizing Christ often means setting out in faith, trusting the light God places before us.
The Quiet Wonder of the Innkeeper
Sometimes I wonder about the innkeeper in the nativity story. Did he know that a miracle was happening there in his stable? Was he embarrassed that he had offered the Messiah such a lowly place to be born?
Did he follow the star to his own stable? Did he creep in to see the baby and hide in the shadows? Did Mary see him there and invite him for a closer look?
“Even the quiet, unnoticed figures are invited into the miracle.”
Everyone Is Invited
God invites everyone to visit the stable—shepherds and kings and innkeepers, saints and sinners, and regular people in between. Just follow the star. Sing and dance with excitement and joy. Load up your camel, gather your sheep, and come see Him—the miracle, the baby King, the long-awaited Messiah.
“The stable is open to all—saints, sinners, and everyone in between.”
Come and See
Bring your gifts—your loving heart, your joyful song, your acts of kindness and generosity. Bring your family and friends and share the gift of Jesus with them. Tell your enemies and the folks who drive you crazy:
“Come! Come and see Him! Follow the star! It’s not that far!
We’re so excited all we can do is just sing!”
Corinne Cathcart
Corinne was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has been a member of the Blessed Sacrament community for 14 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, where she met her husband of over 25 years, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She was a second grade Catholic school teacher in Cincinnati before moving here when her husband started working for Dow Chemical. She loves working with the littles of the Blessed Sacrament family as the Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her with her nose in a book or learning something new!