Christmas Candle, The (2013)

[bunniefuu]

[match ignition]

[NARRATOR]

There's a story that has been

passed down for centuries,

from father to son.

Legend has it a

certain man came

to live in the

village of Gladbury.

He was a good-hearted man,

devoted to his

family and his craft.

The candle maker brought

light to the entire village.

But he longed to give them more.

Life was hard in Gladbury,

and the people had

become disheartened.

[NARRATOR] Night and day,

the candle maker worked,

pouring his heart and

his prayers into each candle.

But on the first

Sunday of Advent,

all he had left to give...

was a single prayer,

not for himself, but for

Gladbury, for his son,

and for all the sons

and daughters to come.

Silence was the only answer

he would receive that night.

Or so it seemed.

[NARRATOR] An angel

blessed a single candle.

The heavenly gift was given

to the ones who needed it most,

with the simple instruction:

Light this and pray.

[NARRATOR] The children

hoped for an answered prayer.

But what they

received was a miracle.

On Christmas Eve,

the village rejoiced

upon hearing of

their change of fortune,

for such things do happen.

And from them, legends are born.

As the tale is told,

every twenty-five years,

the angel visits

The Haddington Chandlery,

and every time

a prayer is answered.

But even the greatest

stories must come to an end.

Much has changed

in two hundred years.

In a world illuminated

by modern marvels,

who needs the

light of a simple candle?

[bustling about and voices]

[YOUNG BOY]

I'm starving.

[ABNER]

How are you'! Hello.

[ABNER]

How we doing'! Alright?

[DAVID]

Yeah, very good, yeah.

Hope they'll be bringing

some more soon.

[ABNER]

Bless you little lady.

[GIRL]

ls it soup again'!

[ABNER]

God bless you, sir.

[MISS FOSTER] There's no

longer a place for you here!

[RUTH]

Please!

[MISS FOSTER] I'm sorry,

but there's nothing I can do.

Orders came straight

from the top.

[MISS FOSTER]

You should learn to keep your

affections to yourself,

Ruth Goodchild!

[MISS FOSTER] And don't even

think about coming back!

[WOMAN PASSERBY]

Serves you right.

[Ruth begins to weep]

Abner, will you take

over for a second?

Yes. God bless you, sir.

[Ruth weeping]

Hello, miss.

Miss.

What do you want'!

I only mean to help.

[DAVID] It's no Buckingham

Palace, Miss Goodchild.

But you'll be safe here.

And with three meals

a day, you won't go hungry.

When the baby comes, what then'!

Well, perhaps there's someone...

No.There's nobody.

Or rather there was,

but he found someone else

and dismissed me

from work today.

[DAVID]

Don't lose hope, miss.

We'll find a place

for you and your baby.

[ABNER]

God bless you, sir.

[LADY CAMDON]

Reverend Richmond?

Friend of yours?

I have no idea.

God bless you.

Reverend David Richmond.

So you really

have left the pulpit.

Nonsense.This is my pulpit now.

Soup, soap, and salvation.

And please,

I'm only known as David here.

Have we met?

We might have, had you not

rejected my last three letters.

Ah, yes, Lady Camdon

of Gladbury, in the flesh.

But I'm sorry that you've

traveled so far only

to hear me decline your

offer once again.

My place is here,

helping the needy.

You, sir, have you

heard this man preach?

Can't say that I have.

[LADY CAMDON] Villagers

flocked to London to hear him.

I once sat by a fisherman

who rode his boat

twelve miles for one sermon.

It was along time ago.

But I'll never forget.

David Richmond, miracle man.

In the midst of

my own great loss,

it was your words

that revived my faith.

Any able bodied man

can serve a bowl of soup,

but few men have

a gift like yours.

My only hope is that

you choose to serve

where your gift is needed most.

God bless you.

[BOY] Thank you very much, sir.

[ABNER] Perhaps you

should think about it, David.

[ABNER]

God bless you.Well done, sir.

[ABNER]

That's it, take a bowl.

Sorry.

[DAVID] Dear Lady Camdon,

your recent visit was a

timely reminder of

the life I left behind.

Though tragedy has

altered my course,

I can no longer stray from

my calling in the pulpit.

I humbly accept the offer

to serve your parish in the

place of the late

Reverend Pillington.

I shall arrive in Gladbury

the Friday before Advent.

Yours truly, David Richmond.

[EMILY]

Come on, boy!

Come on! Move on!

You silly old thing. Come on!

Move on!

Come on!

Might I offer you

some assistance?

Thank you, I'm quite capable!

Well, if it wouldn't be too

forward of me, I could--

[EMILY]

No!

I'm not a sack of potatoes.

Come on!

[EMILY]

Come on, boy. Come on!

[EMILY]

I don't need your help.

[DAVID]

Come on. Come on.

Come on.

[DAVID] And where are

you headed, miss'!

Miss Barstow.

I'm headed to London

by way of Gladbury.

And the people of Gladbury,

they allow a lady to

venture on her own'!

It's the Christmas season.

The whole town's in a fuss.

[DAVID] But Christmas

isn't for weeks.

[EMILY] I take it you've

never been to Gladbury.

Is it really so bad?

It is.

[DAVID]Whoa,

steady boy. Come on!

Come on, come on, come on!

Whoa.Whoa.

[EMILY] Especially

this Christmas

with the new minister

set to arrive.

Reverend High and

Mighty from London.

I hope they dislike

him very much.

Thank you. I hate to be indebted

to anyone, much less a stranger.

It's an easy debt to forgive.

"Reverend High and

Mighty" at your service.

Reverend. How providential.

Oh, we shall see.

Might you have

any words of advice?

Yes.

Retreat.

Walk on.

Very well then.

I look forward to

seeing you at

church on Sunday!

[Emily laughs]

Walk on.

[EDWARD]

Thank you Ebenezer.

REM Hurry up, Edward.

We don't want the new

minister thinking the

Haddingtons are a pair

of village bumpkins.

