What better way to get into the spirit of Valentine’s Day than curling up on the couch and downloading a romantic comedy? Whether spending the day with your significant other, some much-needed QT with your family or best girlfriends, or enjoying solo snuggle time with your fur baby, a well-chosen classic rom-com can bring the perfect mix of humor and heartfelt moments to the occasion. These films have a unique way of blending romance and wit, often leaving viewers with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a reminder of the quirks and joys of love.

Romantic comedies have a timeless appeal, offering a delightful escape into stories of meet-cutes, misunderstandings and of course, happily-ever-afters. From classic tales of love against the odds to modern twists on romantic ropes, there's something for everyone in this beloved genre. To help you set the mood for Valentine’s Day, here are ten classic romantic comedies from the 80s to the 2000s that continue to capture hearts.

This iconic award-winning film explores the age-old question: can men and women be just friends? Starring Hollywood legends Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the movie follows Harry and Sally’s evolving relationship over the years, punctuated by witty banter and unforgettable scenes, including the famous diner moment. Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, it’s a quintessential rom-com that’s both hilarious and deeply heartfelt. Whether your relationship status is "it’s complicated" or you just like watching complex couples on TV, you could also check out Only You, starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr. 

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can stream these titles and thousands more ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start streaming today.

Tom Hanks and, no surprise – the rom-com queen of the 90s, Meg Ryan – shine in this charming tale of destiny and second chances. After a widower’s son calls a radio show to find his father a new partner, the emotional story resonates with journalist Annie (Ryan). The two soon cross paths, leading to an unforgettable finale atop the Empire State Building. Directed by Nora Ephron, this film captures the magic of serendipity. If you like this, you can watch the pair team up again for another chance at love in You’ve Got Mail.

A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this rom-com is filled with sharp humor and memorable performances. The late Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles bring undeniable chemistry as Patrick and Kat while navigating a relationship that begins as a scheme but evolves into something genuine. If love-hate drama is your speed, you’ll also likely enjoy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, so add that to your list, too.

11 AMAZON VALENTINE'S DAY PICKS TO MAKE YOUR KID FEEL SPECIAL 

This Cinderella-esque story starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere tells the tale of an unexpected romance between a businessman and a spirited escort. With its blend of humor, charm, and Roberts’s magnetic performance, Pretty Woman remains a standout in the genre, proving that love can blossom in the most unlikely circumstances. Add Runaway Bride on Paramount Plus to your list if you’re hooked on Roberts and Gear’s undeniable onscreen chemistry. 

What happens when an ordinary bookseller falls in love with a Hollywood star? Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts bring this delightful premise to life with warmth and humor in this flick streaming on Netflix. Set in the picturesque streets of London, Notting Hill is a tender exploration of love in the face of fame and its challenges. If you like this film’s charm, you might also check out the tale of a love transcending time: About Time.

This British classic follows the romantic misadventures of Charles, played by Hugh Grant, as he navigates a series of weddings (and a funeral) while pining for the elusive Carrie. With its sharp dialogue, lovable ensemble cast and moments of poignancy, it’s a heartfelt exploration of love and friendship. If you fancy this flick and its lead, Grant, you’ll also want to look at Two Weeks Notice. 

SHOW YOUR PET LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY WITH THESE 10 PICKS

Renée Zellweger stars as the lovable and hilariously flawed Bridget Jones in this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Torn between two very different suitors, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), Bridget’s journey of self-discovery and romance is funny and endearing. This is also a great series to binge-watch since there are two sequels.

Can't Buy Me Love follows a nerdy high schooler who offers the most popular girl in school $1,000 to pretend to date him for a month. As their faux relationship evolves, real feelings begin to develop. The movie is a heartwarming exploration of self-identity and forging genuine relationships.  

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Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds light up the screen in this hilarious tale of a high-powered executive who fakes an engagement to avoid deportation. As their charade takes them to Reynolds’s quirky family in Alaska, sparks fly and genuine feelings surface. The comedic chemistry between the leads makes this film unforgettable. You can say the same for Sweet Home Alabama, another film where money and power don’t win out over true love. 

