the greatest love story

While Steven was traveling recently, I participated in one of my all-time favorite holiday activities - watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Steven’s mom and I laughed at characters and guessed the very-predictable endings of each movie.

Although you may be groaning, let’s agree on the merits of Hallmark movies. The characters may not be well-developed, the plot may be predictable, and the conflict is always basically the same, but every Hallmark movie concludes in a familiar way - everything works out!

I’m reminded over and over again that Advent is so much more than a sweet Hallmark Christmas story - it is a world-changing, life-altering, eternally significant celebration of the greatest love story of all time.

God comes down to earth and meets us in our own lives where our priorities are out of order, we keep making mistakes, and we believe ourselves self-sufficient.

The Lord’s plan begins as a humble child is born to an inconspicuous couple in a common stable. He is worshiped by shepherds and wise men alike, and hunted by the ruling king. He is misunderstood and rejected; and in His darkest hour, his closest friends flee. He hangs on a cross for our sins and dies a criminal’s death in our place.

But that’s not the end, because this is the very best love story! He rises from death and completes His perfect plan of love, of redemption, of salvation, as only He can.

Put simply, He lived a life of sacrifice exemplified by love.

So if you’re searching for the perfect love story this Christmas, skip the reruns and revisit the beautiful narrative of your Savior’s birth.

Place yourself in His story - because you’ve always been a part of it.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,


And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:8-14 NKJV

His love has come!

For you.

For me.

For the whole world.

Take your place in the greatest love story ever written…

Today is a GOOD day!

Natalie