Codswallop my dear,

you look lovely.

I come from a long line of

bumpkins, and I'm proud of it.

Who wouldn't love

Gladbury at Christmas?

[MAN]

He's here!

[GIRLS]

There he is!

[villagers greet David]

[crowd gasps]

Hello.

[HERBERT] Alright gentlefolk,

make some space.

Oh here, allow me.

Herbert Hopewell,

at your service.

Me and the Missus'll

be looking after you.

[DAVID] Oh.Thank you,

but I can manage.

Not while I'm still breathing.

Reverend Richmond,

welcome to Gladbury.

I'm Bea Haddington,

and this is my Edward.

Edward Haddington.

Of Haddington Chandlery.

Home of the Christmas Candle...'!

Um.

Oh, you haven't heard of us.

That's alright,

you'll have a chance

to meet the reverend

soon enough.

Lovely to see you.

All of you!

Let's see the church, eh?

[church bells ring]

[organ playing]

[ELEANOR] On a starry

night in Bethlehem,

A child was born

to bring light to men.

And our faith waned,

our eyes grew dim

In a candle's light

we found hope again.

There are miracles

all around,

Are you alright?

[HERBERT] There she is,

a special soul.

Miracles yet to be found.

Sometimes I think

I'm hearing an angel.

Hid in every heart is

an answered prayer.

That's my lady...

Eleanor.

Like a candle': flame,

hope will lead us there.

[ELEANOR] Off with

that muddy coat!

Did you crawl all

the way from London?

[ELEANOR]

Come on, britches too.

You're not the first clergyman

I've seen in his underpants.

[Herbert laughs]

[Eleanor giggles]

[ELEANOR]

I'll just get these cleaned up.

[Eleanor giggles]

Were just across the

garden if you need us.

Anything at all.

Welcome to Gladbury, Reverend.

Jesus said, "Ye are

the light of the world."

A city that is set on

a hill cannot be hid.

[parishioner coughs]

Neither do men light a candle

and put it under a bushel,

But on a candlestick.

And it giveth light unto

all that are in the house.

Let your light

so shine before men.

That they may

see your good works.

And glorify your Father,

which is in Heaven.

Thank you Reverend.

Is he talking about

our Christmas Candle?

I think he's gettin' to it.

[DAVID]

You sir!

Would you hide this

candle under a bushel?

No sir, I wouldn't.

Of course not.

And you, Mrs. Haddington?

Would you conceal

this candle under your hat?

Lovely as it is.

[BEA]

No, no, never.

[DAVID] Candles

belong on candlesticks,

giving light to everyone.

[DAVID]

What then is this light

that draws men to

our Heavenly Father?

Is it signs and wonders'!

Angels and miracles?

[DAVID]

Of course not!

[93335]

[DAVID] It is our good works

that shine before men

and glorify our

Father in Heaven.

No.

Not one word about

the Christmas Candle.

Better luck next time.

[LADY CAMDON]

Reverend Richmond.

Lady Camdon.

What a fascinating sermon.

Thank you.

And yet so unlike the sermons

for which you're loved.

That's not to

worry you, Reverend.

You'll do very

well here in Gladbury.

I'll make sure of it.

[DAVID] "An early Christmas gift

for you and all of Gladbury."

This is quite unexpected.

A gift from the

Countess of Gladbury!

Whatever could it be?

Whatever could it be, eh?

Gladbury': most

beloved Advent sermons.

Tried and true.

[HERBERT] Some of these sermons

are two hundred years old.

And I imagine her ladyship

expects me to use these sermons.

Well, I can think of no

better way to preserve

the legacy of the

Christmas Candle.

Forgive my ignorance, but what

is this Christmas Candle?

I think you'll find everything

you're looking for in here.

[DAVID]

This is preposterous!

I thought you might

stop by, Reverend.

Tea?

Had I known that the people

of this town were expecting

to hear such fairy

tales from the pulpit,

I never would have come!

The Christmas Candle is

no fairy tale, I assure you.

[DAVID] Oh, then I suppose

that you have seen

this magical wish

granting angel'!

No.

But he has.

[DAVID] Ah, yes,

the candle maker.

Do I have some

questions for you.

Why one Christmas Candle,

and not fifteen?

Why doesn't this angel

come once every year?

Or every Thursday

afternoon for tea?

And why in all of God's

green Earth, Gladbury'!

[EDWARD]

Why Bethlehem?

Why a babe in a manger?

Who could possibly hope to

understand the ways of the Lord'!

But I see no reason to

promote superstitions

or raise false hopes.

[LADY CAMDON] People of

Gladbury lead difficult lives.

Even the slightest hope of a

miracle keeps their faith alive.

Only to be crushed when

their prayers go unanswered.

If this is what your

people need, then I--

[LADY CAMDON]

What our people need is hope.

And you can give it to them.

I know this firsthand.

Lady Camdon, I'm not the

"miracle man" that you remember.

Coming to Gladbury

was a mistake.

[EDWARD] On that

we are in agreement.

[LADY CAMDON]

But what if it were providence

that brought you here?

I think you should stay.

[EDWARD]Why prolong

the inevitable?

Just until Christmas.

[LADY CAMDON]

This is the year.

Please, David, consider it.

[VICTORIA] Let's go

play in the garden.

[BOY] Victoria, wait for me!

[DAVID] I take it you're not

much of a horsewoman.

[EMILY] If it isn't the

ever-helpful reverend.

[DAVID]Well that depends

on who you're asking.

I fear I have little to offer

the people of Gladbury.

[EMILY] Don't pity

yourself, Reverend.

Though I did warn you.

This town is mad.

[DAVID] All their hopes

wrapped up in one candle.

Oh, not just any candle,

the Christmas Candle.

[DAVID] Miss Barstow, do I

detect an air of skepticism.

[EMILY]The Christmas

Candle': no different than

old wives' tales or

your Bible stories.

Take no offense, Reverend.

So you're not a believer then'!

I'm a believer...

in common sense.