This ensemble rom-com helmed by Ryan Gosling weaves together multiple love stories with humor and heart. Steve Carell stars as a recently divorced man learning the art of dating from Gosling’s suave ladies' man, while Julianne Moore and Emma Stone add depth and charm to the narrative. It’s a witty and heartfelt exploration of the complexities of love. And if you’re going ga-ga for Gosling, be sure to check out The Notebook (streaming on MAX). Just don’t forget to have a box of tissues handy!

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including a collection of current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

This week's quiz highlights Super Bowl stats, presidential portraits and culinary cravings. Can you get all 8 questions right?

Give it a shot!

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here. 

Also, to take our latest News Quiz — published every Friday — click here.

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

This week's quiz highlights aviation achievements, Super Bowl spreads, romantic reunions and more. Can you get all 8 questions right?

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here. 

Also, to take our latest News Quiz — published every Friday — click here.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro hit back at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Friday, after the activist group sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club promising to send them a vegan "weather reveal cake" if they agreed to stop pulling Punxsutawney Phil out of his burrow for his Feb. 2 prognostication.

"Come and take it," Shapiro tweeted in response to a New York Post story on PETA's demand.

Manuel Bonder, a spokesman for Shapiro, told Fox News Digital the governor stands by his comments and said he will again make the trip to Gobbler's Knob in Jefferson County on Sunday to witness Phil's 138th meteorological prediction.

Shapiro has been on-hand for every Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney since taking office in 2023.

PETA CALLS TO END GROUNDHOG DAY TRADITION, REPLACE PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL WITH CAKE

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk told the Post that Phil is denied the traditional lifestyle of a groundhog "for a tired old gimmick."

Visitors to Punxsutawney year-round can visit Phil and his "wife," Phyllis, at the borough library. On this reporter's last visit to the area, the rodents had recently become proud parents to a new baby groundhog, as well.

While Groundhog Day is considered a national holiday and has even been popularized in the classic 1993 Bill Murray film of the same name, the day — and Phil himself — hold a special place in many Pennsylvanians' hearts.

In addition to the large ceremony in western PA, throughout the rest of the Commonwealth, many historically Pennsylvania German communities are home to a "Grundsau Lodsch" or Groundhog Lodge. 

GROUNDHOG DAY QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT THIS UNIQUE DAY?

Each lodge holds an annual banquet or "Versommling" in honor of their totem – Phil – with "Lodsch Nummer Ains an de Lechau" (Lodge #1 on the Lehigh River) in Allentown hosting theirs annually on the February 2 holiday itself since 1934.

Nineteen other lodges based around the state have held "Versommlinge" for decades, as well. 

However, three — "#2, Schibbach" in Montgomery County, "#3, Temple U." in Philadelphia County and "#5, Bind Bush" in Schuylkill County — have gone defunct in recent years as the Pennsylvania German language and culture see a decline in younger generations.

A March 2024 Versommling for "Lodge #18 an de Forelle Grick" (on Trout Creek) in Slatington featured local beer on tap, a traditional Pennsylvania German supper, stories and riddles from lodge elders told in the Pennsylvania German language, and, of course, representations of Phil himself.

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Until recently, it was the custom of groundhog lodges to forbid English-speaking in favor of "Pennsilfaanisch," lest the violator toss a nickel in a donation jar on their table.

Other states' groundhogs have been less lucky than Phil, as then-New York Mayor Bill de Blasio infamously dropped Staten Island Chuck during a 2014 ceremony in West New Brighton. Chuck later died from internal injuries after appearing to land on his head.

With the importance Groundhog Day and Phil himself hold to Pennsylvania past-and-present, Bonder said Shapiro will continue to defend the groundhog and his tradition, and will be on hand for future wintertime prognostications in Punxsutawney.

Expressing your love and admiration this Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little thought and creativity, you can find the perfect budget-friendly Valentine’s gift. And remember: when you’re trying to show how much you care, affordable gifts can be just as meaningful as lavish ones.

From traditional items like cologne and chocolates to couples cooking sets and games to spice up your date night, there’s no shortage of gifts under $50. Here are ten special finds to consider! 

Capture your favorite memories together in this beautiful leather photo album and scrapbook. It holds 160 photos and has space to jot down your memories about each. Perfect for that long-distance love you don’t get to see daily! You can also make a custom-designed photo collage with a light-up stand like this one at Amazon for under $20. It can be displayed on a nightstand or desk, and they will remember your thoughtfulness every time they look at it! 

