The Christmas Candle

by Max Lucado

From New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado comes a timeless message that will warm your heart.

Imagine a Victorian England village in the Cotswolds where very little out of the ordinary ever happens . . . except at Christmas time.

This year, Edward Haddington, a lowly candle maker, is visited by a mysterious angel. That angel silently imparts a precious gift—a gift that’s bungled and subsequently lost. The candle maker and his wife, Bea, struggle to find the gift.

And when they do, they have to make a difficult choice. Who among their community is most in need of a Christmas miracle?

Join inspirational author Max Lucado and experience anew the joy of Christmas.

BONUS: Includes a sneak preview of Max’s novel, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café!

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Holiday, Historical Fiction, Inspirational

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do blessings come from within or from above? Whether we seek them outright or they find us unexpectedly, hope and blessings come from all around us. Goodness and mercy bring hope and increase faith, prayers provide peace, and grace originates with God. Along the way, hearts may be softened to see things anew and realizations may come that you can be the blessing that someone else needs.

A short story with a message that relates to hope, faith, forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and blessings that may or may not be in disguise.

[Cam (Lana Belova) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something special was happening within the pages of this story of Christmas miracles. A fresh hope and glimmer of light in the midst of dark Decembers this book truly gives. A beautiful, wonderful story that had my heart smiling for a long time afterwards and feeling lighter. Loved it and thought that this festive tale has a classics feel to it, like the ones that are ment to be reread every year on Christmas Eve! Which I surely am intending to do 🙂

Thank you so much, Darla and Tina, for bringing this book to my attention!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Set in the quaint English village of Gladbury, where all the villagers believe in the legend of the Christmas Candle, which local legend has purportedly decreed, is touched by an angel every 25 years, and that as the blessed candle is lit by the chosen family, their wish will be fulfilled. And, this, of course, is the year the angel will return.

When the new Reverend Richmond arrives to replace Reverend Pillington, a much beloved man. Richmond, who has lost his faith, is unaware of this legend of the candle, and unbelieving when he hears it. He has little patience as he hears this story over his early days in Gladbury as the season approaches, and is more set in his ways to modernize their beliefs and diminish their faith in this ‘magic.’

While on the surface, this might seem to be overflowing with religion, the faith it shares is more about having faith in one another, and in the world outside our doors, outside our own mindset. To be open to possibility, to open the door to hope and love, and let it in.

Note: I watched the movie after reading the book, and would recommend the book over the movie.

[Taury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book but powerful. Always believe from your heart. Open yourself and believe, ask for your needs. Your desires, true heart desires will be granted in time, God’s time.
I love Max Lucado
Merry Christmas ✝️

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dear story, full of charming settings, memorable characters (honestly, who doesn't love the Haddingtons?), and a theme that spells Christmas.

I read this book after watching the movie and—quite honestly—I liked the movie better. The book had it's own perks, though, giving a bit more background to some of the characters. Emily was a more likable gal in the movie, in my opinion. xD

The story of the "magical" Christmas candle had me skeptical at first, but I ended up appreciating the heart of the story.

Four Christmas candles out of five!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always looking for more Christmas reading, I came upon this short story by Max Lucado and decided to give it a try. Set during the middle of the Victorian times, Lucado, paints a picture of a Dickensian Christmas and the poverty that has become the norm. While it is only one candle, this item is set to change the lives of those who possess it. While the future is bleak for many, everyone has high hopes of being able to possess this special candle, which could turn Christmas into something very special. Lucado delivers well in this short piece that is sure to warm the hearts of many.

The small English village in the Cotswolds is home to a very drab existence. Its inhabitants are used to living just above the poverty line, something about which not all in Victorian England can boast. However, Christmastime is a different story and this story illustrates just why.

Edward Haddington, who makes ends meet by creating candles, is visited by an angle one night with a message and special gift. While Edward wants to cherish what he has received, he and his wife, Bea, make a mess of things and lose that which the angel brought them.

Vowing to find the gift and bestow it upon the person who needs it most, Edward and Bea try their best to make the right choice, As Christmas approaches, they will have to make a significant decision, struggling to choose who might be in need of the Christmas candle above all others. However, late on Christmas Eve, all comes together and the recipient is reveled in the most unique fashion, helping to bring Christmas warmth to everyone in town.

