What Hallmark Movies Taught me About Life as a Christian
Anybody out there love Hallmark movies? Or is that just me? If you’re unfamiliar, Hallmark movies are basically romance flicks that follow a very predictable story arc. Like, extremely predictable. They often include someone from a small town who hopes to move to a big city (or already did), an unexpected inheritance, a significant other who’s work-obsessed, or an old flame back in the picture. But no matter which familiar elements are thrown into the plot, the story always ends the same–with two people who have come together in love for one another, and of course, with the seal of a kiss right before the ending credits roll. (Comment your favorite Hallmark movie! I would love to hear…)
Hallmark’s Christmas movies are even more formulaic, believe it or not. In fact, one of my favorite holiday traditions includes gathering together with a few girlfriends and playing Christmas Hallmark Movie Bingo. I promise, it’s the best time!
Sometimes I stop and ask myself, Why do you still love watching these movies? Over and over again? And I know the answer without thinking too hard. I love the comfort of knowing exactly how the story will end. Every single time! There is 0% chance that a Hallmark movie will end on a cliffhanger or with somebody dying or with any type of unsatisfying finish. Every single time, the two lovebirds will realize they’re meant for each other, and they’ll make their way back to one another just in time for a final scene filled with joy, peace, excitement and satisfaction.
Knowing that, I can relax under a cozy blanket on my comfy couch, hot chocolate in hand, fully embracing and enjoying the entire movie without having to think too hard or worry too much about what’s going on. I know things will work out in the end.
You know, for people who believe in Jesus, life is the exact same way. Sometimes our story arcs may follow somewhat predictable patterns and challenges–job changes, family expansion, caring for aging parents, learning to manage money properly, relationship ups and downs, etc. And there are likely some unexpected twists and turns that will work their way into our plotlines, too.
But no matter what happens between your first and last day on this earth, if you’ve accepted Jesus as your victorious Savior who conquered sin and death, you already know your storybook ending–VICTORY! In the end, Jesus wins! You win! Eternal life with Jesus is your destiny. Isn’t that reassuring? When you keep that in mind as you navigate through each day, fighting battles against sinful desires and worldly troubles and sorrows, you don’t have to wait for the “final scene” to experience that joy, peace, excitement and satisfaction of a Hallmark movie ending. You can actually live with it nestled deep down in your heart and soul every minute of every single day. How incredible is that!?
Take a moment today to thank God for the victory He’s already won for you. He’s gone before you–He sent Jesus to live a sinless life on earth as a man, to die on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for your sins, and then to rise again, claiming ultimate and final victory over sin and death. The battle has been won! Are you living like that’s the case? Keep only a loose grip on the things of this world, knowing they are temporary and unable to change your happy ending. Thanks to Jesus and His love for you, you are guaranteed to live happily ever after! Now that’s a Hallmark love story for the ages.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:57