Every year Alexander and his mother witness the lighting of the Christmas tree. This year the Keeper of the Flame will choose the person who has given the truest gift of Christmas to light the flame. Alexander is saddened that he has nothing to give. . . but readers learn a lesson: It isn't what one has to give, but what one gives of themselves. Full color.

High in the mountains lies the town of Noel, surrounded by beautiful white walls and a great silver gate. Every year Alexander and his mother walk the long distance to Noel to watch the lighting of the village Christmas tree. This year Alexander learns that the Keeper of the Flame will choose the person who has given the truest gift of Christmas to light the flame. On his way to Noel, Alexander helps a poor old man he finds lying in the snow. His act of charity is rewarded when “he” is chosen to light the Christmas flame. Alexander learns that it isn't what you have to give, but how you give of yourself that matters most.

Master storyteller Richard Paul Evans weaves a heartwarming tale of the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

Richard Paul Evans is the #1 best-selling author of “The Christmas Box”. His?novels have each appeared on the “New York Times ”bestseller list; there are more than thirteen million copies of his books in print. His books have been translated into more than?twenty-four languages and several have been international best sellers. He is the winner of the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place “Storytelling World” Awards for his children's books, the 2005 “Romantic Times” Best Women's Novel of the Year Award, and?two Wilbur Awards for Fiction (Book).? Evans received the "Washington Times