Genre:

 Heartwarming / Inspirational Drama

 Length:90–110 minutes 

 8–12 actors (flexible for youth or mixed-age ensembles)

Overview

“A Candle for Christmas” is an emotionally rich, full-length Christmas production that follows the incredible impact of a simple idea: a young boy’s vision to help his church light candles for people who feel forgotten.

Across four powerful parts, this deeply moving script weaves together stories of hope, healing, reconciliation, and love — showing how one small flame can ignite transformation in an entire community.

Story Summary

Part 1 – The First Light

When Evan, a compassionate 12-year-old, creates a “Light a Candle for Someone” table at his church, people begin stepping forward to share their burdens. A lonely widow, a homeless veteran, and a struggling single mother find comfort and belonging in the warm glow of the candles. The church becomes a sanctuary for wounded hearts.

Part 2 – The Light That Connects

On Christmas Eve, during a sudden blackout, Evan’s candles become the only source of light — and a symbol of Christ’s presence. Testimonies from members of the congregation unite the community, revealing the healing power of forgiveness, restored relationships, and new beginnings.

Part 3 – The Light That Spreads

As the project grows, the candle table draws newcomers, including Hannah, a runaway teen seeking safety. The church council wrestles with the unexpected consequences of radical compassion, but ultimately embraces the movement as lives continue to change — including a veteran reconnecting with his sister and a family reconciling after years of separation.

Part 4 – The Light That Changes Lives

The church launches a “Year of Light,” expanding the project into a long-term ministry of hope. Hard truths emerge, past wounds surface, and forgiveness becomes a central theme. Despite conflict and fear, every character finds redemption as they gather to bless the final candle of the year — a symbol of the healing that began with one boy’s small act of love.

Themes

• Hope in darkness

• Community and kindness

• Forgiveness and restoration

• Faith put into action

• The ripple effect of compassion

What Makes This Script Special

• Flexible casting suitable for small or large groups

• Multi-generational roles that engage children, teens, and adults

• Emotionally powerful storytelling with humor, tenderness, and redemption

• Perfect for Christmas services, outreach nights, or full-scale productions

• Rich character arcs that allow actors to deliver heartfelt performances

• A strong Gospel-centered message without being overly preachy

Ideal For

✔ Churches & ministries

✔ Christmas services & community events

✔ Youth and family productions

✔ Inspirational theater groups

✔ Fundraising or outreach programs

Tagline

“One light can warm the coldest heart.”

A Candle for Christmas

Genre: Heartwarming / Inspirational

Length: ~50 minutes 

Cast: 8–12 (flexible; extras optional)

Theme: One light can warm the coldest heart.

PART 1

CHARACTERS

Main Characters

• Evan (10–12): Kind, creative boy; starts the candle project.

• Pastor Ruth (40s–60s): Warm, calm, wise; supports Evan.

• Mrs. Whitfield (70s+): Lonely widow; gentle but withdrawn.

• Corporal Daniel Hayes (30s–50s): Homeless veteran carrying invisible wounds.

• Maria (20s–30s): Struggling single mom; exhausted but resilient.

• Lily (8–10): Evan’s little sister; sweet, hopeful.

• James (30s–40s): Maria’s estranged brother (appears later).

• Choir Kids / Church Helpers (flex roles for group scenes)

SETTING

• A small, cozy church decorated for Christmas.

• A table is set at the front marked “Light a Candle for Someone” with tall pillar candles and matches.

• Scenes move between the church sanctuary, a small fellowship hall, and short spotlit vignettes of people’s lives.