Having never read anything by Max Lucado, I was ready for most anything with this piece. While it took me a bit to get used to the style and presentation, I soon found myself connecting with the narrative and the characters who graced the pages of this book. Lucado delivers his message in a clear and effective manner, using characters to push things along until the final revelation comes to pass and all pieces fit nicely together. Lucado has a great writing style and I was blessed to have found this book, which is rich in themes and heart-warming moments for all readers seeking something a little uplifting for the holiday season.

Kudos, Mr. Lucado, for adding to my Christmas spiriting with this piece.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this small village, a miracle occurs every 25 years on Christmas Eve!! An angel goes into the candle shop and touches one candle 🕯️. The candle maker and his wife bring the candle to the church service and one person receives the special candle. The recipient of the special candle is told to pray and receive the miracle that he or she is expecting. What they needed happens!! Wow!!

Now, if you were the candle maker and you had 30 candles to bring to church and don't know which one the angel touched, what would you do? Everyone is in expecting a miracle, who would you give the candle to? Decisions, decisions. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️

Read and find out the answer!! This story is full of love, hope and faith. I absolutely loved it and definitely recommend this one to everyone! It doesn't have to be read during Christmas, read it anytime of year and you'll be blessed!! Definitely a heartwarming story. 💛

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🕯️

[Emma.catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick yet powerful book with a special and important reminder…

🕯️🌲♥️

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This seasonal short story is based in a village in the Cotswolds, England. It is a quiet little village where little happens, except at Christmas…

Two hundred years ago the first Christmas candle was made but those years have passed and still, every quarter of a century an angel comes to Gladstone and touches one handmade candle. Every prayer that was offered over this special candle was answered.

This year, Edward Haddington, a lowly candle maker, is visited by a mysterious angel. And this year, the angel leaves a new gift…The candle maker and his wife, Bea, struggle to find the gift. And when they do, they have to make a difficult choice: Who among their community is most in need of a Christmas miracle?

Max uses this fictional story to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and the power of God. In a very short space of time, Max cleverly creates likeable, warm-hearted characters that help to spread the Christmas message throughout the villagers and beyond. And he certainly delivered all the cozy seasonal vibes. It got me all excited for Christmas carols 🎶

He reminds us that God has the power. The candle is just the vessel. And through the events that occur during this story, the village people come to realise that perhaps they trusted the candle more than they trusted God. For, HE is the candle of Christmas.

“He still gives light when we need it the most.” 🕯️ 🙏🏼 😌

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, this was an enjoyable--if fantastical--Yuletide tale that had plenty of historical and British charm.

However, the issue that has plagued more than one Max Lucado book pops up again here: wasted space. Maybe it isn't the author's fault, but...I wish the publishers would be more stingy about how many pages they use; the thicker a book is...the more trees they have to take down to print it!

[Dee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chirp 1 hour and 54 min. Narrated by Ben Holland

Max Lucado doing what he does so well... telling a simple tale and making it personally relatable. This novella is the story of a Christmas miracle set in Victorian England. Once again, we are reminded to keep our focus on the One who delivers miracles, not on the candles which they represent. Hope, healing light, and forgiveness are the essence of Christmas delivered by the Savior!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: All Ages
Best for Ages: All Ages

I have been hearing and seeing a lot about the movie that just came out based off this book. I am very eager to see it and reading this little story made me want to see it even more.

Max Lucado has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. I have read a lot of his non-fiction and a couple of his books for children. This was the first Christmas story by him that I have read.

This story was short and sweet. I know there are a lot of people that hate short books but I am not one of them. I often need a break from the books that are 500+ pages. This was perfect. There was plenty of time to tell the story, without getting bogged down. Yes, there wasn’t enough time to go super deep into characters but it didn’t matter. This story wasn’t about amazing people, it was about the message of an amazing God.

There wasn’t really any romance in the story, unless you count the time when one of the ladies of the town tries to push her daughter on the preacher. Romance isn’t a factor in the book which was a nice change.

