MONDAY

Jeremiah 31:15-17

In the midst of the Christmas story in which angels sing, shepherds are invited, and magi come from faraway places to honor the birth of Jesus, we have this discordant note of tragedy and loss. It does not often get highlighted during our holiday festivities, but its reality, even though most of us have been shielded from the worst expressions of this, is still felt too often in our world today. God’s amazing expression of love and grace was met with reactive demonstrations of cruelty and disregard for the lives of those who were seen as a threat to those in positions of power. So when Matthew tells his story of the birth of Jesus, he also finds himself drawing from the language of Jeremiah, who gave voice to the cries of those who suffered cruelly and unjustly at the hands of others. This is the context in which the good news of great joy for all people came into the world. It is a sobering reminder, and Matthew tells the truth. But as the passage from which Matthew quotes—and the message of Jesus itself—reminds us, it is not that reality, as tragic as it truly is, that ultimately defines us. In the darkness, the light still shines, and there is hope! As you reflect on today’s passage, consider the following questions:

• In the midst of Rachel’s grief, weeping for her children, what words of hope do Jeremiah’s words also convey?

• How can we best be attentive to the very real loss and suffering that people (ourselves included) experience in the world, and yet also be a source of hope and light in the darkness without denying the reality of either?

• Are you aware of others who are feeling the debilitating load of grief and loss, and for whom hope seems elusive? How can you be an encouraging, supportive presence for them?

• Are there places in your life right now where you identify more with pain and loss than resilience and hope? How are you processing this?

Take a few moments to share with God what is on your heart as you reflect on this passage, these questions, and any other thoughts or feelings that may be surfacing for you.