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Categories: Faith

Lessons from the Greatest Love Story of All Time 

The Love of Christmas

Lessons from the Greatest Love Story of All Time

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The fourth week of Advent was all about reflecting on LOVE. What better way to do that than to look at the greatest love story ever told? Of course, I’m talking about Jesus and His love for us. Jesus gave His life so that we can live, and the Bible tells us that there is no greater love than this (John 15:13). Let’s take a moment to reflect on what this kind of incomprehensible love looks like and how it can inspire us today. 

Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love
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Love is a word that is used so often that its power can be lost in translation. However, when we look at the Bible, it becomes clear that love isn’t just some abstract concept or feeling; it is an action. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul outlines what true love looks like: patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude—the list goes on and on.

What stands out about love is that it doesn’t rely on conditions. Jesus’ love doesn’t come with strings attached. It’s simply unconditional acceptance no matter who you are or what you’ve done. This type of love was demonstrated by God when He sent His Son to die for humanity’s sins—that is true unconditional love! 

The most remarkable thing about Jesus’s love is that he loved unconditionally. He didn’t wait for us to be perfect before loving us, he loved us in spite of our imperfections (Romans 5:8).

We are constantly striving to be good enough in our own eyes, but Jesus reminds us that we don’t have to do any of that. Because of Jesus, we are already worthy of unconditional love simply because we are made in God’s image (1 John 4:12).

It doesn’t matter what mistakes we’ve made or how far away from God we may feel—Jesus loves us just as we are (Romans 8:35-39).

Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial Love
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In addition to unconditional love, Jesus also showed sacrificial love. This kind of love doesn’t think twice about making sacrifices for someone else’s benefit. This kind of radical selflessness was very rare in ancient times (and still is today).

Then came Jesus. Jesus was willing to put himself on the line for others without hesitation or expectation of reward. He did it out of pure, unconditional love (Ephesians 3:18). Jesus showed us what true agape love looks like. Through his example, Jesus demonstrated how powerful it can be when used in service of others. 

As Christian moms in a world filled with so much distraction and uncertainty, sometimes it can feel hard to connect with others. It can be hard to build relationships. But if we look to 1 John 4:7-8, it says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.”

When we focus on loving others in spite of our differences and disagreements, then real connection starts to happen. These are connections based on trust and understanding rather than judgment or fear. 

Unselfish Love

Unselfish love
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Finally, Jesus showed unselfish love by putting others first even when it was inconvenient or uncomfortable for him (John 4:1-42). In many ways, this is perhaps the most difficult type of love. That’s because it requires a level of humility and generosity beyond what most people are willing to give. This love requires you to think less about yourself and more about others.

This is precisely what Jesus did throughout his ministry. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, comforted the grieving, and gave hope to those who had none. And, He did this all out of unselfishness and compassion for his fellow man. 

When we focus on demonstrating unconditional love to others, like Jesus did for us, we are naturally lead back to Him. We get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that sometimes the idea of God can seem distant or even irrelevant. However, when we choose to live a life rooted in loving others like Jesus did, suddenly He doesn’t seem so far away after all (Galatians 5:6)!

We remember His call to reach out with mercy and grace instead of judgment and condemnation – something that could benefit us all during this chaotic time! 

Conclusion: 

As Christian millenial moms navigating this unique season with all its challenges and distractions, let’s take time this week to reflect on what it means to truly demonstrate Christ’s unconditional love. Let’s look towards those around us – both strangers and friends alike!

Through our acts of kindness and patience (even when they might not be returned), may our lives serve as reminders that LOVE truly IS the greatest gift. May the Lord bless your efforts as you strive each day to honor Him through your actions! And may this advent season be one of incredible encounters with our Emmanuel.

Amen.


Want to check out all of this years Advent Reflections? Simply click which you would like to visit; HOPE, PEACE, JOY.

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About Nicole

Anchored by Hope is a lifestyle blog founded by Nicole domitro in 2017 to encourage, empower, and educate women on their journey of faith, motherhood, and mental health. Nicole is a wife and mom of three. After struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, she started Anchored by Hope as a way to open up about her own struggles and help other women who might be going through the same thing. The blog aims to provide hope and encouragement for women of all ages and walks of life.

Meet Nicole

Meet Nicole

Hi, I’m Nicole, and Anchored by Hope is my story of transformation and grace. Before giving my life to Jesus at 24, I lived a life far from where I am today—a mom, homemaker, and beauty artist Anchored by Hope. With a background in Biblical Studies and a passion for helping women find beauty—both inside and out—I’m here to share how God’s Word can transform our everyday lives. Join me as I explore the messy, beautiful, and faith-filled journey of motherhood, homemaking, and living out God’s grace.

