As we continue in our study of the book of Ruth, we come now to the moment Naomi and Ruth had been waiting for. Boaz will officially become Ruth's redeemer. In this account, the emphasis is placed on the cost that Boaz must bear in order to save Ruth--which, of course, reminds us of the great cost that Jesus' paid to redeem us. Indeed, Christ's wooden manger will lead to his wooden cross.
At Christmastime, we remember the midnight hour when Jesus was born in Bethlehem and when the angels made their dramatic announcement to the shepherds, as the famous Christmas carol (and our sermon title) recounts. But a thousand years earlier there was another momentous midnight event. Though it is much quieter than the angels' announcement, it is no less significant. Boaz agrees to be Ruth's redeemer, which ultimately allows Christ to be ours.
As we continue our Advent series in ancient Bethlehem and the book of Ruth, we come to some good news and hope that the two widows' dire circumstances may change. How did this come about? By unmerited grace. This chapter is both a comforting encouragement of God's grace for us, and a powerful call to be God's instrument of grace for others.
We'll spend this Advent season in Bethlehem, though not with the traditional manger scene that you're thinking of. We'll instead explore an earlier tale of light and hope amid darkness and despair in the now-famous Little Town--a story that made Mary and Joseph's journey possible a thousand years later.
Unfortunately, we had technical issues recording the sermon, but a loose manuscript may be found here.
