Though it is very small and consists of only four chapters and 85 verses, the book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful stories ever written. It is a love story. It is a story of redemption and grace. It is a story that takes place against the dark backdrop of the days of the judges, but it ends with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem. And in this way, Ruth is the story of Christmas centuries ahead of time. It prepares us for the truth that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son who was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.
The small book of Ruth shows us in miniature form but in great detail how wise the providential plan of God really is. God’s hand of providence works behind the scenes of our lives, arranging the circumstances of life according to His purpose. A series of unfortunate decisions here at the beginning of the book eventually lead to great blessing as God’s providence and grace overrules.