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The Light of Christmas
High in the mountains lies the town of Noel, surrounded by beautiful white walls and a great silver gate. Every year Alexander and his mother walk the long distance to Noel to watch the lighting of the village Christmas tree. This year Alexander learns that the Keeper of the Flame will choose the person who has given the truest gift of Christmas to light the flame. On his way to Noel, Alexander helps a poor old man he finds lying in the snow. His act of charity is rewarded when he is chosen to light the Christmas flame. Alexander learns that it isn't what you have to give, but how you give of yourself that matters most.
Master storyteller Richard Paul Evans weaves a heartwarming tale of the true meaning of Christmas spirit.
Master storyteller Richard Paul Evans weaves a heartwarming tale of the true meaning of Christmas spirit.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
1094 people want to read
About the author
Richard Paul Evans
226 books6,499 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 30, 2019
What an absolutely beautiful book! This is another of my favorite Christmas reads, one of the books I used to read my children when they were young. (Now that I think of it, since some of my adult children are coming "home" for Christmas, I might well be reading it again soon, at special request.)
The books has gorgeous illustrations -- I can practically reach into the book and feel the fantastic ornament the town jeweler makes for the Christmas tree.
More importantly, the book has a wonderful message.
In the town of Noel, everybody gathers on Christmas Eve to see the great Christmas torch lit. Who lights it? Usually, the Keeper of the Flame. But this year, the Keeper is picking a new person to light the torch: the person who gives the truest gift of Christmas. Everyone gives wonderful gifts... but it is the one person who gives from their heart, gives of themselves, who is chosen to light the tree.
This is a wonderful story of the spirit of Christmas... and it isn't about gifts...
Love it!
The books has gorgeous illustrations -- I can practically reach into the book and feel the fantastic ornament the town jeweler makes for the Christmas tree.
More importantly, the book has a wonderful message.
In the town of Noel, everybody gathers on Christmas Eve to see the great Christmas torch lit. Who lights it? Usually, the Keeper of the Flame. But this year, the Keeper is picking a new person to light the torch: the person who gives the truest gift of Christmas. Everyone gives wonderful gifts... but it is the one person who gives from their heart, gives of themselves, who is chosen to light the tree.
This is a wonderful story of the spirit of Christmas... and it isn't about gifts...
Love it!
November 11, 2018
A familiar story line with predictable characters and outcome. Overly-rich art. Nothing bad, just not memorable.
After giving this more thought, I lowered my rating from 3 to 2 stars. Over-the-top opulence is at the core of the Christmas celebration, yet a young boy who shows compassion is rewarded. An odd juxtaposition.
Of course, this could be a commentary on our Christmas celebrations, but that's not likely to be the take-home message, especially for young readers.
After giving this more thought, I lowered my rating from 3 to 2 stars. Over-the-top opulence is at the core of the Christmas celebration, yet a young boy who shows compassion is rewarded. An odd juxtaposition.
Of course, this could be a commentary on our Christmas celebrations, but that's not likely to be the take-home message, especially for young readers.
December 28, 2023
Our family loves this book. We read it every year on Christmas Eve. The message of the story is wonderful. As soon as we finish reading the book we light our advent candles and then read the Christmas Story in the Scriptures. It is a treasure to us.
December 21, 2021
This Christmas story is more of an allegory about helping those in need and reminds me of the verse in the Bible about doing for the least of these is doing things for Christ. The illustrations are very detailed and pretty.
December 13, 2018
In the Christmas town of Noel, young Andrew is eager to see the Keeper of the Flame light the torch to bring lightness and warmth of Christmas to the entire world. This year Andrew's mother is too weak to walk the long way from their mountaintop home. He must go alone. Prepared for cold weather and to spend the night at the church, Andrew makes it almost to the town gates before they close. However, along the way Andrew discovers an old man fallen in the snow and in need of help. Andrew offers the man his hot cider and races to the town to get help. Sadly, none of the people are willing to miss the lighting of the flame to help the old man. Andrew returns to discover the old man is gone and the gates of the town have closed. Finally, the gate opens a tiny crack and Andrew can slip in. It's time for the Keeper of the Flame to choose a new Keeper. Everyone makes an offering of their best gift. Andrew has nothing to give but a surprise is in store for him.
This is a wonderful Christmas story with a very strong message. I was worried, given the author's novels, this would be too sappy for me. I was wrong. I enjoyed the story and the message is perfect for Christmas. It's not religious except for being a Christmas story. The message is : what comes from the heart and not material goods that matter.