Some may find the supernatural visit form an angel who touches a candle farfetched and irritating but I do not. I loved this story and highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet Christmas stories, books you can read in a couple of hours, and those who are not afraid to believe

I received this book from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Malia Saldaña · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, Christmas book! I love the concept of the Christmas Candle. I do wish this book was longer and gave us some more of the story. I actually liked the movie better, but overall, it was a sweet read.
Quotes from the book:

“Who has the real Christmas Candle? Only God knows, but he does know. And I know he uses the mistakes of stumblers.”

“Perhaps we trusted the candle too much. Perhaps we trusted God too little. So God took our eyes off the candle and set them on himself. He is the Candle of Christmas. And Gladstone? Gladstone is one of his Bethlehems. For he has come to us all.”

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love this author, but did not love this novella. Things didn't come together at the end in a way that felt like the story had ended....it needed more....or something. I also didn't like the idea held throughout most of the book that the Christmas candle basically granted wishes. The vicars story also didn't really tie up in a way I expected.

I listened to this on audiobook. Although I like this narrator, it was rather disappointing that the book is set in England, but the book was read without any accents.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a rare while, a book comes along that has Christmas classic written all over it. This is such a book.

In 1664, in a small English village, the candle maker and his wife are awakened by a mysterious happening. Their home is filled with light and an apparition of some sort touches one of their candles. The following Sunday, during church services, they meet a family who have fallen on hard times. The candle maker's wife feels compelled to give the candle to the family whose lives are miraculously changed as a result.

Fast forward 200 years. Every 25 years since the 1664 occurrence, the same events have occurred. All of the townsfolk are abuzz with talk of the candle and who will benefit this year.

A new minister is assigned to the village after the old one dies. He is not a faith filled man and he resists any talk of the candle.

As anticipated, the angel visits the candle maker, but shortly thereafter, the candle maker accidentally knocks over all the candles, thereby making it impossible for him to know which one the angel touched.

That's the premise for this beautifully rendered story which will fill your heart with the spirit of the season. Even if you figure out much of the plot, as you very well might, it will make no difference.

For many years now, I have spent Christmas Eve morning reading the holiday selections which mean the most to me. This year, I have found a worthy addition to that tradition. If you read only one Christmas related book this year, make this the one.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for the Holiday Reading Challenge 2010 hosted by All About {n}. It was a really fast read, in fact I read it in about one hour. Holiday stories are suppose to be uplifting and make you feel all warm and cozy inside. The Christmas Candle definitely had the whole uplifting story about hope and faith but I don't think it was detailed enough. I like the plot and I think the idea behind the story is original, but the supporting details just weren't there. I felt like I was just getting a quick overview of a story instead of the whole thing. Another thing that bothered me is that there were typically less than 100 words on a page. I felt as if I was a beginning reader with how this novel printed. Overall, I was kind of disappointed with my first Holiday read of the season.

www.gardenofbooks.blogspot.com

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had I not seen the movie previously last year The Christmas Candle I might not have realized what a little gem of a story this really is. The book was a little hard to understand at times; but once again I new the story so I was still able to read it. The book also left out all the charm and the coziness of the people. If you have not seen this movie I would recommend it highly; especially to those Christian period drama enthusiasts. The movie is filled with a wonderful country village scene and surrounding towns people with wit and kindness. I know it's hard to believe but the book just did not demonstrate the joy that comes with knowing The Christmas Candle story.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the audio story narrated by Greg Whalen.
Many unique details added depth to Max Lucado's historical novel catching my emotions with intrigue and compelling interest.

Previously I was captivated by the dvd version of this lovely story for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015. Complex challenges of life to the faith journeys of several characters as the story progresses, I enjoyed the setting, characters - realistic and well presented - along with the uniqueness of the storyline.

Recommended.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning in 1664 and for every 25 years thereafter an angel comes to a small village and blesses one special candle of the candlemaker’s batch. Until this year, 1864, with a new, but unbelieving, minister in town, the candle maker has a mix-up and he doesn’t know which candle is the blessed one. This lovely, inspirations story has a delightful surprise ending (actually two if you count the epilogue.) The storyline is somewhat different from the movie.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I rewatched the film version of this book (which I highly recommend!!) for the umpteenth time the other night, it put me in the mood to read the book again!