If something seems too good to

be true, then most likely it is.

They'll find out soon enough.

In fifty years, will anyone

know what a candle is'!

Doubtful, we've already

stepped into the

Modern age in my father's shop,

and I must say,

it's electrifying.

"London Lamp 8' Electric"?

[EMILY] The bane of Edward

Haddington': existence.

And worse, founded

by his very own son.

Of course.

Thomas Haddington.

He's the Haddington':

only child,

So the fairy tale ends with him.

[DAVID]What's this for'!

ls this for the Christmas tree'!

I envy him.

He left Gladbury when

he had the chance.

You'd be wise to do the same.

[DAVID]

And what about you'?

[EMILY] My time will come.

When Father's health improves

and he can manage on his own.

[DAVID] Perhaps

we'll find ourselves

In London next Christmas.

[EMILY] If you make it out

of Gladbury intact.

Oh come all ye faithful.

Joyful and triumphant.

Oh come ye oh come

ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him,

Born the king of angels.

Oh come let us adore Him.

Oh come let us adore Him.

Oh come let us adore

Him, Christ the Lord.

[citizens talking

and moving about]

[WILLIAM] You must

be the new Reverend.

I'm William Barstow.

Illness kept me from

church on Sunday,

but I've heard about you.

Oh?

My daughter told me the

new reverend is more

than eager to lend

a helping hand,

even if it does mean

wading through mud.

Oh yes, the spirited

Miss Barstow.

[WILLIAM] I've prayed for

something to bring

my Emily back to the church.

Here's hoping it's you.

[WILLIAM] Do you

have your request?

Go on then.

[WILLIAM]

My nephew's a special boy.

Lots of faith.Wants to

be a preacher, like you.

[crowd oohs and awws]

[EDWARD]

Ladies and gentlemen!

Gentlefolks of Gladbury, welcome

to this very special night.

Now feast your eyes on

the amazing, wondrous,

mystical visions bestowed on

generations of Haddingtons.

Gladbury': very

own Christmas Candle!

[EDWARD]There's a story

that's been passed down

for centuries from

father to son.

On the first Sunday of Advent,

my great-great-great-grandfather

was awakened by a

wondrous light.

[WILLIAM] Poor boy's

parents died a few years back.

We all have our stories.

[WILLIAM] Everyone

here is holding out

for the Christmas Candle.

[crowd oohs and awws]

And where's your request?

Oh, I couldn't possibly.

I'd much rather Charlie

receive the Candle.

[WILLIAM]

Will you be joining us?

[DAVID] Not tonight. I believe

I have a sermon to prepare.

[EDWARD] And so he gave the

first Christmas Candle to orphan

children with Gladbury':

most beloved instruction:

light this and pray.

[ELEANOR] Hid in every

heart is an answered prayer.

Like a candle': flame,

hope will lead us there.

Yes, yes, I know the song.

But we won't

be singing it today.

It's the first Sunday in Advent,

we sing it every year.

But it's tradition.

Well, we'll just make

some new traditions, eh?

We're just grateful we've

got a reverend in the pulpit.

Well, I hope you

won't refuse my lady's

other favorite

Christmas tradition.

Gladbury': very own

Christmas Chasuble.

Welcome.

The first candle of Advent

is the candle of hope.

But hope in what?

An answered prayer? A miracle?

A Christmas Candle?

I'm told that tonight

marks the return

of this remarkable tradition.

Isn't that right Mr. Haddington?

Yes, it is.

[DAVID] And I'm sure

that you know this,

But for my benefit, who here has

put in a request for the candle?

[DAVID]Well,

surely not everyone

can receive the

Christmas Candle.

And yet we all have needs.

So what hope do we have?

Will we abandon our faith?

Fall into despair?

Hm'! I hope not.

And I dare say

that we will not!

We light this candle to remind

us that our hope does not

come from earthly things,

but from above.

From the God who came to us

one starry night in Bethlehem,

and promises to

come again one day.

And that,

good people of Gladbury,

is miracle enough.

[93335]

God bless you.

[EDWARD]

Ignore him, dear.

Ah, Mr. Barstow. And if

it isn't the future reverend.

I understand that we'll be

hearing your sermons one day.

Do you have a

favorite scripture?

Uh--

Go on, don't be shy.

[WILLIAM] Charlie reads

his Bible every day.

[EMILY]

Charlie!

Poor boy would do

anything for that candle.

[WILLIAM] Hasn't

been able to say a

word since his parents died.

[chaotic chatter]

[WOMAN]

Mrs. Haddington!

[MAN]

Take my request!

[MAN]

Has he been yet, sir?

What are we going to do?

Wish the candle came

with a name attached.

What if we already know?

What?

The candle.What if we

already know who should get it?

But we can't!

It's going to take

a miracle, Bea.

I mean,Thomas has

been gone for ten years!

He's not going to

come home on his own.

Keeping the Christmas Candle

for ourselves is so selfish!

Is it?

I mean, think of the people.

For two hundred years,

our family has been

alight to Gladbury.

Does the flame go out with us?

Keep the Christmas Candle?

For the good of Gladbury.

Edward!

[dramatic ethereal music]

[blast]

Well don't look at me!

Get the candle!

[EDWARD]

Oh yes, yes of course!

[Edward trips]

[Bea cries out]

[BEA]

Why, Edward!

[EDWARD]

I couldn't see!

It must be here somewhere.

It must be.

Must be here.

Where is it?

Where is it?

Oh Edward!

Where is it?

Oh!

I've lost the Christmas Candle.

Oh surely this is

God punishing us.

[BEA] Oh don't talk

like that, Edward.

I was--I was foolish to

think that candle was ours.

Is it all clear?

[BEA]

Seems to be.

[BEA] Edward!

The reverend is here!

Hide the candles!

[DAVID] Mr. Haddington.

Mrs. Haddington.

[BEA] What a

pleasant surprise.

[DAVID] I imagine your

night was eventful.

So is it here?

The Christmas Candle?

