The Christmas Candle (novel) facts for kids
The Christmas Candle is a Christmas story written by Max Lucado. It's about a special candle shop. Every 100 years, an angel visits the shop. The angel touches one candle. This candle can then bring miracles to anyone who receives it. This book was also made into a movie in 2013. Pinewood and Koch Media helped create the film.
The Story of the Candle
The story begins in 1664, in a village called Gladstone. It's almost Christmas. The first Haddington couple owns a candle shop. An angel visits them. The angel touches a candle. This special candle can then make miracles happen. The Haddington family must continue this tradition for many generations.
Many years later, in 1864, Edward Haddington and his wife Bea run the shop. Christmas is coming soon. The villagers are already talking about the Christmas Candle. Everyone is excited because it's almost time for the angel to visit again.
When the villagers go to church, Reverend Richmond refuses to talk about the candle. He says it's not part of the church service. Everyone feels disappointed. Meanwhile, Edward and Bea are not sure who should get the candle. So many people in the village need a miracle. Bea even wonders if they should use the candle for themselves.
Finally, the angel arrives and touches a candle. But Edward accidentally falls. He knocks over all the candles, including the special Christmas Candle. Now, they can't tell which candle is the magical one!
Miracles in Gladstone
Edward and Bea feel very guilty. They decide to take a basket of candles to the villagers. They don't tell anyone that they don't know which one is the real Christmas Candle. They worry that people will be upset if they don't get a miracle.
One day, Reverend Richmond shares a sad story. He tells Edward and Bea that he made a mistake when he was young. This mistake led to his friend's death. He has regretted it ever since. Edward feels sympathy for him. He gives the Reverend a candle from the basket.
On Christmas Eve, the villagers gather for church. Suddenly, amazing things start to happen. The villagers who received a candle from Edward and Bea experience miracles! Then, a man rushes into the church. He says a girl and her baby are in trouble near a bridge.
Edward and Reverend Richmond quickly run to the bridge. The Reverend falls into the stream. He tells Edward to light his candle. Edward lights it, and the light shines brightly on the scene. Edward finds the girl and her baby. With help from the villagers, he takes them home to rest.
Edward and Bea then realize something amazing. The girl is their granddaughter! She had run away because she thought they would never forgive her for a mistake. Edward says, "Looks like God still gives babies at Christmas." In the end, the Haddington family, now in modern times, is visited by the same angel. The angel touches the Christmas Candle once more.
Main Characters
- Edward Haddington He is the main character. He is trusted with the important job of the Christmas Candle.
- Bea Haddington She is Edward Haddington's wife. She also helps with the Christmas Candle tradition.
- Reverend Richmond He is the church leader. At first, he doesn't believe the Christmas Candle tradition is important.
- Abigail Haddington She is Edward and Bea Haddington's granddaughter. She ran away and had a baby.
