The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Ruth

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is a romantic aspect to tapestries.  Even the ones that depict horrible events carry romance in the artistry and style of their existence.  In the tapestry we are weaving there are moments of true romance.  It is true with the story of Ruth and Boaz. 

Ruth is loyal.  Ruth loves her mother-in-law, Naomi even though they are from different cultures.  When Naomi returns to Israel, her home Ruth goes with her.  That act of loyalty puts her on the road to an eternal important place in history.  It also marks the clear evidence that the tapestry of redemption includes all people everywhere. 

The story of Ruth is a short read and worth your time.  Boaz first starts with caring for the life needs of Ruth and Naomi.  He sees their need and makes provision for it out of love for their humanity.  It is in this act that he finds his love goes beyond the human needs.

Boaz is the example for us of Christ in this tale.  The Church is imaged as the bride of Christ.  The tapestry plays out a Divine Romance (an excellent book by Gene Edwards).  When this thread is woven into the tapestry Ruth becomes the Grandmother of King David.  The stage is set for the line of David to be woven into the picture.  The precedent is set to weave everyone into the tapestry of redemption.

What began as someone assuring that a refugee is fed grows into an example of love and belonging.  The Advent of Jesus and his place as redeemer is set in this simple love story where the Father throws down handfuls of substance on purpose. 

It is no accident that the romance starts with seeing the needs of others and meeting them from the heart.  It is the thread of love that is the crimson in our tale.  It is the heart of the Father that provides for us so that he can get the space necessary to redeem everyone.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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