Ruth 2-3; Jeremiah 4:5-31; Luke 9:1-17; 1 Peter 1:13-25; Psalm 38: As I read Ruth today I could not help but recall our trip to Bethlehem last fall. We went to the field where the shepherds saw the angels that proclaimed the Savior’s birth. As we were walking toward the field we passed restaurants and roads with the names of Ruth, Boaz, Naomi. It dawned on me that day that the fields and community that Ruth and Naomi returned to were the very fields where the shepherds heard the good news of Jesus’ birth. Jesus was born in the same community that Naomi’s family line lived in. Boaz, Ruth and Naomi were family to Jesus though many years separated them and several generations. Still the story of redemption started in those very hills and remained even to this day a part of the family story of anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus for Salvation. Jesus was the ultimate Kinsman redeemer and He redeemed us by His blood! Glory Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!!!!! I read Ruth’s story so differently now because without Jesus I too was bitter and without hope, but because of My Redeemer, Jesus I too am once again filled with hope and joy. Tomorrow we will complete the story, but I am so grateful for all that happened in the hillside village of Bethlehem that changed my life forever!