What really makes this book stand out are the GORGEOUS illustrations! The paintings are beautiful and lifelike. The town of Noel seems multinational. The people look vaguely Renaissance to me and I spotted Swedish, Italian, Spanish, English/American?, French and I think Dutch people in the crowd. I loved seeing their folk outfits in bright, bold colors and looking for the offerings they bring that are specific to a real life culture but never named in the book. The Keeper of the Flame resembles Saint Nicholas in his pre jolly old elf form. The background colors are warm and muted like an old world town in winter. I absolutely loved the illustrations and made me bump my rating up from "nice story with a message" to "That was a great book!" This is one that should be on the Christmas book keeper shelf.
This is a wonderful Christmas story with a very strong message. I was worried, given the author's novels, this would be too sappy for me. I was wrong. I enjoyed the story and the message is perfect for Christmas. It's not religious except for being a Christmas story. The message is : what comes from the heart and not material goods that matter.
What really makes this book stand out are the GORGEOUS illustrations! The paintings are beautiful and lifelike. The town of Noel seems multinational. The people look vaguely Renaissance to me and I spotted Swedish, Italian, Spanish, English/American?, French and I think Dutch people in the crowd. I loved seeing their folk outfits in bright, bold colors and looking for the offerings they bring that are specific to a real life culture but never named in the book. The Keeper of the Flame resembles Saint Nicholas in his pre jolly old elf form. The background colors are warm and muted like an old world town in winter. I absolutely loved the illustrations and made me bump my rating up from "nice story with a message" to "That was a great book!" This is one that should be on the Christmas book keeper shelf.
December 13, 2015
This children's book has beautiful illustrations and an even more beautiful, and timely, message.
"In your hurry to keep Christmas, you have forgotten Christmas. The truest gift of Christmas is the gift of self. The flame of Christmas must first burn from within."
~The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans
"In your hurry to keep Christmas, you have forgotten Christmas. The truest gift of Christmas is the gift of self. The flame of Christmas must first burn from within."
~The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans
December 31, 2025
This is beautifully illustrated and the story has a wonderful meaning for Christmas.
December 4, 2013
Ok..so it took me all of 10 minutes to read..but I LOVED IT and cannot wait
to get a copy for my grandchildren..wonderful simple message ♥
to get a copy for my grandchildren..wonderful simple message ♥
November 12, 2017
Alexander looks forward to attending the lighting of the village Christmas Tree each year in the town of Noel where beautiful gifts are offered to the Keeper of the Flame. This year Alexander's mother is unable to make the long journey so Alexander must go alone. What happens to Alexander on his journey? What difficult decision must he make? This beautifully written and illustrated story teaches us that the truest gift comes from within and has little to do with riches and fame. I recommend this story for any age and as a family read.
December 31, 2018
Beautiful story, illustrations, lessons of the heart. Loved this book!
May 8, 2018
This book is one of mine and my children's go to book to remember the true meaning of Christmas. In a child's eyes we are all taught to be kind and care about those who are less fortunate than we are. If we can practice this concept, it will feel like Christmas all year round!
December 22, 2013
"In your hurry to keep Christmas, you have forgotten Christmas." This is one of those entertain angles unaware stories that I love so much. Set high in the mountains in a mysterious Christmas Town known as Noel, this is the story of a young boy, Alexander, who shares what little he has with a stranger in need. He confronts a decision to have his desire or sacrifice it to do the right thing. It is a timeless never worn theme that is wonderfully Christmas wrapped in this telling.
I liked the illuminated first page and that this was carried forward very subtly with the simple use of holly leaves in the corner of text pages. I very liked the costume work. I especially liked Daniel Craig's depiction of Alexander tending the "old man" and the city gate. My favorite was how well he captured the smug expression on the face of Maurizio the Jeweler.
The light of Christmas burns brightly in this book. I highly recommend it.
I liked the illuminated first page and that this was carried forward very subtly with the simple use of holly leaves in the corner of text pages. I very liked the costume work. I especially liked Daniel Craig's depiction of Alexander tending the "old man" and the city gate. My favorite was how well he captured the smug expression on the face of Maurizio the Jeweler.
The light of Christmas burns brightly in this book. I highly recommend it.
Read
December 22, 2022This is another of my all time favorite Christmas books. I seriously can't express how much I love this one. This is another book I make time for every year no matter how busy I am.
This follows Alexander, a young boy who lives right outside of the town Noel as he journeys to the annual Christmas torch lighting and to see who the new Flame Keeper will be.
It's full of stunning illustrations - vivid and bright and gorgeous, and lovely characters and messages.
Definitely one I'd recommend if you haven't read it.