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🍎 THIRD GRADE HERE I COME! 👩🏼‍🏫 I st 🍎 THIRD GRADE HERE I COME! 👩🏼‍🏫
I still can’t believe I’m typing this…
This fall, I’ll be stepping into the classroom as a third grade teacher at Christian Liberty Academy!

Yes, I’m excited to teach. But what I’m really excited about is sharing what God has done to bring me here—because this story started over 10 years ago.

In 2013, I walked into CLA for a memorial honoring Mike’s brother. I was a brand-new believer, and something about the place just wrecked me in the best way.
I left in tears, whispering, “I want to teach here.”

But I was a hairstylist with no plans for school. That dream felt wild and impossible.

Two years later, I applied to Moody Bible Institute. Not only was I accepted, but they took all my beauty school credits. A miracle.

Over the years, God kept weaving CLA into our lives—through friends, connections, and redemption stories I could’ve never planned.

When we enrolled Andy in kindergarten there, that same homecoming feeling returned. But with littles at home, we homeschooled for a few years.

Then last fall, God stirred our hearts again. I submitted my resume in faith… not knowing what job (if any) was available.

Fast forward: CLA called.
I thought it was for Bible class.
Instead… they offered me third grade.

It was more than I could’ve ever dreamed.
The moment I stepped into the classroom, I felt it deep in my bones—this is where I’m meant to be.

Only God could take a rebel-hearted hairstylist with nothing but questions…
and turn her into a teacher with a calling.

From salon chairs to classroom desks—He did it.
He planted me right where my heart first whispered, “I want to be here.”

All glory to the One who does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

#ThirdGradeTeacher #GodWroteThis #OnlyGod #AnchoredByHope #TeacherTestimony #ChristianLibertyAcademy #FaithJourney
Motherhood is such a contradiction. It will bring Motherhood is such a contradiction.

It will bring you to your knees in worship and in weariness.

It’s the greatest gift—and the greatest sacrifice.

A holy calling that asks for your whole heart, your whole self, and somehow, gives you even more in return.

Motherhood is late nights and early mornings.

It’s sticky kisses, tearful prayers, and deep, unspoken joys.

It’s the ache of pouring out—and the awe of being loved so fiercely by little hearts who see you as home.

To be a mama is to live in the tension:
of holding on and letting go, of losing yourself and somehow finding more of who God created you to be.

And today, while we honor the beauty and blessing of motherhood, we also hold space for the brokenhearted.

For the women who long for a child.
For those grieving a mama they can’t call today.
For those with strained relationships, losses, or longings.

You are seen. You are loved. You are not forgotten.

Happy Mother’s Day—to the weary, the wonder-filled, and the waiting.

May you feel the love of a God who sees it all and calls it holy.

#iamanchoredbyhope #herviewfromhome #motherhood #mothersday #madetolove #mama
Today was so bittersweet 😩 Last April I was as Today was so bittersweet 😩

Last April I was asked if I wanted to teach in our homeschool group at Bible study. 

My instant answer was a hard no; but I’d pray about it.

I’m so thankful for the Lords discernment, so thankful that His Word is alive and active. I prayed and he answered me. 

I was teaching homeschool.

I don’t ever feel qualified to be sharing Gods word. And if you were one of those who rebelled with me in my youth then it shouldn’t be hard to understand why.

And yet, God equipped me every step of the way, igniting a passion and joy within me, allowing me a creative outlet that shined a light on Him, and all the while continuing to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Tomorrow, I’m doing something I’ve only dreamt of doing for over ten years now; I’m interviewing at Christian Liberty Academy. 

My hearts desire has been to teach Bible there since I first stepped foot in the art wing back in 2013. 

I can still remember sitting in Mrs. Hessler’s room, hearing stories about Mike’s brother, their class, the community they had. I never felt so at home amongst strangers. 

This opportunity is the only thing that can pull me away from community Bible study. 

And so. Today, my amazing cbs family not only gifted me with the most beautiful goodbye flowers, but sent me off covered in prayer! 

As I anticipate the interview tomorrow, I am so beyond thankful for this community that has poured into me these last seven years! 

And for the incomprehensible reminder that God is with is always. 

No matter what happens. It’s all for His glory ✌🏼!
“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” ( “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)

On that quiet morning, everything changed. The tomb was empty, hope was alive, and death was defeated.
Today we don’t just remember a moment in history—we celebrate a living Savior who still meets us in our brokenness, walks with us in our waiting, and calls us into resurrection life.

Let your heart rise with the dawn. The stone has been rolled away.
Jesus is alive, and because of that—so is hope.

Happy Resurrection Sunday, friends!
#HeIsRisen #AnchoredByHope #ResurrectionSunday
One of our favorite Easter weekend traditions is m One of our favorite Easter weekend traditions is making this Easter Story Snack Mix!