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

High-quality scented candles create a cozy and romantic atmosphere, foster a relaxing environment and simply make a home more inviting. Their versatility and charm make them a perfect gift choice, especially if it’s a new relationship when you’re looking for something a little less intimate. This Love Letters soy candle from Homesick at Amazon boasts 60 to 80 hours of clean burning time, with notes of rose, jasmine and peony. A 3-wick gnome adorned "Be Mine" candle is also a great choice, as is this Rosy Romance manifesting candle, which melts down to reveal crystals that are said to bring love and affection to the user’s life.

SHOW YOUR PET LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY WITH THESE 10 PICKS

Make date night special with a fun and creative activity you can do together. This paint-n-sip kit at Walmart has everything you need to paint together, including canvas, paint, brushes and the easels too! Don’t forget the wine (aka the sip) to go with it! A wine-tasting flight box from Sugarwish is the perfect complement. Or if you’re the type who likes to play games instead, this couples date night game can spice things up and add a little fun and humor to your evening!

A selection of artisanal chocolates from Godiva makes a classic yet indulgent gift. The 80-year-old gourmet chocolate brand is a safe bet for any chocolate lover in your life and this decadent set comes with 12 ganache-filled truffles in flavors like Creme Brulee, Strawberry Creme Tarte, Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate Mousse. If their chocolate tastes are a bit less sophisticated, check out this Hershey gift assortment, which contains a whopping 5 lbs of mini favorites with 250 pieces in all! 

All baubles don’t have to be expensive or fine jewelry to impress. This stylish Kendra Scott bracelet makes a statement with its small heart and stretches to accommodate many wrist sizes. If you want something more personal, this engravable pendant necklace at Amazon allows you to personalize it with their name and birthstone for a special touch. It also comes in three different metal choices.

A succulent is a charming and low-maintenance gift. These plants symbolize enduring love and bring life to any space. They are even better when planted in this hilarious planter emblazoned with "Life Would Succ Without You." Don’t forget to pick up a succulent to go in it! You can also show how much your love has grown with this heart-shaped glass terrarium that can house succulents, air plants, cacti and more!

12 VALENTINE'S DAY CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

A valet tray like this leather option at Amazon is a practical yet stylish gift for men who appreciate organization. It provides a designated spot for essentials like keys, wallets, watches, pocket knives and coins, keeping everything neatly in one place and tucked out of site. Or, if you prefer something simple, this small leather tray holds just the essentials. 

Cologne is a classic and useful gift that shows you’ve put thought into selecting a fragrance he’ll love and wear often. This Polo Blue is popular choice with a budget-friendly price tag. Or, he can try some different varieties and choose his own favorite with this travel set. For the ladies, an Estee Lauder Treasures gift set gives her lots of sweet-smelling options at under $40.

In today’s digital times, there’s nothing like a handwritten letter. With this Knock Knock set, you can write a series of love letters or notes expressing your feelings – and it makes it easy with prompts so you can just fill in the blanks. It’s an intimate gesture that’s sure to touch their heart! Or better yet – this set allows you to write and exchange sweet notes to each other!

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A couple that cooks together stays together, right? This clever cookbook has 100 recipes you and your partner can make together to inspire you for date nights in the kitchen. Try starting with a Japanese meal, made easy with this set with everything you need to make your own sushi! When you’re ready for some Italian, check out this pasta-making set. Top it off with everything you need to make French Tarts.

Jewelry is a classic Valentine’s Day gift for a reason: it’s luxurious, thoughtful and timeless. It can serve as a lasting symbol of your love and commitment.

Whether it's a sparkling diamond necklace, a pair of elegant earrings or a beautifully crafted pearl bracelet, Blue Nile has pieces on sale during their annual Valentine’s Day sale. Celebrate your love by gifting diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and much more.

Original price: $440

Blue Nile’s garnet teardrop drop earrings add some elegance to any outfit. The stark red garnets add a pop of color and the teardrop style makes them great for any night out on the town.

Original price: $720

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to gift heart-shaped jewelry. A heart ring in 14k yellow gold is a unique piece that, thanks to the beautiful gold, will stand out.