This follows Alexander, a young boy who lives right outside of the town Noel as he journeys to the annual Christmas torch lighting and to see who the new Flame Keeper will be.
It's full of stunning illustrations - vivid and bright and gorgeous, and lovely characters and messages.
Definitely one I'd recommend if you haven't read it.
December 18, 2022
Reread 12/11/21
12/14/2020 This is such a beautiful story with exquisite illustrations! The first book we have read since my Dad became gravely ill and passed away a couple of weeks ago. Truly a Christmas treasure.
12/14/2020 This is such a beautiful story with exquisite illustrations! The first book we have read since my Dad became gravely ill and passed away a couple of weeks ago. Truly a Christmas treasure.
September 26, 2016
Great Christmas book - reminds us of what the true meaning of Christmas is.
December 19, 2019
This was just okay. The best part about it is the illustrations because there are some really pretty scenes. I really enjoyed looking at the castle in the mountains, with the big sliver of a white moon, and the snow-covered trees. I really liked the town square with the big Christmas tree lit up with candles, the stone buildings and everyone gathered around holding hands, with the crescent moon and mountains.
I really didn't like how the summary completely ruined the surprise that he gives the truest gift and gets chosen to light the torch. That would have been a nice surprise and I can't stand how children's books literally tell you every single thing that happens like people wouldn't buy them unless they know what's going to happen up front. '
The story was okay. The theme was greater than the story, if that makes sense. The overall lesson eclipsed the actual plot. The town was kind of arbitrarily named. It's called Noel...That doesn't really work, to just grab a name for Santa and stick it on this fictional town. A real name should have been created. There are silver gates in this town in the sky, surrounded by clouds, and I started thinking is this a redo on heaven, because that's a ripoff and could be confusing to kids. But the silver gates have red stripes like candy canes...Now it starting getting too out-there.
The story was a bit hazy, in that every year Alexander and his mom went to town to watch the tree lighting, but for some reason the last few years it was too hard on his mom to make the long walk. She looked young in the illustration. No word on why his mom had trouble walking.
This year the tradition would be changed as the Keeper of the Flame would choose the one who gave the truest gift. We already knew it was Alexander thanks to the people who totally blew the surprise.
On the way there Alexander found an old man lying in the snow and he warmed his face with his hands, gave him his cloak, and hot cider. He said he'd go to town to get someone to help. No one was willing to leave early and miss the lighting, so Alexander left to go back knowing he would miss it. But when he went back, the old man was gone. I had literally zero understanding of why the town would ever close gates for a public Christmas tree lighting. For the life of me I could not accept that a place would bar anyone from seeing such an event.
As Alexander went back and wept at missing it, it cracked open and he went back in. The rich people gave all kinds of expensive gifts, like a gold ornament, a song, and a novel. But the Keeper announced that only one person had given well and selected Alexander. He told everyone that they had passed him by, and only Alexander stopped to help. Everyone had tried to keep Christmas but they had actually forgotten it. He told everyone the true gift was of self and the flame must burn from within.
He told Alexander to "light our Christmas" and I didn't really like that phrasing. It was odd and people can't relate to "lighting" Christmas, especially with a torch. the flame burned more brightly and truly than it ever had. I flipped the page expecting for him to go home and tel his mom that he had been Keeper of the Flame, but the story ended. That really left out an important part of his mom finding out about his honor. I still don't like that she wasn't there to see it herself, but I guess if she had gone with him, he couldn't have helped the man himself so he had to go alone so he could give the best gift. Her reaction should have been included though. I also expected an explanation on the story. Was this completely fictional, or inspired by true events where historical towns would light a flame? Idk.
I really didn't like how the summary completely ruined the surprise that he gives the truest gift and gets chosen to light the torch. That would have been a nice surprise and I can't stand how children's books literally tell you every single thing that happens like people wouldn't buy them unless they know what's going to happen up front. '
The story was okay. The theme was greater than the story, if that makes sense. The overall lesson eclipsed the actual plot. The town was kind of arbitrarily named. It's called Noel...That doesn't really work, to just grab a name for Santa and stick it on this fictional town. A real name should have been created. There are silver gates in this town in the sky, surrounded by clouds, and I started thinking is this a redo on heaven, because that's a ripoff and could be confusing to kids. But the silver gates have red stripes like candy canes...Now it starting getting too out-there.
The story was a bit hazy, in that every year Alexander and his mom went to town to watch the tree lighting, but for some reason the last few years it was too hard on his mom to make the long walk. She looked young in the illustration. No word on why his mom had trouble walking.
This year the tradition would be changed as the Keeper of the Flame would choose the one who gave the truest gift. We already knew it was Alexander thanks to the people who totally blew the surprise.
