John Stephenson (4) (1952–)

Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every twenty-five years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights the Christmas Candle will receive a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. When David Richmond (Hans Matheson), a progressive young minister from London arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover a new formula for miracles; good deeds and acts of kindness. Now with a skeptic in the pulpit, the fiery candlemaker Edward Haddington (Sylvester McCoy) must fight to preserve his family's legacy. When the Christmas Candle goes missing the miraculous and human collide in the most astonishing Christmas the village of Gladbury has ever seen.… (more)

Acting: 4.5; Theme: 4.5; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.0

Dave Richmond, a progressive pastor, is asked to come shepherd the flock in the small town of Gladbury. Due to his past losing his wife and child, he has lost his faith in God. When he brings his progressive ideas into this small community, he realizes that his parishioners are very traditional- especially their tradition of the "Christmas Candle". Faith is increased, not so much by tradition, but by a new outlook on what the Christian faith is all about. Very heartwarming Christmas movie. Recommend.

***December 10, 2022***… (more)