Yes, yes it's here somewhere.

Bea, Bea.

Of course you're not

going to show it to me,

but that's not why I came.

The people's requests

for the candle...

...may I see them?

[BEA] What do you suppose he

intends to do with them'!

[EDWARD]

I don't know. Pray'!

That's what we should be doing.

We've got to

make it better, Bea.

Yes, but how?

[DAVID]

All done. Thank you.

You may have one candle

to give, but I hope to

give everyone a little

light this Christmas.

That's it!

What?

I mean... that's a lovely idea.

Well, you mustn't delay.

So much to be done

before Christmas.

Good day to you.

[BEA] Yes, yes, God speed

to you on your quest.

What's got into you?

We give them away. All of them.

And have the

entire village think

they've got the actual

Christmas Candle?

We won't tell them that.

We'll tell them what

this family has told

them for generations:

to light it and pray.

But this is Gladbury.

People talk.

Edward, somebody':

miracle is in this basket.

And we won't let it go to waste!

[WILLIAM] Charlie,

the reverend has offered

to give you Bible lessons.

[William coughs]

[DAVID]

Hello, Charlie.

Why don't we start with the

Gospel of John chapter one.

"In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

The same was in

the beginning with God.

All things were made by him;

and without him was not any

thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the

life was the light of men.

And the light

shineth in darkness;

and the darkness

comprehend it not."

"And the impediment

to his tongue was loosed,

and he spoke plainly."

Now Charlie, we are going

to loose that tongue of yours.

Open wide.

And...

[DAVID]

Very good.

And...

Louder.

[nonsensical sounds]

Louder.

[knock at window]

Light this and pray, Charlie.

Even if it's only in your heart.

God will hear you.

[DAVID]

Good morning, Mr. Finch.

What brings you to our home?

[DAVID] I understand you

have requested the candle.

I wondered if

I might be of service.

Reverend, meet my family.

My wife, Delilah.

Hello.

[PHINEAS]

Children.

This is my father, Oliver.

[OLIVER]

The new reverend!

[PHINEAS]

Over here, Dad.

Come on.

Don't suppose you

could help the old man

get his hands on the

Christmas Candle?

Maybe put in a word

to the Haddingtons.

[OLIVER]

Hogwash.

The next time I see,

I hope to be

looking at the Good

Lord himself.

In the meantime, I'll walk

by faith, right Reverend?

Right.

Oh thank you.Thank you so much!

It'll be a happy

Christmas after all!

Remember, children,

this is our little secret.

Reverend Richmond! Do come in.

I've been praying for

company, Reverend.

[DAVID] Why waste a prayer

when I can meet the need?

So you'll find me a

knitting companion?

I... shall.

[KIDS]

Coming!

Don't waste a candle

on an old man like me.

Oliver, there's no such

thing as a wasted prayer.

[MRS. BICKERTON] My stove

doesn't work, and my husband

ran off and left me all on my

own with a colicky baby.

Oh, and then yesterday

the wall fell down,

and my goat left me, too.

I shall keep an eye out...

for both of them.

The Reverend fixing our roof.

We so desperately need it.

Speaking of which, Agnes, my

dumpling, hadn't you a request?

[DAVID] Ah, yes,

Miss Agnes Chumley.

But I see it is

an unspoken request.

Well, go on.

A silent request

is no request at all.

I'm praying for a husband.

By Easter.

Mrs. Haddington.

What brings you here?

[BEA] I've come to

let you know that

your request has been heard.

Oh what a dear,

but I couldn't accept.

That handsome young

reverend has been helping me.

[BEA]

I see.

[BEA] Agnes, dear,

light this and pray.

Mother!

It's the devil's work!

[WIDOW LEONARD]

You tell her, Reverend.

It's unnatural.

What'!

Ungodly.

Yes.

[DAVID] And the light

shineth in Gladbury,

and yet the people

comprehend it not.

[Emily laughs]

[EMILY] Make fun all you want,

you've decided to stay here.

Just long enough

to do some good.

I have a letter

to post for London.

Ruth Goodchild.

To a lady no less.

[DAVID]

Yes, she's a guest of the

Salvation Army in a

difficult situation.

She's just a girl really.

Stockings. Sweets.

May I help you?

I'm looking for, well, uh,

a lot of things actually.

[EMILY]

Sardines.

Thank you.

Soap.

String.

It's alphabetical.

I see.

[DAVID] Well, to do much,

one must be organized.

You really do want to

help these people, don't you'!

Of course I do.

[church organ]

[DAVID]

Welcome everyone.

We light the second candle

of Advent in the love of God.

During Advent,

God pierces the darkness

of the world with

divine light and love.

Because he loved us, he sent

his son to light the way.

Though we must wait

for Christmas day,

we must not wait to love

one another as Christ did.

Does your neighbor need

a miracle this Christmas?

Well why not be that miracle?

[mumbling in crowd]

[MR. COLLINS]

Reverend!

Hello Mr. Collins.

Thought maybe

you could use a hand.

You know, "be the miracle."

[DAVID] Ow.

Where did he come from?

[EDWARD]

Reverend.

[BEA]

Happy candle. Christmas!

[DAVID]

And to you.

[EDWARD]Why'd you

have to say that. Come on.

[BEA]

I'm so sorry.

[DAVID]The prodigal

goat has returned.

Thank you.

Oh, you won't believe it!

The neighbors are

building me a new wall.

[metal clanging]

Here he comes.

Shh.

[metal clanging]

[DAVID]

How does it feel?

Feels... it feels

a lot like seeing!

See Reverend, you

are a miracle worker.

[DAVID]

Hello.

That's a lot of food, Reverend.

Well, you have a

lot of mouths to feed.

That's beautiful.

Another visitor, I--

Hello everyone.

[DAVID] Um,Widow Leonard

just brought us a feast!

Please,join us Reverend.

[DAVID]

Why not?

[WIDOW LEONARD]

I know we fast during Advent

and save the feasting

for Christmas day,

but having company,

that's like Christmas to me.

