This week I spoke at two wonderful churches! I meet new sister’s in Christ, had the privilege of introducing others to Jesus for the first time, and was reminded of God’s faithfulness to show up in a big way.
Last night in Jackson, TN, the director played a game where the audience had to collect as many Christmas mishap stories as the could. This was a great ice-breaker so that the women of this new Church could get to know one another. Laughter filled the room as we heard everything from getting fake dog poop as a gag gift, to dumping sweet potato casserole on a guest.
I could only think of one Christmas where all didn’t go as planned. It was Christmas Eve when my husband noticed a bad smell. No, it wasn’t my cooking. It was coming from the back yard. Perhaps it was the neighbor’s cooking? Just kidding. It was the septic tank. It had overflowed sending rank odors into the air for the neighborhood to enjoy on their Christmas Eve.
We quickly searched the phone book for a repair man. He arrived alone. Since it was Christmas Eve, all his helpers were already home celebrating. The man worked for several hours and finally the smell began to lighten.
My husband was shocked when the man handed him the bill. It was double the amount listed in the phone book. When my husband questioned the man, he reminded him it was Christmas Eve hoping the man would lessen the charge. Instead, the worker replied, “Well, I think it’s worth double the money. When you think about it. It’s a pretty “crappy” thing to have to do on Christmas Eve.” Who could argue with that? We paid the man his money.
This story fit perfectly with my talk. Mary, the mother of Jesus, learned that her plans are not always God’s plans. While she was planning a wedding, God was planning the arrival of a Savior! And yet, in beautiful submission she traded her plans for God’s. What was the result? We are a redeemed people!
During the holidays, our plans may not go as we wish either. But, if we’re willing to trade our plans for God’s, it’s going to be worth it. His plans for us are always good. They are never to bring us harm…but to prosper us and give us a hope. What better hope than to know Jesus, the Savior, who takes away the sins of the world!
I’d love to hear about your Christmas mishaps, too. Or, perhaps you have a story like Mary’s where things didn’t go as you planned, but you discovered God’s were much better.
Rachel says
I remember one particular Christmas mishap as a child. We had literally just moved into our new home very close to where we had been living. On Christmas Day the new cooker refused to turn on and as we still had the keys to the old house my sister and I took the turkey across town. It travelled in my bicycle basket. Our Mum was SOOO stressed.
We got it in the oven and headed off home when we were greeted by Mum walking at break-neck speed towards us declaring that the dreaded oven was now working and so we had to go back for the turkey and it had yet another ride on the bike!!!
It is the one and only year in my life that I didn’t get to church on Christmas day!!
Shalom,
Rachel.
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
ha ha! Love this. I may have to use it for an ice breaker for one of our women’s events.
I will be thinking of a Christmas mishap. On the top of my head I will always remember our first turkey. We cooked and cooked it and well, ended up having to throw it away because we were scared to eat it. It will be something I will never forget. Then I learned about the meat thermo. That was Thanksgiving through.
When my husband and I were dating, my brother who was 13 or 14 did not realize he would be there so he quickly wrapped a grapefruit for his present. A story that still circulates! 🙂
Love ya girl!
Ang
Leah @ Point Ministries says
Micca,
My story is not a mishap but rather a Christmas that didn’t go as planned. In 2002, one week before Christmas, we discovered that my precious Daddy had metastatic colon cancer. We were all devastated. I barely remember that Christmas season because we were just in shock. It was certainly not what we planned but it launched 22 months of growing closer as a family to each other and to the Lord. Twenty two months later my Daddy went home to be with Jesus. Now, He gets the Christmas prize–celebrating with Jesus!! Yahoo!!
Leah
http://www.thepoint-leah.blogspot.com