I was introduced to Anne of Green Gables as a little girl, and then my 6th-grade teacher read the book aloud, followed by the class watching the movie version. I remember loving every bit of Anne of Green Gables, and being a cheerleader for Anne Shirley, a red-headed orphan who was coming of age in a new place – Green Gables.

In January of this year, I made it a resolution to read more books, and while I’m still not reading as much as I’d like, I started with a familiar story – Anne of Green Gables. And as I read page after page, interwoven through the story were Biblical takeaways, whether readers realize it or not.

Wonder in Everyday

Anne never missed the beauty around her. She truly had a gift for noticing the beauty all around her — whether it was “the Lake of Shining Waters” or the flowers that lined the path to her school. As Christians, we’re called to have that same posture of wonder, remembering that creation points us back to the Creator.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1.

Gift of Imagination

Anne’s imagination often got her into trouble and scrapes, but it also gave her the ability to see beyond the surface level. Faith is much the same when it comes to believing in what is unseen. God reveals himself through our faith, and sometimes faith isn’t easy.

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Redemption in Brokenness

Anne arrived at Green Gables carrying the weight of rejection and loneliness. But throughout the story, she becomes chosen, loved, and given a place always to belong. Isn’t that the gospel? Through Christ, we are adopted into the Kingdom of God. We are no longer defined by our past because of God’s grace and ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Anne’s story mirrors our own redemption.

“He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” Ephesians 1:5

Friendship & Community

Anne longed for “kindred spirits,” and when she found them, her life radiated with joy. As believers, we’re reminded that we’re not meant to walk alone. God designed us for community—for friendships that strengthen, encourage, and reflect His love. From friends, mentors, and church family, we are meant to be in community. Like Anne, we can open ourselves to the gift of kindred souls who point us closer to Christ.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Hope & Perseverance

Life was definitely not easy for Anne. She made mistakes. She fought mind battles of feeling good enough. Yet, she pressed on with hope. She was someone who always persevered. Anne’s resilience reflects the kind of steadfast spirit God calls us to cultivate, trusting Him through every trial.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

God Knows What We Need Best

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert set out to adopt, they had one goal in mind: to bring home a boy who could help with the farm. But when Matthew arrived at the train station, instead of a boy, he was greeted by Anne, a talkative, red-headed girl full of imagination. Marilla was frustrated and confused.

And yet, God knew.

Matthew quickly grew fond of Anne’s talkative and imagnative spirit, and though Marilla may have gained more gray hairs than she bargained for, she also gained a daughter who filled her heart in ways she never expected. Over time, Anne became not just a helper, but family.

God knows exactly what we need, even when it doesn’t align with our own plans. Often, what feesl confusing at first turns out to be His greatest blessings for us.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”  Proverbs 19:21

Closing Reflection

Anne Shirley’s world may be fictional, but the truths we uncover in her story are eternal. Her wide-eyed wonder, imagination, redemption, friendships, and perseverance all whisper reminders of God’s presence in our own lives.

Dear God, please help me to slow down and see Your beauty in everyday things. Give me a heart full of wonder. Let me have faith that can move mountains, and strength to keep pressing on when life gets tough. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the kindred spirits You’ve placed in my life. Amen.

Photography Image by Kayleigh Ross Photography

Anne of Green Gables was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Read more journal entries here.