Anticipating His Advent #6

Jeremiah 31 is a mix of sorrow and joy. Though their present situation was sorrowful, as they were watching their country fall apart as they were being disciplined by God and entering into exile, God told them there was still joy and hope to be found . He told them to sing and call out to Him, and He would renew their joy. He then says in verse

15 Thus says the Lord:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
    lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
    she refuses to be comforted for her children,
    because they are no more.”

As some of you know that is the passage referred to when describing the killing of innocent baby boys by King Herod when he heard a new King had been born.  Even amidst the great joy and celebration over Christ's birth there was sorrow.  But in the next verse here, Jeremiah picks up the call to rejoicing.
16 Thus says the Lord:
“Keep your voice from weeping,
    and your eyes from tears,
for there is a reward for your work,
declares the Lord,
    and they shall come back from the land of the enemy.
17 There is hope for your future,
declares the Lord,
    and your children shall come back to their own country.

Despite the present struggles and suffering, there is hope, because Christ has come and is coming again. In this fallen world there are things that discourage us, but do not let those things rob you of His infinite joy.