Discovering the Surprising Treasures of Ruth this Advent

The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Advent is all about longing. Deep down, we all experience it—that sense that things aren’t quite as they should be, that we’re waiting for something, someone. Advent invites us to embrace that longing, not as a problem to be solved but as a reminder of the hope we find in Christ.

That’s why a few years ago I wrote Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies, an Advent devotional that journeys through the book of Ruth. Ruth’s story is one of longing too—longing for redemption, a future, and a family. And yet, as we follow her steps to Bethlehem, we see God working behind the scenes, weaving together His plans in the midst of uncertainty and pain.

Advent is a powerful opportunity for the church to rediscover that sense of waiting. In a world of instant gratification, Ruth teaches us that hope isn’t always fulfilled in the ways we expect—but it is always fulfilled in God’s time. Just as Ruth found redemption through Boaz, we find our ultimate redemption in the arrival of Jesus, our true Redeemer.

I’d love for you to join me on this journey! Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies offers daily reflections to keep your heart focused on the hope of Christmas. Whether you’re reading it alone, with family, or with your church, I pray it will help you connect more deeply with the promise of Christ’s coming.

And if you’re a church leader, there’s a Preacher’s Guide to go along with it, offering sermon outlines to help you teach through the book of Ruth on the Sundays of Advent, as well as seeing on Christmas Day how Matthew shows how Jesus is the fulfilment of those hopes and longings in Ruth.

You can pick up your copy of the devotional or place bulk discounted orders for as little as £1 each here. The devotional also comes with a link to a Spotify playlist to use each day.

So why not take a moment to stop, embrace the longing, and discover fresh hope under Bethlehem’s skies this Advent?