"The Nativity Story" is a major motion picture about the year leading up to Jesus' birth and concluding with Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt to save Jesus from Herod's soldiers. The film presents a unique opportunity for us to visualize this well-known story during as we journey through Advent and then celebrate the Christmas season in ways that are as inviting as they are inspiring

Throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons (through the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 7), The Tidings will run a weekly guide in conjunction with "The Nativity Story," by Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte, taken from her book "The Nativity Story: A Film Study Guide for Catholics" (available from Pauline Books & Media, 3908 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230, 310-397-8376 or www.pauline.org).

The purpose of this film study guide is to assist in whole parish community catechesis and families in particular, to reflect, and have conversations about "The Nativity Story," using questions based on the Sunday's Gospel reading.

Preparation: See "The Nativity Story" as a family or with small group. Post the weekly questions in a central place in your home so that you will remember to talk about them. Read the Gospel passage the night before, or before you leave for Mass. Use one or more of the questions as appropriate for your family.

Dec. 10: Second Sunday of Advent

Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6.

---John the Baptist tells the people to get their hearts ready, to prepare the way of the Lord. Advent is a time for us to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth. What do you think it means to prepare your heart for Christmas?

---How do you think Mary and Joseph, the wise men and the shepherds prepared their hearts for the coming of Jesus in the film, "The Nativity Story"? What did they talk about with each other on their journeys to Bethlehem?