There is just something so cosy and refreshing about this story. The small English village. The hope. The candle. The faith. The community. It’s an encouraging light for me, and there’s a reason I reread it every year! 💛

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it ok. pretty good short Christmas story.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 18th Christmas book of the season was The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado.
Since the 1600’s every 25 years, in a certain village, an angel swathed in a bright light visits the candle maker in the middle of the night to "bless", if you will, a candle. At least this is what the villagers believe, because when the chosen candle is given away something wonderful happens to the receiver. Prayers are answered in profound ways.

This year in particular something very different happens and lives are changed in a different kind of Christmas miracle.

I'm seriously not sure what to think about this one. I've read a lot of Max Lucado stories and generally they are creatively written with lovely language and well turned phrases. But this was not up to his standard, in my opinion. Normally I'd give anything Mr. Lucado wrote 5-stars, but I can give this one 3.5 at best. The ending was a bit of a mystery to me.

Good moral, for sure, not to think of things as magical, but to consider that God answers prayer and blesses at His will to show his power so people can believe.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The mystery of God unsettles us all, Reverend. But isn't mystery where God works? If He does only what we understand, is He God?"

As usual, Max Lucado proves that a book doesn't need to be long to inspire and teach. This book is a quick read that provides food for thought, drawing you in immediately and keeping you engaged to the end. It is a bit predictable, but its heart-warming qualities make up for that. I am looking forward to seeing this as a movie. It will have to be expanded upon to make a full length movie, but if they stay true to the book, it will be wonderful.

BookSneeze® provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Judy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Book 17 in my annual Christmas Book Binge and the second that is a new Christmas classic -- at least for me.

What a lovely tale of an old, simple English village candle maker who is visited one year on Christmas eve by an angel surrounded by glorious light. Later comes the discovery that the newly-made candle indicated by the angel brings a Christmas miracle to the recipient.

Every 25 years, through three generations, the angelic visitation to the candleshop carries an accompanying miracle-bearing candle of light and love...until....

i loved the lowly villagers, and the description of their homes, businesses, church and even graveyard, and especially the way they great their new pastor, and the unexpected joy that spreads through the village with the last angel's visit.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1864 England, a candle maker and his wife anticipate a miraculous visit from an angel, as it happens every 25 years on the last Sunday of advent. The importance of prayer and belief in God are highlighted in this story.

[Dhanaraj Rajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple feel good story for the Christmas season.
The theme: With faith we can ask anything and then there will be miracles.
But this is narrated in a fairy tale type and so it can be very appealing to all.
A simple and lovely read for the Christmas season.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first saw the movie of this and enjoyed it, and then realised it was originally a book written by Max Lucado. It’s a sweet and very short story of belief in miracles, the transforming power of faith and how God works in ways beyond our understanding. 3.5★

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic afternoon read for ME. I enjoyed it and got lost in it. Short and sweet it was a wonderfully uplifting escape. Great little gem.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Makes you think about all you should be grateful for in your life. Quick story that was well worth the time.

[Tri✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this story made me think of how sometimes, we look for big signs from above and forget the little miracles around us. This lovely little Christmas story is a gentle reminder to trust in what we can’t always see. God's plans often unfold in ways we can't predict or understand, but they are always for the greater good. 

•──────────❝•°•❀•°•❞───────────•

“Who has the real Christmas Candle? Only God knows, but he does know. And I know he uses the mistakes of stumblers.”

“Perhaps we trusted the candle too much. Perhaps we trusted God too little. So God took our eyes off the candle and set them on himself. He is the Candle of Christmas. [...]. For he has come to us all.”

“He still gives light when we need it the most.”

•──────────❝•°•❀•°•❞───────────•

Thank you, @Tina for recommending this one. 🎄🤗❤️🕯️📚

[Marysya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Традиційна різдвяна історія-оповідь, яку так часто читають вголос у Святвечір - про добро, милосердя, диво та благодать.
Шукаєте щось у стилі Дікенса - ось це гарний варіант 🎄