Abiding in ChristmasSample

"Abiding in Christmas: Daily Advent Thoughts" by Bryan Craig

DAY SEVEN

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:13-17 ESV)

The story of Ruth is a beautiful tale of a devoted daughter-in-law, who put aside her own grief of losing her husband and faithfully stood by her grieving mother-in-law. It also introduces us to Boaz, the noble man who honored God by redeeming Ruth and marrying her. This faithful, selfless couple carried on a lineage that went to King David and all the way to Jesus. Yes, God was at work long before Jesus arrived, touching hearts and arranging events and bringing beauty out of sorrow. And He always has a way of using faithful people.

APPLICATION: Is there anything difficult going on in your life this Christmas? Instead of turning inward, think of how you can be a blessing to others around you. In this, you will be blessed and will be on the road that leads to Jesus.