It’s simple, fun, and such a sweet way to focus on why we’re really celebrating. We lay out all the ingredients, and as we go through each one, we read a snippet of Scripture that points us back to the Easter story.

The kids and I both love it—it’s a meaningful (and yummy) way to spark conversation!

I turned the ingredient list and Scripture guide into a printable for my email subscribers. Every day of this Holy Week series, I’ve been sharing meaningful resources to help the week come alive (pun intended)!

If you want the free PDF, just click the link below or screen shot the second image! 👇🏽

https://iamanchoredbyhope.myflodesk.com/holyweek
Good Friday isn’t comfortable —and it shouldn’t be. But we don’t sit in sorrow
without hope. We sit in the tension of mourning and marveling.

I feel like I’m extra sensitive this year to the weight of this day while also standing in an awe I havnt experienced in years. 

Honestly, probably not since I first believed. 

I’ve spent the last few weeks, and especially the last six days, prepping and preparing an exclusive Holy Week study series for my email subscribers.

I almost didn’t do it because I don’t have a grand scale of subscribers and I often believe the quantity is the requirement to create content. 

Wrestling with and in the waiting this year caused me to really reflect on the question: where does my joy come from? 

It genuinely comes from the Lord; being consumed by His Word, sharing Truth, communing in creativity. 

I’ve really fallen in love with the more intimate and authentic atmosphere of emails. It sounds strange I know. But the social pressure isn’t there and I feel so much more acclimated to share more vulnerably . 

As with most my emails, the Holy Week series started as little notes sporadically written across my phone app. Usually typed within the darkness of my bedroom late at night or in the first rays of sunshine in the all too early morning. There is no in between here. 

Those little notes evolved into such a sweet symphony of study. I can’t express the gratitude I have for the almost dozen women walking alongside me this Holy Week. But truly I tell you, I would do this again even if no one joined. 

Digging deep into the depths of this week is beyond life giving - it’s giving eternity! It’s the tiniest taste of a greater satisfaction. It’s sitting in the tension of the mourning and marveling. 

The weight of today is so devastating. But it’s also where our redemption shines. Love for me and you is what held our savior to that tree. Living this life for Him, in full surrender, is only possible because of that cross. 

Thank you Jesus.

Follow @iamanchoredbyhope

🍎 THIRD GRADE HERE I COME! 👩🏼‍🏫 I st 🍎 THIRD GRADE HERE I COME! 👩🏼‍🏫
I still can’t believe I’m typing this…
This fall, I’ll be stepping into the classroom as a third grade teacher at Christian Liberty Academy!

Yes, I’m excited to teach. But what I’m really excited about is sharing what God has done to bring me here—because this story started over 10 years ago.

In 2013, I walked into CLA for a memorial honoring Mike’s brother. I was a brand-new believer, and something about the place just wrecked me in the best way.
I left in tears, whispering, “I want to teach here.”

But I was a hairstylist with no plans for school. That dream felt wild and impossible.

Two years later, I applied to Moody Bible Institute. Not only was I accepted, but they took all my beauty school credits. A miracle.

Over the years, God kept weaving CLA into our lives—through friends, connections, and redemption stories I could’ve never planned.

When we enrolled Andy in kindergarten there, that same homecoming feeling returned. But with littles at home, we homeschooled for a few years.

Then last fall, God stirred our hearts again. I submitted my resume in faith… not knowing what job (if any) was available.

Fast forward: CLA called.
I thought it was for Bible class.
Instead… they offered me third grade.

It was more than I could’ve ever dreamed.
The moment I stepped into the classroom, I felt it deep in my bones—this is where I’m meant to be.

Only God could take a rebel-hearted hairstylist with nothing but questions…
and turn her into a teacher with a calling.

From salon chairs to classroom desks—He did it.
He planted me right where my heart first whispered, “I want to be here.”

All glory to the One who does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

#ThirdGradeTeacher #GodWroteThis #OnlyGod #AnchoredByHope #TeacherTestimony #ChristianLibertyAcademy #FaithJourney
Motherhood is such a contradiction. It will bring Motherhood is such a contradiction.

It will bring you to your knees in worship and in weariness.

It’s the greatest gift—and the greatest sacrifice.

A holy calling that asks for your whole heart, your whole self, and somehow, gives you even more in return.

Motherhood is late nights and early mornings.

It’s sticky kisses, tearful prayers, and deep, unspoken joys.

It’s the ache of pouring out—and the awe of being loved so fiercely by little hearts who see you as home.

To be a mama is to live in the tension:
of holding on and letting go, of losing yourself and somehow finding more of who God created you to be.

