Eleven short nativity plays (not lasting more than about 20 minutes) as an introduction to church services around Christmas. These practically tested pieces highlight an aspect of the Christmas story and tell it in simple and clear language - not theater plays, but introductions to the Christmas celebration. With practical advice based on experience. Christmas is still peak season in churches. Almost all congregations want to offer a nativity play or incorporate a Christmas story into the many celebrations. Heribert Haberhausen provides a rich selection for this purpose. The short nativity plays shed light on the issues of both past and present, such as when young couples are searching for an apartment or refugees are looking for shelter. Very simple scenes shake things up. People bring their discharge papers, their dire medical reports, their failed certificates as 'gifts' and place them in the manger. Humanity is key: Stay human, and the divine within you will become visible! Willi Hoffsümmer.