The Christmas Candle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy pastor tries to banish a magic Christmas candle in a tiny English village, forcing everyone to be nice to each other instead of waiting for divine intervention.

🍿 The Christmas Candle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Village of Miracles and a Skeptical Pastor

Set in the enchanting English village of Gladbury in 1890, the story revolves around a centuries-old legend: every twenty-five years, an angel touches a candle made by the local candlemaker, granting a miracle to the person who lights it on Christmas Eve. As the dawn of the electric age arrives, this tradition faces uncertainty. A new pastor, David Richmond, arrives in Gladbury, grappling with personal loss and a shaken faith. He is determined to modernize the village and challenge what he sees as superstition, promoting a new kind of ‘miracles’ through good deeds and acts of kindness. His progressive views quickly put him at odds with the traditional candlemaker, who is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Christmas Candle.

Clash of Faith and Tradition

As Christmas approaches, the anticipation for the blessed candle grows among the villagers, each hoping for a miracle for their own struggles, from illness to financial hardship. Reverend Richmond attempts to steer them away from reliance on the legend, encouraging practical help and community support. He finds an unexpected connection with Emily Barstow, a local skeptic. However, when the blessed candle mysteriously goes missing, panic and doubt spread through Gladbury. The disappearance forces the villagers, and the pastor, to confront their understanding of faith, hope, and where miracles truly come from.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Richmond (Hans Matheson): A progressive young minister arriving in Gladbury who seeks to modernize the village and shift faith away from the legendary miracle candle.
• Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks): A lovely skeptic in the village who finds herself becoming an unlikely ally to the new minister.
• Edward Haddington (Sylvester McCoy): The old world candlemaker who is determined to protect the centuries-old tradition and belief in the Christmas candle legend.
• Bea Haddington (Lesley Manville): The candlemaker’s wife who, alongside her husband, upholds the village’s faith in the Christmas candle tradition.
• Herbert Hopewell (James Cosmo): A villager whose family seeks a miracle from the Christmas candle due to his illness.
• Eleanor Hopewell (Susan Boyle): A villager and wife hoping for a miracle from the Christmas candle for her ailing husband.
• William Barstow (John Hannah): The father of Emily Barstow, a significant figure within the village community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Edward Haddington: “There’s no such thing as a wasted prayer.” – Said by the candlemaker, reflecting his deep faith and belief in the power of prayer, regardless of the outcome.
• David Richmond: “Perhaps the miracle is not in receiving, but in being the answer to someone else’s prayer.” – The pastor challenges the villagers’ reliance on the candle legend, suggesting that true miracles come from human kindness and action.
• Emily Barstow: “I’m a woman of science, Vicar. I prefer things I can see and touch.” – The skeptical Emily explains her pragmatic view to David, contrasting with the village’s belief in the unseen miracle.
• Eleanor Hopewell: “Sometimes hope is all a body has left.” – Said by a villager facing hardship, expressing the simple, enduring power of hope in difficult times.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3 million
• Domestic Gross: $2,258,620
• Worldwide Gross: $2,476,775

