There's an old story about a devout man who is told that God will be
coming to visit him. He eagerly awaits his visitor, ready with
refreshments, but his anticipation does not prevent him from letting in a
series of uninvited guests, paupers in various states of distress. At
the end of the day, he is grateful for the company but puzzled as to why
God never showed up, whereupon he learns that he actually hosted God in
disguise on three separate occasions.
It's a nice tale, one
whose elements have crept into many a Christmas story. I can't help but
think Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box, may have been influenced by this folksy narrative when he set out to write The Christmas Candle. The two stories are almost identical opposites, much like A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life.
Instead of a kindly old gentleman, we have a surly young man who is
terribly put out by all of the poverty-stricken people in town.
Stepping into a candle shop, he buys a Christmas candle, against the
advice of the shop owner. Don't worry, the flames don't spread and start
to eat everything in sight after midnight, a la Gremlins. But
they do shed a most disconcerting light on all the ragged townspeople
cantankerous Thomas meets. What will he do with this unexpected gift of
illumination?
Well, with Richard Paul Evans at the helm, it's a
pretty safe bet a change of heart is on the horizon. And what Christmas
story worth its salt ends with a protagonist who is just as grouchy as
he was in the beginning? The fantastic oil paintings by Jacob Collins
sweeten the deal, drawing readers irresistibly into the moving, though
slightly unsettling, story.
There's darkness in this tale,
exposed by the illumination of the Christmas candle. It doesn't shy away
from acknowledging that there are people in turmoil throughout this
world. But it offers a solution of empathy and compassion, and the
author puts his money where his mouth is by donating the proceeds to The
Christmas Box House International, which seeks to rescue children from
abusive situations.
Bring a little warmth and light to your bookshelf with The Christmas Candle.
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