Adding a Little Gloss To Advent (Chapter 1 of 3)

 

  Lilly and her Grandma were pulling into the outdoor mall's parking lot. "Grandma, can we start at the big department store first? There is an Advent calendar I really want to get. I want to see if it's on sale."

 "Oh, I would happily buy that for you, Lilly. Why don't you show me which one."

 "Grandma, you are the best!" Lilly responded. Lilly led Grandma through the cosmetic section. "Oh my gosh," Lilly exclaimed, "They have it!" Lilly excitedly handed the gift box to her Grandma.

 Grandma look very confused, "Lilly, I don't understand. "What does this set of lip gloss have to do with Advent?"

 "Grandma, look, there are 15 different shades of lip gloss. I could wear a different one every day up until Christmas. Then, I will know my favorite on Christmas day, and I'll be ready!"

 "Lilly, I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but I think you are completely missing the point of Advent. Advent is about preparing yourself for the coming of Jesus."

 "Well, I could wear the lipgloss when I go to church on Sunday." Lilly looked at her Grandma's expression and set the gift box down. " I guess you don't want to buy it for me anymore."

 "Let me think about it. Lilly. How about you help me pick Christmas presents for the family first?"

 "Sure, that's fine," Lilly said, dripping with disappointment.

 An hour and a half later, Lilly and her Grandma found an empty table at the food court and sat down to refuel. "You know Lilly," Grandma began, "I've been thinking about that lip gloss set. At first, I thought it had nothing to do with Advent, but maybe I was wrong."

 "Really?" Lilly said.

 "I'll buy you that set on two conditions. First, I want you to visit the Blessed Sacrament with me tomorrow. I'm going to bring my Rosary. Let's ask Mary what she did to prepare for the coming of Jesus. You know she was about the same age as you. Second, you must promise me that you will only speak kind words when wearing your lip gloss. That may help get both your heart and lips to shine through Advent. What do you think? Do we have a deal?"

 "Yes!" Lilly answered. Lilly smiled at her Grandma, thinking how easy this would be. Grandma smiled back, wondering if she was asking too much from her granddaughter.

(to be continued...)