Day 13 · The Nativity Fast
Ruth, a Foreigner in the Family
“The women, her neighbours, gave him a name, saying, “A son is born to Naomi”. They named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”Ruth 4:17
Reflection
Ruth was a Moabite widow who left her own people and gods to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). In the fields of Bethlehem she met Boaz, and their son Obed became the grandfather of King David. So the line of the Messiah runs through a foreigner's faithful love, in the very town where Christ would be born. God's family has always been bigger than we expect.
A prayer
Lord, you welcomed Ruth into your people and made her an ancestor of kings. Give me her loyal, steadfast love. Help me to welcome the stranger and the outsider, as you have welcomed me. Amen.
Carry this with you
Who is the outsider in your world whom you could welcome this week?