Gladbury': Christmas pudding.

[BEA]

Light this and pray.

[EDWARD]

Light this and pray.

[prayers spoken aloud,

fading in and out]

[VOICE]

Amen.

[VOICE]

Amen.

[GROUP]

Amen.

[DAVID] Rejoice,

for today we light

the third candle of Advent,

the candle of joy.

When Christ was born,

God used angels to proclaim

"good tidings of great joy."

To all mankind.

Now, we are the messengers

of this good news.

For with every good deed,

every act of kindness,

Christ is born again

and again in our lives.

Now let us go forth,

as joyful messengers,

doing the work of God.

Your work in this town is

impressive, Reverend Richmond.

Thank you, Lady Camdon.

Still there are limits

to what man can do.

[MRS. CHUMLEY]

Reverend. Reverend.

Mrs. Chumley.

Miss Chumley.

How lovely to see

a sister in the Lord.

Well go on my dear,

what have you to say?

I've already made my wishes

known to the Reverend.

And now I'm taking

a step of faith.

Thank you.

[DAVID] Another prayer that

will never be answered.

Well, I for one am

happy to see that

In spite of all your efforts,

you are still inspiring

hope for a miracle.

Come in.

[DAVID]

Mrs. Hopewell.

A friend of mine may be

coming to Gladbury for a while.

I wondered if she might

stay with you and Herbert.

[ELEANOR] She can stay

as long as she likes.

[DAVID] Thank you!

Her name's Ruth.

My colleague Abner

will bring her from London.

Oh, please, allow me.

[ELEANOR]

This is no job for a reverend.

[DAVID]

Nonsense.

[ELEANOR]

This is no job for a lady.

Mrs. Hopewell.

Whatever is the matter?

No, I won't do it.

[DOCTOR] Herbert, you're one

good shock away from the grave.

I'll get plenty of

rest in Heaven.

Herbert.

[DOCTOR] Which

may not be that far off.

You've got a weak heart.

I have a strong faith.

God will either cure me,

or He'll call me home.

[ELEANOR] Of course

he will, but you have to rest.

[DOCTOR] No more

carrying heavy boxes,

climbing ladders,

or chopping wood.

Do you hear me?

But that's my job!

I will chop the wood.

No. No m'lady, I won't have it.

Please. Pray for him, Reverend.

[DAVID]

Certainly.

Our Father in Heaven, please

grant your servant Herbert with

the good sense to follow the

doctor's orders and

get some rest.

[DAVID] I've had

enough of Herbert

hauling crates of candles.

Besides, it's high time

that Gladbury see the light.

[EMILY] Electricity...

In the church.

For too long the church has

stumbled about in the dark ages,

when it should

be lighting the way.

In fact, I believe that

the church should

be the first place to

embrace the future.

Indeed. Now this I have to see.

[DAVID] Miss Barstow,

does this mean that you'll

finally be coming to church?

[Emily laughs]

Twenty-nine prayers.

And only one can be answered.

You mean thirty, dear.

Thirty candles.

No, I'm certain

there were twenty-nine.

[EDWARD] Bea, there were

thirty candles hanging

the night of the angel's visit.

There're always thirty candles.

Twenty-nine!

Bea, a candle is--

Don't say it Edward,

please don't say it out loud.

We've lost the candle.

[hammering and voices]

I'm curious to know the maximum

number you've ever installed.

[ELECTRICIAN]

About twenty.

[DAVID]

Then I want thirty.

No, thirty-five bulbs.

I question the safety of it.

The circuit can only support

so many watts, Reverend.

[DAVID] Then install another

circuit. Install five circuits.

I want the light in

this church to surpass

the brightness of one

thousand candles.

[HERBERT] Reverend Richmond,

could you tell me why

there are men digging

in the church yard,

and fiddling in

our sanctuary walls.

You leave that. My grandfather

carved that altar.

[DAVID] Herbert! I ordered them

here to install electricity.

Electricity?

Electricity is the future.

And a more

practical one at that.

Practical you say'!

How will our treasury

stand this extravagance?

Don't trouble yourself,

Mr. Hopewell.

I've covered the

cost personally.

Consider it my contribution to a

brighter chapter of

Gladbury': history.

I plan to unveil the electricity

at the coming nativity service.

Herbert, your heart.

Sit down, love.

Aye.

[DAVID] Please, think of

this with an open mind.

Think of Herbert. No cumbersome

candles or lanterns to change.

You of all people should

see the value in that.

[ELEANOR]

You could use a lighter load.

L...What'll I do with all

the Haddington candles?

Well, I... I imagine that

we can return them.

In fact, that's the

task that I'll gladly take on.

[BEA] Oh, it's got to

be here somewhere.

Edward!

I have a feeling Edward.

I have a feeling

this is the one.

The Christmas Candle.

What are you suggesting?

I'm not suggesting anything.

I'm... asking.

[knock at the door]

Mr. Haddington.

Reverend.

I regret to inform

you that St. Mark's

no longer requires your candles.

But that's a standing order.

It has been for

two hundred years.

It's standing no more,

I'm afraid.

But I just delivered

three crates.

Yes,thank you,

but we only need one.

But... but--

[DAVID] Trust me when I say,

it's for the good of Gladbury.

[BEA] What does he know

about the good of Gladbury?

This is our legacy,

and he's meddling with it.

I say we light the candle

right now. We've earned it.

We're going to

give this candle away.

To whom'!

[BEA]

Of course.

God bless you, sir.

God bless you, ma'am.

[WORKER]

These are ready to go.

[WORKER]

Give us a hand.

[typing]

[BEA] Whatever will

they think of next?

[SECRETARY]

May I help you?

Um, we're here to

see Thomas Haddington.

And you are?

We're his parents.

We have a gift for our son.

[SECRETARY]

Mr. Haddington': away.

But I'd be happy to

receive it on his behalf.

[EDWARD] Perhaps we

could leave it for him.