And today, while we honor the beauty and blessing of motherhood, we also hold space for the brokenhearted.

For the women who long for a child.
For those grieving a mama they can’t call today.
For those with strained relationships, losses, or longings.

You are seen. You are loved. You are not forgotten.

Happy Mother’s Day—to the weary, the wonder-filled, and the waiting.

May you feel the love of a God who sees it all and calls it holy.

#iamanchoredbyhope #herviewfromhome #motherhood #mothersday #madetolove #mama
Today was so bittersweet 😩 Last April I was as Today was so bittersweet 😩

Last April I was asked if I wanted to teach in our homeschool group at Bible study. 

My instant answer was a hard no; but I’d pray about it.

I’m so thankful for the Lords discernment, so thankful that His Word is alive and active. I prayed and he answered me. 

I was teaching homeschool.

I don’t ever feel qualified to be sharing Gods word. And if you were one of those who rebelled with me in my youth then it shouldn’t be hard to understand why.

And yet, God equipped me every step of the way, igniting a passion and joy within me, allowing me a creative outlet that shined a light on Him, and all the while continuing to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Tomorrow, I’m doing something I’ve only dreamt of doing for over ten years now; I’m interviewing at Christian Liberty Academy. 

My hearts desire has been to teach Bible there since I first stepped foot in the art wing back in 2013. 

I can still remember sitting in Mrs. Hessler’s room, hearing stories about Mike’s brother, their class, the community they had. I never felt so at home amongst strangers. 

This opportunity is the only thing that can pull me away from community Bible study. 

And so. Today, my amazing cbs family not only gifted me with the most beautiful goodbye flowers, but sent me off covered in prayer! 

As I anticipate the interview tomorrow, I am so beyond thankful for this community that has poured into me these last seven years! 

And for the incomprehensible reminder that God is with is always. 

No matter what happens. It’s all for His glory ✌🏼!
“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” ( “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)

On that quiet morning, everything changed. The tomb was empty, hope was alive, and death was defeated.
Today we don’t just remember a moment in history—we celebrate a living Savior who still meets us in our brokenness, walks with us in our waiting, and calls us into resurrection life.

Let your heart rise with the dawn. The stone has been rolled away.
Jesus is alive, and because of that—so is hope.

Happy Resurrection Sunday, friends!
#HeIsRisen #AnchoredByHope #ResurrectionSunday
One of our favorite Easter weekend traditions is m One of our favorite Easter weekend traditions is making this Easter Story Snack Mix!

It’s simple, fun, and such a sweet way to focus on why we’re really celebrating. We lay out all the ingredients, and as we go through each one, we read a snippet of Scripture that points us back to the Easter story.

The kids and I both love it—it’s a meaningful (and yummy) way to spark conversation!

I turned the ingredient list and Scripture guide into a printable for my email subscribers. Every day of this Holy Week series, I’ve been sharing meaningful resources to help the week come alive (pun intended)!

If you want the free PDF, just click the link below or screen shot the second image! 👇🏽

https://iamanchoredbyhope.myflodesk.com/holyweek
Good Friday isn’t comfortable —and it shouldn’t be. But we don’t sit in sorrow
without hope. We sit in the tension of mourning and marveling.

I feel like I’m extra sensitive this year to the weight of this day while also standing in an awe I havnt experienced in years. 

Honestly, probably not since I first believed. 

I’ve spent the last few weeks, and especially the last six days, prepping and preparing an exclusive Holy Week study series for my email subscribers.

I almost didn’t do it because I don’t have a grand scale of subscribers and I often believe the quantity is the requirement to create content. 

Wrestling with and in the waiting this year caused me to really reflect on the question: where does my joy come from? 

It genuinely comes from the Lord; being consumed by His Word, sharing Truth, communing in creativity. 

I’ve really fallen in love with the more intimate and authentic atmosphere of emails. It sounds strange I know. But the social pressure isn’t there and I feel so much more acclimated to share more vulnerably . 

As with most my emails, the Holy Week series started as little notes sporadically written across my phone app. Usually typed within the darkness of my bedroom late at night or in the first rays of sunshine in the all too early morning. There is no in between here. 

Those little notes evolved into such a sweet symphony of study. I can’t express the gratitude I have for the almost dozen women walking alongside me this Holy Week. But truly I tell you, I would do this again even if no one joined. 

Digging deep into the depths of this week is beyond life giving - it’s giving eternity! It’s the tiniest taste of a greater satisfaction. It’s sitting in the tension of the mourning and marveling. 

The weight of today is so devastating. But it’s also where our redemption shines. Love for me and you is what held our savior to that tree. Living this life for Him, in full surrender, is only possible because of that cross. 

Thank you Jesus.

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