How to enjoy Christmas amongst heartache and tragedy
It is Christmas time! The count down is on, we are just days away from one of the biggest days of the year. For a lot of people this is a time filled with laughter and joy but for other people it is a time of sorrow, hurt and pain. Could I encourage us all to remember that some people are doing it tough this Christmas.
I have a very good friend named Darren Illicic, he is one of the funniest guys you will ever meet! It is always a good time with him. Sadly, last year Darren lost his mum to cancer a couple of months before Christmas. For Darren Christmas is now marked by the loss of a love one. However, Jesus has done something pretty amazing in his life. It has been inspiring for me to watch Darren's journey.
I asked him to write on how to enjoy Christmas even when it is a tough time of the year. I hope this blog encourages you and inspires you...
I've always loved Christmas time. Everything about it - the carols, the family visits and the laughter. Or so I thought. Saturday the 6th of September at 6:30am 2014 I got the call from my dad that my mum had passed and had gone home to be with Jesus. My mother was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago. It was the hardest thing I've ever faced, even after going through my own personal health struggles and being bound to a wheelchair for 9 years. I have never been so angry at the world and God. The night after my mum passed away I remember crying and hitting my bedroom floor until my knuckles were dripping with blood asking God, "why?".
Here are some thoughts that helped me through the festive season:
He gives a peace that does not make sense.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
The last year has been the hardest and best year of my life. That sounds like a weird statement but it's true. I never knew how to deal with the loss of my mum and it came out in ways I never expected. After everything I have been through I feel like I now live with so much purpose and know that Jesus is the foundation of my life.
Life felt like it was falling apart at times, I had social anxiety, depression and would fear losing any other girls close to me. Even through all these weak moments I somehow knew Jesus was looking after me and I just kept my eyes on him.
Even though this year has been so hard for me and I have wanted to give up so many times I have just had this joy that is not based upon my circumstance but is found in Jesus. As Christmas fast approaches I am extremely grateful for Jesus. It's still a tough time of the year, don't get me wrong, but I know that Jesus is with me and I am thankful for that!
Jesus never leaves us and He is in control
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
I don't wish what I've gone through on anyone and I know people have gone through far worse then me. Living through this challenge, feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and feeling like the way out is so incredibly hard, has been tough. Everyday I've had to call on God and find refuge in Him.
Sometimes we have to stand upon His promises and trust in Him even when it does not make sense. If it weren't for the grace of God, the troubles of life would have gotten to me and who knows where I'd be today. I am thankful that Jesus is in control!
Jesus found us, in all our mess, brokenness and sin. He loves us. People like to argue about God with me all the time but what they can't argue is my story. My story screams of how amazing the grace of God is! I have joy in my life when I should not have joy. I have peace in my life when I should not have peace. Jesus never leaves us and is in control even when it doesn't make sense.
“People like to argue about God with me all the time but what they can’t argue is my story”
Jesus lifts us up when we are falling down.
I often look back on my life and all I can say is, "Thank you Jesus! Even in the middle of my world crashing down you lifted me up and helped me on the journey." Friends please remember why we celebrate Christmas. For me personally, I'll never stop thanking God for sending His son Jesus Christ.
It is because of Jesus we all have hope. It is because of Jesus even in our terrible situations we can look to him. He gives us peace when everything is falling apart. The joy that is found in Him is amazing. No matter how hard this time of year is for you could I encourage you to remember Jesus in this season.
SO COULD I ENCOURAGE US ALL NOT MATTER WHAT SITUATION WE FIND OURSELVES IN TO REMEMBER JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS, THE HOPE OF THE WORLD! REMEMBER THAT JESUS GIVES US A PEACE THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. HE NEVER LEAVES US AND IS IN CONTROL. HE LIFTS US UP WHEN WE ARE FALLING DOWN.
Merry Christmas,
Darren Illicic
WOW! What a blog. I don't know about you but I am inspired. You can find Darren on all social media accounts @darrenilicic, send him a message and show him some love. He's a great young man with a huge future.
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