This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Table of Contents
Today I am excited to share a review of Max Lucado‘s The Christmas Candle.
Based on the best-selling novel, The Christmas Candle is a Christmas movie about Christmas that is an excellent viewing during the Christmas season!
Synopsis of The Christmas Candle
Featuring theology from both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, the story features Hans Matheson as a pastor who has been struggling with his faith since a tragic loss. Due to Barbara Flynn‘s entreaty as Lady Camdon, Matheson’s character (Rev. Richmond) arrives in fictional Gladbury in 1890 in time for the Advent season. But Gladbury is no ordinary town with a tradition of a Christmas miracle every 25 years wherein an angel bestows a miracle upon whomever lights the Christmas candle. The new reverend however does not believe in these miracles and tries to convince the town folk to believe in God and not miracle candles.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Haddington (Lesley Manville), the wife of the candlemaker, wants to use this year’s candle so that her son would come back home after a long absence and yet when the magical candle is knocked off the shelf she devises a plan to give out candles to everyone seeking for a miracle. So what will happen when the Christmas candle is actually lit on Christmas Eve?
The story makes for a beautiful Christmas movie starring an ensemble cast including John Hannah (“Sliding Doors”), Samantha Barks (“Les Miserables”), Susan Boyle (“Britain’s Got Talent”), Sylvester McCoy (“Doctor Who”) and James Cosmo (“Braveheart”).
A Movie with a Focus on Advent and God
Christians will appreciate the focus on God and Advent. The New York Daily News described it as a “Dickens-meets-Sunday-school movie”. Given the 1 star rating, I reckon that description was not meant to be positive. However, just because the movie has an honest look at Advent – maybe even more so than most modern-day Sunday School classrooms – that does not mean that it is lackluster and without a soul. The performances are well fleshed out and the characters believable.
As the Los Angeles Times put it, ” [the film’s] message of community and faith shines brighter” and “beams with holiday spirit”.
Rating: PG for mild thematic elements.
Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.
Where to Watch:
Director: John Stephenson
Cast: Hans Matheson, John Hannah, Lesley Manville, Samantha Barks, Susan Boyle, Barbara Flynn, James Cosmo, Sylvester McCoy
Suggested Reading: Advent Playlist: 25 Christmas Hymns
Sharing is Caring
Nnniiiccceeeee….I am bookmarking this as a reminder for the movies I should watch, this Christmas holiday.
Yes this is the best time to be watching a Christmas movie. Part of my pre Christmas celebrations for sure. Thanks for sharing
I love a good holiday story. I love also how this story comes with a more vintage vibe from the late 1800s
Thank you for the recommendation. I love Christmas movies. I read this book to my kids when they were younger so this would make a great family movie.
This sounds like a film that I would absolutely love! I’m going to have to check it out.
I haven’t seen The Christmas Candle. It looks like a great thing to watch. Hope to see it soon.
I’m so glad to see Susan Boyle again. She was a favorite of mine on the talent show and I have one of her CDs.
Since I really like Christmas movies, can’t get enough of the Hallmark ones, I should check this out. Plus I really like Susan Boyle! Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like a wonderful movie! I love Christmas movies like this. They give me all the holly jolly feels.
My wife loves Christmas movies and books. She would love to see this and read the book.
This sounds like a great book and movie. Oftentimes movies don’t translate well from the book, but I’d like to reserve that judgement until I’ve seen both.