Ruth 1-4

Naomi and Elimelech went to Moab to escape a harsh famine; however, Moab changed much for this family (Ruth 1:1-5). It brought foreign daughters-in-law. It brought the death of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion. It brought about bitterness (Ruth 1:20-21).

Naomi returns to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, who refused to stay in Moab. God smiled upon the God-seeking Ruth and she caught the eye of a near kinsman. A proposal for redemption was made. A nearer kinsman refused, but Boaz accepted and became Ruth’s redeemer.

Redeemed, bought with a price, rescued from failure, a restorer of dignity and hope are all words wrapped up in Redeemer. These words represent what Christ, our great Redeemer, wants to do in our lives. The Christ of Christmas is seeking those who have failed and lost dignity and hope. He is seeking those to redeem. That is the message of Christmas.