Welcome to the Book of Ruth Advent series! We hope that this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth 1 Episode 1 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode.
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SUSAN’S SUMMARY
This is the first of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth Advent Series that correspond to the birth of Christ a thousand years before his arrival. The Advent focus in this story is hope, something Naomi desperately needs. The story takes place in that same O Little Town of Bethlehem, where unbeknownst to anyone, the dark streets shined with the everlasting light, and the hopes and fears of all the years were going to be met through a faithful couple, not Joseph and Mary, but another couple Boaz and Ruth.
SCENE 1: FROM BETHLEHEM TO MOAB AND BACK
Questions to ponder:
- As you look back on your year, reflect on your struggles.
- Were they physical, emotional, spiritual, all three?
- Is there anything you are yearning for that you have lost?
- Your health, family and fellowship, or worship?
- If so, focus on Naomi’s story for the next 4 weeks,
- Ask God to restore you as she was.
- Pray for the ability to hope.
- Pray for the courage to make a change, like Naomi.
SCENE 2: CHOICES ON THE ROAD
Questions to ponder:
- We are all on the road of life, just like Orpah and Ruth and we all have choices along the way. Even in daily choices, we can make a move toward God or away from God.
- Ponder your day.
- What steps did you take?
- In what you said and how you acted, did you take a step toward God or away?
- Ponder your year.
- Are you closer to God now than you were at this time last year?
- If you are struggling to move forward in your faith, focus on Ruth’s story for the next 4 weeks.
- Pray for God to reveal what is holding you back.
- Ask God to build your faith, erase your doubts, or carry your fears.
- Ponder your day.
SCENE 3: THE BITTER RETURN
Questions to ponder:
- As you look forward to next year, what do you feel?
- Are you filled with hope like Ruth?
- or anxiety and perhaps even bitterness like Naomi?
- Ask God to fill you with hope.
- For the next 4 weeks of Advent as we anticipate the arrival of Jesus’ birth, the birth when “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight,” the birth when the inconceivable promise made way back in Genesis became real, how can you make sure not to miss it? Hiding underneath the wrapping paper? Stuffed in between dinner and dessert? Lost in hours on the Hallmark channel?