On the way there Alexander found an old man lying in the snow and he warmed his face with his hands, gave him his cloak, and hot cider. He said he'd go to town to get someone to help. No one was willing to leave early and miss the lighting, so Alexander left to go back knowing he would miss it. But when he went back, the old man was gone. I had literally zero understanding of why the town would ever close gates for a public Christmas tree lighting. For the life of me I could not accept that a place would bar anyone from seeing such an event.
As Alexander went back and wept at missing it, it cracked open and he went back in. The rich people gave all kinds of expensive gifts, like a gold ornament, a song, and a novel. But the Keeper announced that only one person had given well and selected Alexander. He told everyone that they had passed him by, and only Alexander stopped to help. Everyone had tried to keep Christmas but they had actually forgotten it. He told everyone the true gift was of self and the flame must burn from within.
He told Alexander to "light our Christmas" and I didn't really like that phrasing. It was odd and people can't relate to "lighting" Christmas, especially with a torch. the flame burned more brightly and truly than it ever had. I flipped the page expecting for him to go home and tel his mom that he had been Keeper of the Flame, but the story ended. That really left out an important part of his mom finding out about his honor. I still don't like that she wasn't there to see it herself, but I guess if she had gone with him, he couldn't have helped the man himself so he had to go alone so he could give the best gift. Her reaction should have been included though. I also expected an explanation on the story. Was this completely fictional, or inspired by true events where historical towns would light a flame? Idk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2019
While The Light of Christmas is a different kind of Christmas book than we typically see, it is beautifully done and while quite secular is clearly based upon Matthew 25:36-40
This illustrations, while uncomplicated are charming and lovely.
Easily 5 stars
36 I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 And when did we see You sick or in prison and come to You?’
40 “The King will answer, ‘Truly I say to you, as you have done it for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you have done it for Me.’
This illustrations, while uncomplicated are charming and lovely.
Easily 5 stars
December 10, 2022
In the town of Noel, there is a tradition for someone to be the Keeper of the Flame, and light the torch for the Light Of Christmas. Alexander takes time out of his travels to the town to aid a poor man along the roadside. Alexander's act of charity is rewarded, and the true spirit of Christmas is revealed.
December 18, 2019
This is one of the best Christmas books I've read, and the message is so important for students of all backgrounds: Christmas is not about any gifts but rather the gift of self.
Highly recommended for all backgrounds, even those who do not celebrate Christmas just for the message itself.
Highly recommended for all backgrounds, even those who do not celebrate Christmas just for the message itself.
November 15, 2020
“The truest gift of Christmas is the gift of self. The flame of Christmas must first burn from within.”
Wonderful Christmas story. I have read several books from Richard Paul Evans and do like them. This is a great little short read.
Wonderful Christmas story. I have read several books from Richard Paul Evans and do like them. This is a great little short read.
January 1, 2021
A delightful reminder of where the essence of Christmas lies, the importance of focusing on others through small acts of service instead of receiving praise for what one gives. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and telling.
November 28, 2021
What a beautiful, delightful, simple little book to remind everyone what is truly important. “The truest gift of Christmas is the gift of self. The flame of Christmas must first burn from within.” It is beautifully illustrated. It says it’s for ages 4-8, but It really is for all ages.
December 21, 2021
I really do love Christmas and Christmas stories. But my favorite of all the Christmas stories are the ones that emphasize more than the commercialism of Christmas. This one definitely fits the bill. Additionally, the illustrations are beautiful and detailed.
December 30, 2024
I bought this book for my 7 year old grandson to read to him for Christmas this year. I loved the message of how giving from ourselves is the very best gift of all. I did love how the book showed the main character in the story sacrificed his wants when he saw another's needs.
December 20, 2017
A reminder that the best gifts we can give are things that can not be purchased in stores. A very good story about the true spirit of Christmas!
December 29, 2017
Two favorite quotes: "In your hurry to keep Christmas, you have forgotten Christmas". "The truest gift of Christmas is the gift of self. The flame of Christmas must first burn from within".
October 16, 2018
You're going to need a lot of wine to go with this much cheese.
December 24, 2018
2016 Family Christmas Book
Heartwarming tale of the true meaning of Christmas spirit, it's not what you have to give but how you give of yourself that matters most.
Heartwarming tale of the true meaning of Christmas spirit, it's not what you have to give but how you give of yourself that matters most.
June 18, 2019
Predictable. Nice pictures. Author wrote The Christmas Box.
December 1, 2019
A wonderful Children’s book with a message that is appropriate for all ages during this holiday season.
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