SAY 'I LOVE YOU' THIS VALENTINE'S DAY WITH THESE 10 LUXURY PICKS FROM AMAZON

Original price: $1,380

Does the woman in your life love pearls? Then this freshwater button pearl pendant will be cherished for years to come. A pearl is suspended on a 14k white gold chain and surrounded by a halo of diamonds for a sophisticated look.

Original price: $310

Gift a pair of oval amethyst line drop earrings this Valentine’s Day. They’re an elegant yet affordable choice. If amethyst isn’t the stone you’d choose, you can switch out the stone for a beautiful black onyx or a luxurious blue topaz.

Original price: $510

These blue and white topaz eternity hoop earrings are refined enough to be worn out to a fancy restaurant, but classic enough to be worn with everyday outfits as well. For an added price, you can switch out the blue topaz for onyx.

Original price: $400

A nice set of pearls is a gift many women would love to show off. A freshwater cultured pear bracelet is an ideal gift to add to her pearl collection. They’re strung on your choice of 14k white or yellow gold.

Original price: $880

Whether you’re planning a proposal or just want a beautiful ring to gift your spouse, this petite twist diamond eternity ring is the perfect choice. A string of diamonds is intertwined with a band of bright rose gold, making this ring easy to wear while still being extravagant.

Original price: $3,180

Blue Nile’s pear-shaped emerald diamond pendant pairs elegant diamonds with a pop of color from the bright green emerald to create a gorgeous necklace any woman will love. It’s all hung on a white gold chain, and you can switch out the stone for a ruby or sapphire if you’d like.

Original price: $1,590

The luna sapphire and diamond ring from Blue Nile is a timeless ring with a modern look. Around the band, diamonds and deep blue sapphires alternate to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

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Original price: $1,040

Go simple but still make a statement with the bezel diamond pendant. The small, round diamond is hung on a 14k white gold chain that can be switched out for yellow gold or platinum.

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Original price: $810

A pair of diamond stud earrings is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. You can choose the carat size you want, ranging from 0.25 to 2 carats. These diamond earrings are stylish enough to be worn out on the town or just to work each day.

Character. I have thought about that word much lately, especially since Monday was the day we observed Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. It was also the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Hardly a day goes by when someone doesn’t quote to me King’s perhaps most famous words about not judging a man by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. However, do we truly practice seeing character these days?

I say practice because it is a skill. It takes no skill to claim an identity of immutable characteristics. All one has to do is step into the politics of that particular identity and speak in its pre-approved clichés. It also takes no skill to make snap judgments based off someone’s immutable characteristics. This requires nothing less than ignoring the individuality of the person before you and sticking them with every stereotype that comes with that particular identity.

Too often we see this kind of behavior in the cesspool of social media and from our so-called thought leaders who sit behind podcast microphones stirring up outrage to line their pockets with click-bait money. The irony is that many of them tell us to see character and yet they practice the opposite.

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Seeing one’s character doesn’t make money.

Even I have been asked by others to see color first and foremost. When I was on the rooftop raising funds for my community center, we heard about how a white neighborhood in North Chicago had to hire security guards after the George Floyd protests because violence was going on. 

As we prepared to record that story for Fox, several people came up to me and stressed that we should make it about white people finally getting a taste of the violence that plagued our neighborhood. I resisted outright. This was not racial for me. This was about the downward spiral that the values of our city were going down into. I left race out of it and produced what I believed to be a far better and insightful story.

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It takes discipline to resist the temptation of identity politics and to dig deeper down into the character of the person or even the character of society at a given moment. When one does, one often arrives at a deeper and more profound meaning that is closer to the truth. This shouldn’t be surprising because, after all, character is human truth.

We live in the United States of America and that should mean something. If there is anything I learned from King and his long struggle for civil rights it was the lesson of striving to be a man, an individual. Those foot soldiers of his often carried signs proclaiming, "I am a Man." That was the very essence of our struggle and what was denied to us under centuries of brutal oppression.

Today I am in the middle of building a $45 million community center where our focus and the foundation of everything we do will be character. My neighborhood may be mostly Black but we are raising men and women of character and it is my hope that they will become so successful that their names mean something to you one day.

