The answer is: Sandal

Ruth 4:7-8

In the book of Ruth, when the kinsman-redeemer steps aside for Boaz, it involves an unusual but impactful ritual: the exchange of a sandal! This quirky custom underscores the significance of their agreement. In ancient Israel, removing a sandal and handing it over symbolized a transfer of rights. It's as if to say, "I may no longer walk in these shoes of authority on this land."

But there’s more to this ‘sandal story’! In the culture of that time, sandals were often seen as tokens of one's ability to designate ownership—where you walked represented your claim to land or kinship. In many ways, this moment captures the heart of blessings and responsibilities; Boaz's willingness to claim Ruth not only demonstrates loyalty but also establishes a new legacy that merges love with family honor.

Interestingly, the use of sandals as a symbol echoes further into Scripture. Think of Psalm 60:8 or Isaiah 11:5, where there's a metaphorical connection with authority and judgment somehow tied to ‘walks’ and footwear. So we see this simple de-assembly of a sandal opens an intricate tapestry of meaning about rights, duties, and, ultimately, paths of faithfulness, leading to the lineage of David and, on a grander scale, provides us with the genealogy where Christmas joy transcends through Ruth herself. Who knew a sandal could carry such weight?