[EDWARD]You watch,

Bea, he'll come home.

...of redeeming grace.

Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

In my short time in Gladbury,

I have seen many miracles.

I have seen angels at work.

I have seen them on the

rooftops, at kitchen tables,

and in this very sanctuary.

In fact, I see these angels now.

Mr. Hardy Collins.

Dear Ms. Leonard.

Herbert Hopewell. And every

single one of you who has

allowed the light of

Christ to shine through

your good works this

Advent season.

From what I've read

of Gladbury': past,

this town has

glowed with a certain

miraculous light

for generations.

But today marks the dawning

of a new age in Gladbury.

[DAVID] It is my hope that

in centuries to come,

our beloved church will

shine even brighter still.

Ghastly.

[WIDOW LEONARD]

It's witchcraft! Witchcraft

in the house of the Lord.

[electrical shorts heard]

[CHILD]

Mummy! Daddy!

Get the children!

[DAVID]

Everyone, please!

Remain calm!

[MRS. BICKERTON]

Oh, my poor sweet baby Jesus.

F-F-F-F

Fire!

Dorothy... Dorothy,

get the boy out.

[DAVID]

Remain calm!

[OLIVER] My hat!

Please, everyone, remain calm!

[HERBERT] No,

my grandfather's altar!

[DAVID]

Herbert!

[DAVID]

Herbert!

[DAVID] ls he going

to be alright?

[DOCTOR]

He's dead.

[EMILY]

Reverend!

Miss Barstow.

It's my father.

He's called for you.

[EMILY]

You're alright, Father.

Reverend Richmond's arrived.

Pray for me, Reverend.

What ails you, Mr. Barstow?

Dr. Clem': diagnosed

Father with consumption.

[EMILY] Said he's

done all he can do.

[WILLIAM]

God'll do the rest.

Right, Reverend?

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[EMILY] Do you have anything

to say for yourself'!

I'm sorry, but I can't give your

father what he's asking for.

All he wants is--

I know what he wants.

[EMILY]

Then give it to him.

You're a minister;

he's a dying man.

You can't give him

a simple prayer?

Look, if it's so simple,

then why don't you do it?

I don't believe in miracles.

The fourth candle of Advent,

our last before Christmas Eve,

represents the peace of God,

who passes all understanding.

In the coming days of Christmas,

let us be instruments

of this peace,

Shining light where

there is darkness,

hope where there is despair,

sowing joy where

there is sadness...

...and faith where

there is doubt.

You asked me

to fill your pulpit,

and instead

I emptied your church.

You mustn't take all the credit.

I did ask you to come.

I am a man of faith,

Lady Camdon.

I believe God worked

in the appointed time.

But in our modern age,

the lame don't walk,

blind men do not see,

and the sick die.

But sometimes they live.

Walk with me, Reverend.

[LADY CAMDON]

Twenty-five years ago,

our town suffered

great hardship.

That's when the Haddingtons gave

The candle to

Reverend Pillington.

But when he lit

the candle to pray...

...well, he nearly burned

the vestry to the ground.

The poor dear was in despair,

and then, within

the church walls,

a treasure was discovered,

several gold crosses

and a ruby brooch.

A hidden treasure?

Well, had it not

been for the fire,

it would've remained hidden.

And thankfully, there was just

enough to repair the church

And to provide for Gladbury's

impoverished

families that winter.

The very first

Christmas Candle

went to my

great-great-great-grandmother.

Once she was a

hopeless orphan, and then...

Miracles are part of

our inheritance, Reverend.

Tell that to Mrs. Hopewell.

I believe you'll find

Mrs. Hopewell': faith to be much

stronger than the grief

she's feeling now.

Your doubts don't

trouble me, Reverend.

On the contrary,

they inspire my faith.

[honk]

[BEA] Edward,

have a look at this!

It's a carriage

that pulls itself!

In all my days...

Bea! It's Thomas!

It's Thomas.

[THOMAS]

Father. Mother.

Oh, look at you,

handsome and fancy!

That carriage of yours!

It's called a Stanley Steamer,

one of the first of its kind.

I had it shipped from America.

[EDWARD] Shall I help you

bring in your luggage?

[THOMAS] Oh,

I'm not staying, Father.

Oh, not staying, don't be silly.

I'm married, Mother.

I'm on the way to

meet her family now.

Getting married.

Name's Priscilla.

She's the daughter of a baron.

Oh! And, are you happy?

I'm finally making a name

for myself, for the family.

Business is expanding,

and one day I'll

introduce you to Priscilla.

Why did you come?

I know how much this candle

means to you, to Gladbury,

but it's lost on me.

You must light it and pray,

and then you'll see.

See what, Mother?

A miracle?

Gladbury needs you, son.

The world needs me.

I'm lighting up entire cities.

It was good to see you.

Both of you.

[THOMAS]

Merry Christmas.

Thomas, the miracles, the angel,

you saw it with your own eyes.

I was a child. I saw

what I wanted to see.

Goodbye.

[BEA]

Thomas.

Reverend.

I would like to see your father.

[William coughing]

[EMILY]

Father. Father.

[DAVID]

Mr. Barstow, if I may.

[DAVID] And it came to

pass that a certain

blind man sat by the

wayside begging,

He cried, "Jesus, thou Son of

David, have mercy on me."

And Jesus said unto him,

"What wilt though that

I should do unto thee?"

The blind man said unto him,

"Lord, that I might

receive my sight."

And Jesus said, "Go thy way;

thy faith has made thee whole."

And immediately

he received his sight

and followed Jesus in the way.

Did I not say to you

that if you would believe,

You would see the glory of God.

And they took away

the stone from the

place where the

dead man was lying,

and Jesus lifted up

his eyes and said,

"Father, I thank you

that you have heard..."

And these are written

that you might believe

that Jesus is the

Christ, the son of God,

and that in believing,

you might have life.

Behold there came a leper

and worshipped him,

"Lord, if thou wilt, thou

canst make me clean."

