The Nativity Story

"But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."

- Luke 2:19

EAT This

Make this recipe together

Chicken Tostadas

Original Recipe from ifoodreal.com

Yield: Makes 8 tostadas

Time: 20 minutes

Description: think open-face taco, with a fried tortilla, to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, who's feast is on Dec 12

To make homemade tostada shells: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Arrange tortillas in a single layer, spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt on both sides.
Bake for 6 minutes per each side, means flipping once.
Prep toppings: While tostadas are baking, make easy guacamole salsa by combining tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt and lime juice. Get other ingredients ready.
Assembly: To assemble tostadas, top each shell with guacamole salsa, beans, chicken and cheese.
Storing tostada shells: You can bake homemade tostada shells for up to 48 hours in advance. Just store in resealable Ziploc bag to keep shells crunchy

Making ahead: You can shred chicken, chop/ dice veggies, crumble cheese for up to 48 hours in advance and store in airtight containers. You can even prep guacamole and store for up to 24 hours.To prevent browning, here are 2 foolproof methods of storing:

Plastic: Level guac in a bowl and tightly press piece of plastic on top.
Water: Pour cold water on top, then drain and stir before serving.

Ingredients:

8 corn tortillas or store-bought tostada shells
3 medium tomatoes diced
4 medium avocados diced
3 tbsp red onion finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp salt
Lime juice of
15 oz can low sodium black beans drained & rinsed
3 cups shredded chicken
1/2 cup feta or Cotija cheese crumbled
Cooking spray

PRAY This

Pray this prayer together

1. Light your Advent wreath for the appropriate week

For information on Advent wreaths and a wreath blessing, click here.

2. Share something you would each like to pray for

3. Bless you Nativity Scene:

All make the sign of the cross as the leader says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R/. Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1 (lines 1-8) or Isaiah 7:10 (lines 10-15, the birth of Emmanuel).

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.

R/. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The leader prays with hands joined:

God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of creation
you have made manifest your love:
when our need for a Savior was great
you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy, and love.

Lord,
bless all who look upon this manger;
may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Savior of all,
and who lives and reigns forever and ever.
R/. Amen.

—From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers (original post by USCCB)

WATCH This

Watch this movie together

As you eat your tostadas, watch the film:

The Nativity Story.

Available at: Amazon

Movie Run Time: 1 hr 40 min

Description:

A 2006 American biblical drama film based on the nativity of Jesus, focusing on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

Directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac. The film was released on December 1, 2006 after it premiered in Vatican City November 26, 2006.

DISCUSS This

Share together as a family

After watching the movie, use any of the following questions to share as a family.

1. What was Mary's life like in Nazareth?

2. How would you have felt if you were Mary when the Angel appeared to her?

3. How do you think Mary felt when she when no one believed her?

4. How did Mary and Joseph's relationship change during the their journey?

5. How did the Shepherd feel after meeting the newborn Jesus? What did Mary say to him?

6. How can we make room for Jesus in our hearts like Mary did?

We'd love to hear or see how it went with your family!

Share your experiences or pictures by clicking below.