Big Idea:

God's kindness reaches outsiders and brings them into His family. Jesus is our Redeemer who welcomes us.

Read Together

Ruth 1:16– "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God."

Ruth 4:14– "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer."

The Story

Ruth wasn't from Israel. She was a Moabite woman. But when her husband died, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi.

Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God.

In Bethlehem, Ruth worked hard gathering grain. Boaz noticed her kindness and cared for her. Eventually, Boaz married Ruth and became her "kinsman-redeemer"—the one who rescued her family line.

Together, Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed. Obed had a son named Jesse. Jesse had a son named David—the great king of Israel.

Advent Connection

Ruth's story reminds us that God's plan includes outsiders. Through Ruth came King David, and one day through David's line came Jesus.

Boaz redeemed Ruth, but Jesus is our Redeemer. At Christmas, we remember that He welcomes us into His family—no matter where we're from.

Talk About It

• Why was Ruth's choice to stay with Naomi so special? • How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth? • How is Jesus like our Redeemer?

Activity

Family Tree Craft

• Draw a big tree on paper. • Add Ruth, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David—and then Jesus at the top. • Add your own family names to remind you that through Jesus, we're all part of God's family.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Ruth's story. Thank You for showing us that Your love is for everyone, even outsiders. Thank You for Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen.

Family Challenge

Make a list of people you know who need to feel welcome this Christmas. Pray for them as a family and say together: "Jesus welcomes us into His family."