Actress Danica McKellar is opening up about the life-changing moment that brought her to Jesus Christ, saying a simple invitation to church from longtime friend Candace Cameron Bure changed her faith, her outlook on life and even her Hollywood career.

McKellar, best known for playing Winnie Cooper on the beloved television series “The Wonder Years,” recently told The Christian Post that Bure, an outspoken Christian and fellow former child star, invited her to attend a Passion Play in 2022.

She said what happened afterward changed everything.

“My friend Candace Cameron Bure, who also has movies on Great American Family Channel, is a very outspoken Christian, has been for many years,” McKellar recalled. “She brought me to church four years ago, and I remember it was the Passion Play, and afterward … the Holy Spirit just chose that moment to make everything make sense to me.”

The 51-year-old actress said she was suddenly overwhelmed by the realization that God had been present throughout her life, even when she didn’t recognize Him.

“I just was flooded with understanding,” she said.

McKellar later described the experience to Bure with a comparison straight out of the romantic comedies both actresses have become famous for.

“I remember telling her, ‘Candace, this is like one of our rom-coms, you know, like where the love of your life is in front of you. You just didn’t realize it. It’s like, it’s you. It’s always been you,’” she explained.

“Like, it’s been Jesus this whole time, and I just didn’t recognize it.”

Looking back, McKellar said she can now see God’s hand in moments throughout her life, including disappointments that eventually led to unexpected blessings and a deeper faith.

She recalled times when things didn’t go according to plan, only to realize later that those setbacks were part of something greater.

“Oh wait, that was definitely part of a divine plan that was watching out for my best interest,” she said of those moments.

Her newfound Christian faith has also influenced the projects she chooses in Hollywood, especially those that reflect her current beliefs.

After years of starring in Hallmark romantic comedies, McKellar has become a familiar face on Great American Family, where she says the network’s growing emphasis on Christian storytelling has taken on personal significance.

“We’ve definitely taken a more faith-based approach,” she explained. “If you watch all the movies, you’ll see a pattern of leaning more and more into faith, which has been really exciting.”

McKellar is preparing to star in two new holiday films, “The Christmas Yes List” and “The Greatest Christmas Gift,” both of which incorporate themes of faith, love and trusting God’s plan.

In “The Christmas Yes List,” premiering November 14 on Great American Family, McKellar plays a woman determined to overcome her fear of rejection. The romantic comedy includes a scene in which the lead characters pray together.

Her second film, “The Greatest Christmas Gift,” premiering November 29, explores sacrifice, community and God’s love.

McKellar said she particularly appreciates being able to openly discuss faith through her characters, including a scene in which she encourages a young student by reminding her that God is always with her.

“And just to get to do that was really special,” she said.

For McKellar, Christmas movies are now about more than providing a little holiday entertainment, as she hopes they inspire viewers to turn toward God during life’s challenges.

“What I feel that we’re doing, especially on Great American Media, [is] that we give people hope and guidance, ideas for Christmas traditions that bring Christ into the celebrations,” she said.

Four years after that unexpected encounter with faith, McKellar says her relationship with Jesus continues to bring her a deeper sense of gratitude and joy.

“It just floods your heart with joy,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for: to connect in that way, and to give back.”