And Jesus put forth his hand...

My little daughter is

at the point of death.

I pray thee, Lord,

come and lay hands on her,

that she might be healed.

If I may but touch his

garment, I shall be whole.

If thou canst believe, all

things are possible to him...

The father of

the child cried out,

"Lord, I believe,

help my unbelief!"

And he said to her,

"Damsel, arise."

And they were astonished,

a great astonishment.

Speak the word,

and my servant shall be here.

And Jesus said unto them,

"Thy faith has made you whole."

David. David.

He's asleep.

[DAVID] My wife and daughter

died of consumption.

I prayed. I even

believed for a miracle.

[DAVID]

But God did nothing.

Oh, David.

[DAVID] One day my faith was so

certain, and then it was gone.

There was a time

when I could not...

...utter a prayer or step

foot in a church.

I believe I've made

my peace with God.

But still I was a

different man before.

The love I shared,

the hope I had...

Some things,

they cannot be restored.

I do hope you're wrong.

Such a hope is too great a risk.

But I wonder what you

risk living without it.

[DAVID] [weakly]

I should go.

[Emily sobs]

Bea.

He won't light it.

I'll light it for him.

It's of no use.

Anyway, we don't even

know if it's the right one.

Well then we'll find out.

We did everything we knew to do.

We gave away every last candle,

and this one came back.

Twice.

This could be

our miracle, Edward.

I hope I'm not overstepping

my boundaries,

but I know just the person to

give the candle to this year.

David Richmond.

Think of it, Edward.

Your father gave the candle

to Reverend Pillington.

And as we know, David is a far

greater wretch than he ever was.

[BEA] You make a compelling

argument, but I don't--

Don't tell me you've

given the candle away.

This is the candle,

isn't it'! Splendid.

Then we're in agreement?

[BEA] Lady Camdon,

I don't think--

[EDWARD]Yes, we'll give

the candle to David.

Good.

[LADY CAMDON] Lord knows,

he could use a little light.

But he doesn't

even believe in the candle.

Edward.

Edward, please!

Mr. Haddington.

May I have a word'!

The Christmas Candle.

You're giving the candle to me?

[EDWARD]Well, you

weren't the first choice.

What am I to do with it.

Just light it and...

just light it.

Just do something

good for Gladbury.

[DAVID]

Emily.

[DAVID]

In church.

And on your own accord.

It's true.

Am I to think that

you've come to believe?

I don't know.

I want to.

In times like this,

it would be comforting.

Don't think less of me.

I have a problem.

Cousin Charlie was given

this blasted Christmas Candle,

and the poor boy

has given it to me.

Who could refuse

a gift like that?

Now all I can do is pray.

I feel as though

I owe it to him.

That is a problem.

[banging on door]

[EDWARD]

Yes, yes, I'm coming.

Reverend Richmond, Miss Barstow.

[DAVID]

Mr. Haddington, a word.

Reverend!

Miss Barstow!

Is there a problem?

[DAVID] On the contrary.

A great and wondrous miracle

has taken place this

Christmas season.

It seems that the angel

has blessed not one,

but two Christmas

Candles this year.

And now that I think of it,

how small is my faith,

to think that this angel

might stop at two.

Why not three or four?

Or maybe there are no

limits to the blessings

the Good Lord might

bestow upon Gladbury.

[BEA]

Well, we can explain.

Edward tripped, and then--

you came around.

There was an accident.

Yes, we'd lost the candle.

So I said, "Why don't we

give all the candles?"

Bea.

And Edward said--

We meant no harm.

But you've given us false hope.

Surely you can see that.

How could you?

How could you question my

intentions for the people of

Gladbury when you, yourselves

so blatantly misled them?

I fear this Christmas will end

in nothing but disappointment,

And you and your fairy

tales are to blame.

[Bea gasps]

Perhaps it was providence

that kept me in Gladbury.

Well, here we are again.

[DAVID]

Thank you, Mrs. Hopewell.

I can never repay you.

I know what it is

to suffer a great loss.

Allow me, Reverend.

It's time.

On Christmas Eve, we light

the final candle of Advent,

the Christ Candle, for only

in Christ do we find the hope,

love, joy, and peace that we

have come to know this season.

Christmas Eve

holds a special place

in the heart of every believer,

and nowhere is this more true

than in the town of Gladbury.

Many of you have no

doubt come to rejoice

in the miracle of the

Christmas Candle.

But regretfully,

tonight you shall see this

long-standing tradition

come to an end.

[gasps]

Father?

I would now like to ask

the recipient of the

Christmas Candle

to please stand.

[murmurs]

[DAVID] Now more than

ever I see the urgent need

to speak on the virtue

of enduring faith,

a faith that endures

disappointment, and

unanswered prayer.

A faith that relies not on

the hollow promises of men,

but on the sovereignty

of Almighty God.

I...

I...

I've got something to say!

[gasps and chatter]

I can speak!

[joyful voices]

I prayed. Every day I prayed,

And then I woke up this

morning, and I could talk.

I don't understand it.

I even gave my candle away.

But my favorite scripture says,

"With God,

all things are possible."

Now I'm never going to stop

talking, especially about this!

[applause]

I don't know how this happened,

but my wife also received

the Christmas Candle.

For my husband.

As many of you know,

I was stuck on the bottle.

Like never before, I prayed.

And I found I was

drinking less and less.

Which really is a miracle.

[applause]

I was hopeless.

I'd lost everything.

And now, nothing': lost at all.

It's all been found.

[applause]

[MR. FINCH] I've been out

of a job for some time now,

and found myself

in debt up to my ears.

But then, our landlady--

[MRS. FINCH] She forgave

us our debts in full.

[MR. FINCH] And if

that wasn't enough,

well I found work

at the Leonard house.

It makes a man feel good to

provide for his family again.

And my wife, she's found

a good friend in Ms. Leonard.

[MRS. FINCH]

Yes, this dear woman,

she's taught our kids to knit.