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New Year's Eve is associated with celebrations of all kinds, including fancy dinners featuring champagne and caviar. 

Yet many New Year's Eve traditions are actually centered on simple, tasty foods that are said to bring luck for the New Year ahead — and are more accessible to most of us. 

Here are three New Year's Eve food traditions from around the world that people swear will bring them luck. 

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Will any of these make your party menu this year? 

In the Southern part of the United States, black-eyed peas are a staple of New Year's Eve cuisine for many Americans. 

Black-eyed peas are said to "bring in the New Year with hope, prosperity and good fortune," Bobby Ford, owner of Bobby Q's Jus Like Mama's, told Fox News Digital. 

Bobby Q's Jus Like Mama's is a soul food restaurant on Long Island.

"These peas are also seen as a symbol of spiritual abundance — and with their nutritional value, as a way to promote health and well-being for the year ahead," he said. 

Black-eyed peas, native to West Africa, were brought to the United States by enslaved Africans, said Ford. 

Legend has it that women hid the peas in their hair. 

3 ADVENT FOOD TRADITIONS, EACH WITH 'ITS OWN STORY,' FROM AROUND THE WORLD

"This act ensured they could grow familiar food in a new land, preserving a piece of their culture and sustenance," he said. 

The tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Eve began during the Civil War, said Ford. 

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"Over time, it became a New Year's custom, symbolizing hope and the promise of future prosperity," he said. 

The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve began in Spain in the 19th century. It spread throughout other Spanish-speaking countries, says the website Food Republic. 

In recent years, videos about the custom have gone viral on TikTok, with a video that was shared in 2023 by Kroger, the grocery store chain, receiving over 6 million views. 

"Did you know eating 12 grapes on the New Year brings you good luck?" asked Kroger's TikTok. 

The TikTok video went on to note that "as the clock strikes midnight, you eat them one at a time with each chime. If you can finish them before the chime ends, you will have good luck throughout the year." 

Some cultures attach different meanings to consuming the grapes, noted Food Republic.

In Peru, a person who eats 12 grapes under a table is said to be lucky in love for the coming year, said the same website. 

In a TikTok published on Dec. 22, 2022, user @helengmorales posted a video of herself eating grapes under a table at midnight, followed by pictures of her with her fiancé. 

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"My family made fun of me for believing, but look who has the ring now," she wrote. 

Throughout Asia, it is common to eat noodles on birthdays and other holidays as a way to signify hope for a long life. 

In Japan, this comes in the form of the dish Toshikoshi soba, which is eaten on New Year's Eve. 

The name translates to "year-crossing noodle," said Just One Cookbook, a Japanese website.

As in "many cultures, New Year in Japan is about beginning with a fresh, clean slate," said Namiko Chen, the website's author. 

"That’s the essence of toshikoshi soba — a hot buckwheat noodle soup that is healthy and easy to make, and full of symbolism."

Toshikoshi soba "is usually served in its simplest form — buckwheat soba noodles in a hot dashi broth garnished with only finely chopped scallions," she said. Many people, however, choose to add additional ingredients for taste.

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Japanese people have been eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve for nearly seven centuries, said Chen, while the tradition really took hold around the 17th century. 

The noodles are made out of buckwheat, considered a symbol of strength, resilience and fortune. 

"With the hope of good fortune in each bowl, it’s easy to imagine the custom being adopted quickly from family to family, slurping in the symbolism of soba noodles," she said. 

A woman in Florida has discovered an unusual way to brighten her life and save quite a lot of money at the same time.

It just means deciding to frequent some places that many others won't. 

Melanie Diaz of Tampa, Florida, finds some of the magic of Christmas after others have tried to trash perfectly good — and brand new — holiday decor items. (See the video at the top of this article.)

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The 20-something goes dumpster diving in the outdoor receptacles located behind retail outlets to find her treasures.

She's saved as much as $20,000 by retrieving gifts and decor from trash cans, including wreaths from Michaels and toys from TJ Maxx, news agency SWNS reported.

The 22-year-old does her trash-to-treasure work in December and January and plucks out discarded holiday items that would otherwise go to waste.

"It is my favorite time going dumpster diving on Christmas because they start throwing out a lot of Christmas stuff," she told the outlet. 

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"I love saving everything so I can put it in my house and decorate it for the next year."

She finds the dumpsters that are placed behind such popular retailers as TJ Maxx, Burlington, Michaels, Jo-Ann Stores, Pop Shelf and Home Goods — and said she's found a jackpot of holiday items.

Some of her biggest discoveries occur after Christmas, she said, when stores begin clearing out their leftover holiday inventory.

"My biggest finds are in January," Diaz told SWNS. 

"I went dumpster diving to the TJ Maxx store, and I found a lot — the dumpster was full to the top."

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From 10 wreaths salvaged from Michael's — worth about $400 — to $500 Christmas trees, Diaz has curated a festive collection.

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She has also retrieved puzzles and dog toys from TJ Maxx, saving around $200 each, and countless other holiday staples, including ornaments and stockings, SWNS reported.

Sometimes there's so much to grab, Diaz said, that she has to enlist help. 

She's had to "bring my family to help me because it was too much," she said. 

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After one trip, "we took everything into cars, and the next day we did a garage sale. We also kept most of the stuff. It was incredible."

Her discoveries have included ornaments, festive shirts and kitchenware.

Diaz said that while she saves a great deal for herself, she also enjoys sharing her finds with those who would like them.

"I give some stuff to my friends and family," she told SWNS. 

So many holidays incorporate the theme of love. When you hear the word love, your mind probably goes to Valentine’s Day. That’s a common and understandable association, but I think it’s built on a misunderstanding of, to use the cliche, the true meaning of Christmas. 

Charlie Brown had it right: in many ways, Christmas has "gone commercial." No matter where we go, we’re inundated with messages about what to buy, where to shop, and how to spend money during the holidays. Sadly, it seems that Christmas has become merely a reason to shop. 

While there is tremendous value in giving gifts, a superficial and commercial focus misses the central message of Christmas. The message that began the tradition of gift giving in the first place. 

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It’s time we reclaim the real reason for our Christmas celebrations. It’s time we remember that Christmas is first and foremost about love. 

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." This is the most quoted, most well-known verse in the Bible. But many of us fail to realize these words' incredible impact on the Christmas season. 

That’s why I want to draw your attention to a little, often overlooked word in this most famous of verses: "that." This word says so much about God and about the nature of love. God loved the world, loved each of us, so much that. This love acted powerfully to restore what was broken, bridging a gap between a fallen humanity and a loving and holy God.

He didn’t stop feeling love. That love prompted Him to radical action. It prompted Him to give up His beloved Son to be Emmanuel, God with us. It prompted Christmas. That's the thing about love. If love is genuine, it always prompts action. Just as God acted to restore us from the ultimate sin which led to our separation from Him, we as Christians are called to act in such a way that we are restoring biblical justice to a broken world. 

That’s why we give gifts each Christmas. It’s a tangible way to show those closest to us that we love them.

But if love stops with those closest to us, we are not truly living out God's love. Notice the object of God’s love in John 3:16. It’s the world—a world that notably did not love God in return, a world that did and does everything possible to live apart from God. 

And yet God loved. 

You see, God’s love is intertwined with biblical justice. Love extends to everyone, even those we disagree with and don’t particularly like. The story of Christmas makes it clear: Love crosses divides, overcomes obstacles and makes a difference. It actively confronts wrongs, protects the vulnerable and builds a foundation for reconciliation. 

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Each of us is called to this kind of love this Christmas season. And there truly is no better time to put it into practice because, despite the frantic shopping and consumeristic messages, the holiday season is ripe with opportunities to demonstrate love for others.

So, this year, seek out opportunities to get involved in service projects that make a difference in the lives of those in your community. Instead of spending more money on presents for family and friends, find creative ways to bless those who can’t afford gifts this year. Get a group together and go caroling at the local nursing home. 

But go and make a difference. Go and live out that love that has given us the reason for our celebration. This is what makes the Christmas season so special. I believe it gives us this magical time of year and the wonder we felt as children.

It isn’t just the presents and the lights and the time spent with loved ones, though those are deeply good. It is also the acts of love and sacrifice. The little moments where we have the chance to really be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us by practicing love through our actions. 

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