Early Childhood Education

In Honor of St. John the Baptist

A Simple Play for Children and Adults

By Anne E. Neuberger

Of all the feasts in the Christian year, there are only three celebrations of births: Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist, each filled with the Holy Spirit before birth. 

Consider putting on a simple play about John’s nativity, observed in June. This often has a greater impact than listening to a story. Adults and children can participate with little preparation. No actor speaks but should be encouraged to mime.

Parts:

• Narrator: tells the story
• Zechariah
• Gabriel
• Elizabeth
• Mary
• Crowd: at least four people
• A doll

 Story: Based on Luke 1:5-25; 39-45; 57-80. Click here to read.

 Scene 1: Zechariah, Gabriel, the Crowd

Narrator: Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people, but they were sad because they had no children. Some people were praying at the temple. Zechariah was praying there too, in another room. Suddenly, the great angel Gabriel was with him! Gabriel said, “Zechariah, you and Elizabeth are going to have a baby boy! Name him John. God says John will grow up to be a very holy man!”

 Zechariah was shocked—first an angel, now this news! He wouldn’t believe it. “Well now,” said Gabriel, “you won’t be able to talk until John is born!” Gabriel went away. Zechariah tried to tell the people what happened, but he had no voice!

 Scene 2: Elizabeth and Mary

Narrator: Gabriel was right: Elizabeth was going to have a baby. She and the silent Zechariah were very happy. Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, came to visit. Mary was expecting Baby Jesus. “Mary!” cried Elizabeth. “My baby is so happy you’ve come! Both babies are gifts from God!” They hugged and visited.

 Scene 3: Elizabeth, doll, Zechariah, the Crowd

When John was born, friends came over. “What’s the baby’s name?” they asked. Zechariah wrote down, “John.” Right away, Zechariah could talk! And he talked and talked, thanking God for John and all God’s blessings.

Conclude the play by reciting the Hail Mary together.