[laughs and applause]

[JOE] [on verge of tears]

My name's Joe.

I'm not really a religious man.

I asked for the candle,

and it's saved my cat.

It may not seem much, but

she means a great deal to me.

I never thought I'd get

the Christmas Candle,

but thank God I did.

[applause]

[PHINEAS]The candle was

for me old man, Oliver Barber.

[DELILAH]

He was blind.

As you may have heard,

dad died this morning.

[DELILAH] And just before

he left us, he whispered,

"I can see."

"I can see." His prayer was

answered,just as he'd hoped.

He saw Jesus.

When I received the candle,

I thought my prayer'd

be answered one way,

so I took a step of faith.

Only it was in

the wrong direction.

But then I stumbled into

the arms of Hardy Collins,

the man of my dreams,

and just this morning,

he asked me to be his wife.

[excited gasps]

My answer's yes!

[EMILY]

I don't know what to say,

except I prayed for

my father, and here he is.

[WOMAN] I hadn't spoke

to my sister in ten years.

I even stopped coming

to church because of her.

But we both

received the candle...

So Reverend, have you changed

your mind about Gladbury?

I'm afraid this has only

confirmed my suspicions.

How can you not believe?

I believe...

but I do not belong.

[thunder]

[applause]

Quite a night.

More than I could have imagined.

I know he'll come back, Edward.

Not tonight. Maybe not until

after we've both gone,

but I don't have

to see it to believe

that our son will

come home again.

[thunder]

[DAVID] God help

me in my unbelief.

[thunder and wind]

[ELEANOR] There are

miracles all around,

Miracles yet to be found.

Hid in every heart is

an answered prayer.

[DAVID JOINS]

Like a candle': flame,

Hope will lead us there.

[DAVID]

When the darkness comes,

Let the light shine through,

A spark of faith

will ignite in you.

In a candle': glow,

a Virgin's womb,

In a simple prayer

in the empty tomb.

[BOTH] There are

miracles all around.

Miracles yet to be found.

Hid in every heart

is an answered prayer.

Like a candle': flame,

hope will lead us there.

[door opens]

Abner!

It's Ruth!There's

been an accident,

The carriage overturned.

We've got to hurry.

She's about to have the baby.

[DAVID]Where is she'!

ls she alright?

[ABNER] About a mile away.

She needs a doctor.

[DAVID] We can take

Miss Barstow': cart.

[EMILY] Come on, boy, come on!

[DAVID]

Come on!

[DAVID] Abner, are you sure

that this is the way'!

[ABNER]

Straight on, keep going.

[DAVID]

Whoa! Whoa!

[DAVID]

How much further is it?

[ABNER] Just round the bend,

where the road drops off.

[EMILY] I'll come with you.

I know these woods.

[ABNER] I'll be

ready with the horse.

[DAVID] Have we

made a wrong turn?

[EMILY] I don't think so,

there should be a clearing.

[DAVID] How will

we ever find her?

[EMILY] That won't do us

any good, not in this.

[DAVID] It's one of the

Haddington candles.

[EMILY]

I have three left.

[DAVID]

Try again.

[DAVID]Wait! Please,

God, keep Ruth safe.

Help us find her.

[DAVID]

Try again.

Please, God.We need a miracle.

[EMILY]

What's happening?

[DAVID]

A miracle is happening.

[DAVID]

Let's go.

[DAVID]

Let's go.

[DAVID]

Ruth!

Ruth! Thank God we found you.

[RUTH]

Mr. Richmond.

You're safe now.

[baby cries]

[CHARLIE]

Faster, Uncle, faster!

[DAVID]

Dear Lady Camdon,

[WILLIAM]

Charlie...

[DAVID] Every minister aspires

to leave his mark on a parish,

but truth be told, Gladbury

has left its mark on me.

In spite of my best efforts,

I witnessed many miracles

this Advent season.

None more remarkable than

my own change of heart.

If you will have me, I will be

honored to remain in Gladbury,

for many Christmases to come.

[DAVID] [to couple]

Congratulations.

[DAVID]Your miracle man,

David Richmond.

Ah, the Reverend Richmond.

Happy Christmas.

Happy Christmas to you.

I don't quite know what to say,

except for there's someone

I'd like you to meet.

[ELEANOR]

Let me take that.

[BEA] But you knew

about this all along?

I had an inkling, but I didn't

know for sure until

Ruth confirmed

Thomas was the father.

Are you ready?

[DAVID] Come,

meet your grandchild.

Ruth, this is Mr. and Mrs.

Haddington,Thomas' parents.

I hardly know what to say.

He has your eyes.

Have you named him?

I'd like to name

him after my father.

He looks like an Edward.

Isn't that a fine name?

May I?

[BEA]

Our grandson.

Edward.

[DAVID]

Emily!

I was hoping, uh...

Yes;

I was hoping that we might

spend Christmas together.

Your first

Christmas in Gladbury.

And your last.

Gladbury has a funny

way of keeping people.

I used to mind it.

I don't anymore.

Forgive me.The moment

seemed providential.

[DAVID] Does this mean

I'll be seeing you

in church from now on?

[Emily chuckles]

On a starry night

in Bethlehem,

A child was born

to bring light to men.

And our faith waned, our eyes grew dim

In a candle': light

we found hope again.

There are miracles

all around,

Miracles yet to be found.

Hid in every heart is

an answered prayer.

Like a candle': flame,

hope will lead us there.

When the darkness comes,

let the light shine through,

A spark of faith

will ignite in you.

In a candle': glow,

a Virgin's womb,

In a simple prayer,

in the empty tomb.

There are miracles

all around,

Miracles yet to be found.

Hid in every heart

is an answered prayer.

Like a candle': flame,

hope will lead us there.

When the light has

dawned on Christmas day,

We will lift our

voice in endless praise.

When the light has

dawned on Christmas day,

[we will say:

There are miracles all around,

miracles yet to be found.

Hid in every heart

is an answered prayer.

Like a candle': flame,

hope will lead us there.