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The Christmas Candle summary
Brief summary
The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado is a heartwarming story set in an English village where an angelic encounter leads to a miracle that illuminates the true spirit of Christmas.
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The Christmas Candle
Summary of key ideas
The Candle Maker's Dilemma
In The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado, we are transported to the quaint English village of Gladstone, where the residents believe that every twenty-five years, an angel visits the local candlemaker and blesses one of his candles. This candle, when lit by a person with a sincere need, will grant them a miracle. The current candlemaker, Edward Haddington, is a kind-hearted man who takes his role seriously, but he has never witnessed the angel's visit.
As the time for the angel's visit approaches, Edward's wife, Bea, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Desperate for a miracle, Edward prays for the angel to bless their candle. However, when the angel finally appears, Edward is so overwhelmed that he accidentally drops the candle, shattering it into pieces. The angel, unable to bless a broken candle, leaves, and Edward is left devastated.
The Mysterious Candle
Despite the broken candle, Edward decides to make the best of the situation. He distributes the pieces of the candle to the villagers, hoping that the angel's blessing might still be passed on. The villagers, each with their own struggles and hardships, receive the candle pieces with skepticism, but some decide to give it a try.
One of the recipients is a wealthy but unhappy man named David Richmond. David's wife, who has been bedridden for years, decides to light the candle piece, and to everyone's surprise, she is miraculously healed. This event sparks a chain reaction, and soon, the entire village is abuzz with stories of the candle's miracles.
The Candle's True Power
As the miracles continue, Edward is torn between joy for the villagers and regret for his own missed opportunity. He begins to question the true power of the candle and the angel's visit. He wonders if the miracles are not a result of the candle, but rather the villagers' newfound faith and hope.
Meanwhile, the village's new minister, David, who has witnessed his wife's healing, becomes obsessed with the candle's power. He starts to believe that he can control the miracles and uses the candle to manipulate the villagers. His actions cause division and chaos in the once peaceful community.
Restoring Faith and Hope
Edward, realizing the danger of David's actions, decides to confront him. He explains that the true miracle lies not in the candle, but in the villagers' faith and the angel's message of hope. David, humbled by Edward's wisdom, repents and the village begins to heal.
As Christmas approaches, Edward and Bea prepare for her passing. Despite their initial disappointment, they find peace in the knowledge that the candle's true purpose has been fulfilled. It has restored faith and hope in the hearts of the villagers, and in doing so, has brought them closer together.
A Timeless Message of Hope
In the end, The Christmas Candle delivers a timeless message of hope and faith. It reminds us that miracles are not always grand, supernatural events, but can be found in the everyday acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. The broken candle, once seen as a symbol of failure, becomes a powerful reminder that even in our brokenness, we can still bring light and hope to others.
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What is The Christmas Candle about?
The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado is a heartwarming tale set in the fictional English village of Gladstone. It tells the story of an enchanted candle that is said to grant miracles to those who light it. As the candle is passed from person to person, it brings hope, faith, and love to the lives of the villagers, ultimately reminding them of the true spirit of Christmas.
The Christmas Candle Review
The Christmas Candle (2006) is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers of the true meaning of Christmas. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It transports readers to a mystical English village where miracles happen, offering a delightful escape from reality.
- The book explores the power of faith and the importance of embracing the unexpected, leaving readers feeling uplifted and inspired.
- With its richly detailed descriptions and relatable characters, the story effortlessly captures the essence of Christmas, making it a perfect read to get into the holiday spirit.
Who should read The Christmas Candle?
- Readers who enjoy heartwarming and uplifting holiday stories
- Those looking for a message of hope and faith during the Christmas season
- People who appreciate stories with a touch of magic and miracles
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The Christmas Candle FAQs
What is the main message of The Christmas Candle?
The main message of The Christmas Candle is the power of faith and miracles during the holiday season.
How long does it take to read The Christmas Candle?
The reading time for The Christmas Candle varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Christmas Candle a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Christmas Candle is a heartwarming book worth reading. It offers a beautiful story about hope, love, and the magic of Christmas.
Who is the author of The Christmas Candle?
The author of The Christmas Candle is Max Lucado.
What to read after The Christmas Candle?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Christmas Candle, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz