Inspired by author Max Lucado’s novel “The Christmas Candle”, a delightful holiday film is born
under the same name and direction of filmmaker, John Stephenson. Some years ago Lucado
approached film producer Tom Newman about an idea he had for a narrative about a magical
Christmas Candle. Newman says, “I fell in love with the story. It was a wonderful concept.” He
responded to Lucado, “If you write it, I’ll make it into a movie.” The rest is history.
Internationally renown, Lucado’s popular narratives have been translated into over forty
languages. Lucado draws on his seasoned expertise to create the idea of his Christmas Candle
in order to engage readers with a timeless and inspirational story about miracles. Screenwriters
Candace Lee and Eric Newman bring to life Lucado’s message while capturing the old world
charm of England’s countryside culture.
It’s the Christmas season and the village of Gladbury, England is awaiting the arrival of David
Richmond (Hans Matheson), their newly appointed Vicar. He is single. Handsome. Young.
Experienced. Though young, Richmond’s sermons are well known throughout the country. Lady
Camdon has been influenced by his messages and witnessed the impact of his talents first
hand. Recommended by Lady Camdon (Barbara Flynn) who feels certain the new Vicar is the
perfect man for the position and will be a fine addition to the humble community senses that
Richmond isn’t so confident. The emotional pain and suffering he has endured at the tragic loss
of his wife and child has left him hopeless. His faith is weakened and more so his belief in the
miraculous. No doubt Lady Camdon is not surprise and holds firm that Richmond is in the right
place.
Richmond has come to serve a community that believes in miracles. Gladbury’s archival tales
share that every twenty-five years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches one of
the candles made during the holiday season. Whoever purchases the candle and lights it on
Christmas Eve receives a miracle. Richmond learns that the Gladbury folk truly believe in the
legend and he scoffs.
The new Vicar sets out to prove that miracles don’t happen to people from Divine intervention
but that the people themselves make them happen from good deeds. The practical help is at
the root of all miracles says Richmond. He sees that the help brings hope which comes from the
people. Richmond leaves God out of the equation so God appoints the Candlemaker and his
wife to teach the young Vicar a thing or two about the impact of miracles and the immense hope
it can bring. God chooses to use a comedy of errors as His tool of choice.
24/7 MOMS film journalist, Karen Pecota
Released in local theaters: December 1, 2013
Movie rating: PG