💥 The Christmas Candle Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting a typical cheesy Christmas movie, and honestly, it delivered some of that, but it also had moments that genuinely worked for me. I really liked the dynamic between the skeptical pastor and the village clinging to their legend; it felt like a relatable clash of old ways and new ideas. There were a couple of scenes, especially those showing the small acts of kindness the villagers start doing, that really hit you in the feels. It made me think about how we often look for big, dramatic answers when sometimes the real ‘miracles’ are just people showing up for each other. Susan Boyle’s part was… interesting. You could tell it was her first acting gig, but when she sang, wow. That was a definite highlight. It’s not a perfect movie, some of the acting is a bit wooden, and yes, you pretty much know how it will end from the start. But if you’re looking for something genuinely sweet, with pretty historical settings and a message about finding hope and being kind, I think it’s worth a watch. I’d definitely consider watching it again during the holidays.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of faith-based and inspirational movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy traditional Christmas stories”
  • “Enthusiasts of Victorian-era period dramas”
  • “Families looking for a clean, uplifting holiday film”
  • “Fans of cast members like Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, and Susan Boyle”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild thematic elements (loss, doubt)”
  • “Period-appropriate societal norms”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic: “This holiday drama delivers exactly what it promises: a quaint village setting, a conflict between faith and modernity, and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. While the plot is predictable and some performances are a bit stiff, particularly the much-hyped Susan Boyle cameo, the film’s heart is in the right place. It offers a gentle, non-preachy message about community and kindness, wrapped up in lovely period costumes and charming scenery. A pleasant, if unremarkable, watch for those seeking simple festive fare.
• Entertainment Journal: “Despite a promising premise pitting ancient miracle traditions against a skeptical modern minister, ‘The Christmas Candle’ struggles to ignite. The storytelling feels heavy-handed, often beating the audience over the head with its themes rather than letting them unfold naturally. While Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks attempt to ground the film, the overall acting feels wooden, and subplots are underdeveloped. The production design is lovely, but it’s not enough to save this well-intentioned but ultimately dull holiday offering.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were touched by the movie’s message of hope and community.: The film is praised for its heartwarming story, beautiful English countryside setting, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas through kindness and faith, often described as a refreshing change from mainstream holiday fare.

Susan Boyle’s singing performance was a standout moment for many.: Audiences appreciated the historical setting, costumes, and generally found the story uplifting and suitable for family viewing, despite mixed opinions on the acting quality.

Overall Consensus: A divisive film, ‘The Christmas Candle’ is widely appreciated by audiences seeking a traditional, faith-based, and heartwarming Christmas story focusing on hope, kindness, and community, although critics and some viewers found the plot predictable and the acting inconsistent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film marked the acting debut of Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who had risen to fame on Britain’s Got Talent.”
• “Filming took place on location in the picturesque village of Biddestone, Wiltshire, England, helping to create the authentic 1890s setting.”
• “The movie is based on the novel of the same name by best-selling Christian author Max Lucado.”
• “A notable goof involves mourners at a funeral holding modern retractable nylon umbrellas, which were not contemporary to the 1890 setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Christmas Candle?

To watch “The Christmas Candle” (2013), you can typically find it available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube Movies for current availability. It may also occasionally be available on subscription streaming services, particularly during the holiday season. Availability can vary by region and time of year, so consulting these platforms is recommended.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Christmas Candle, you might like these similar films:

• It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): A classic Christmas film centered on themes of hope, community, and realizing the impact of one’s life, similar to how the characters learn the true meaning of miracles.
• The Nativity Story (2006): A direct comparison as a faith-based film focusing on a key biblical event, appealing to audiences interested in Christian themes around Christmas.
• Little Women (1994): Set in a similar historical period with a focus on family, community, and navigating life’s challenges with faith and kindness, providing an era-specific alternative.
• The Best Man Holiday (2013): While a different setting, this modern Christmas drama explores themes of faith, reconciliation, and the importance of human connection during the holidays, offering a modern equivalent.
• A Christmas Carol (1984): A beloved adaptation that, like ‘The Christmas Candle’, explores transformation, the importance of generosity, and the true spirit of Christmas beyond material concerns.

🛒 The Christmas Candle Related Products

• The Christmas Candle (Book by Max Lucado): The original novel that inspired the film, delving deeper into the characters and the legendary Christmas Candle of Gladbury village.
• Victorian Era Inspired Candle Set: A set of beautifully crafted candles and holders, reminiscent of the style seen in the 1890s setting of the film.
• The Christmas Candle DVD/Blu-ray: Own the movie to relive the story of Gladbury and the Christmas Candle legend anytime during the holiday season.
• Classic Christian Christmas Movie Collection (DVD): A compilation of uplifting and faith-based Christmas films, similar in theme and tone to ‘The Christmas Candle’.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Christmas Candle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Miracles All Around” – performed by Susan Boyle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Susan Boyle on Joel Osteen: ‘Miracle Hymn’ song & The Christmas Candle Story (17 Nov 13), 1st Show

Hey, did you know Susan Boyle is in The Christmas Candle? You gotta see this clip where she performs one of the film’s songs live and talks about her experience – I think it’s super cool to get this look behind the scenes of her role!

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