A review of Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ through the lens of the Anglican Advent tradition. Discover a story of faith vs. cynicism and the true meaning of the Season of Hope.

As Christmas comes around, I finally feel the cool Florida air all around me. The leaves have started to fall. I long to start the Season of Advent with my family. I am especially eager to start it with my son, L, who is seven. As an Anglican, Advent is a very special time in our faith. We are preparing for the coming of Christ, the Light of the World. Each week, we read different scriptures in the Bible prophesying the Christ child. We also light a candle symbolizing His different attributes. This is the first week of Advent, and the candle we lit on the Advent Wreath this week was Hope. Jesus is the Hope of the world. When I read that The Christmas Candle is centered around the Anglican Christmas tradition, I became very excited. To my knowledge, I have never watched a Christmas movie that involved the traditional Anglican Advent. I was curious to see how close the movie was to the tradition I hold dear. Below is my full review of the film.

Max Lucado’s The Christmas Candle

When I sat down to watch The Christmas Candle, I didn’t know what to expect. The ratings had very mixed reviews, so I knew the movie would go either way. Still, unlike other Christmas movies, this wasn’t centered around Santa Claus, toys, or a cheesy Hallmark romance. To be honest, it was refreshing to watch something different.I was looking for a beautiful story with breathtaking views of the countryside and a message about remembered hope. This film absolutely delivered.

Faith vs. Cynicism

I found the introduction of the new pastor, David Richmond, to be the central conflict that really hooked me. It was heart-warming to see a time when a pastor was truly the center of the town. The pastor was someone the people relied on during hard times to reassure them of their faith. Richmond is a progressive and skeptical man. He arrives intent on updating the villagers’ beliefs and techniques. He sees the candle tradition as nothing more than foolish superstition. His struggle to reconcile his theological beliefs with the profound faith of the villagers felt deeply authentic to me. It’s not a struggle against a villain. It’s a struggle against cynicism. I think it is a far more compelling battle for a Christmas movie. I understand David’s internal struggle. He tries to reconcile his theology with what seems like an old wives’ tale.

The Verdict

In the end, The Christmas Candle is a beautiful meditation on faith, community, and the nature of miracles. It is a great reminder. Sometimes, the greatest miracles aren’t a flash of light. They are simple acts of compassion, forgiveness, and finding connection in an isolated world. This is a movie worth watching and sharing with friends and family. Advent only comes once a year, and it’s foolish to get caught up in the busyness of life. This is a time to celebrate with those you love. It is also a moment to study the scriptures. We await the coming of Christ our Lord.

Now it’s your turn-I’ve realized I’m a sucker for movies set in the English countryside! Do you prefer your Christmas movies to be modern and high-tech? Or do you, like me, crave that traditional, old-world feeling?