The Love brought by Christmas: The Christmas Card

In the midst of war in Afghanistan, Cody Cullen (John Newton) is touched by a Christmas card sent by Faith Spelman (Alice Evans) from the small, picturesque town of Nevada City, California. As months pass, the card never leaves his side, giving him the strength to survive and setting him on a mission to find her.

Around Thanksgiving, Faith Spelman (Alice Evans) of Nevada City, California, participates in a local church activity around the holiday's called Operation Christmas Card in support of the troops overseas. She prepares a hand written letter with a photo of her home attached to the front of the card, which by chance, is delivered to Master Sergeant Cody Cullen (John Newton) stationed in Afghanistan around Christmas time. Shortly afterward, one of his buddies is killed while delivering medical supplies. His commanding officer, Colonel Ashby (Vaughn Armstrong), comforts him and orders him to take a leave of absence and asks him to deliver the dog tags of the killed soldier personally to the fiancee, that happens to live in Nevada City, California.

While on leave, and after visiting the the gal that lost her fiancee, Cody Cullen happens across Faith Spelman in a diner while ordering the same sandwich, fries and hot coco that she likes, finding her eating his extra crispy fries. Cody Cullen spends the night in a nearby hotel and attends the local church, the same one that organized Operation Christmas Card, only to bump into Fait and her dad, Luke Spelman (Edward Asner). Luke discovers Cody is on leave from the Army and seeks him out after church, crossing the street while a speeding car approaches. Cody, a special forces soldier, acts quickly and tackles Luke before being run over.

At the hospital, Rosie Spelman (Lois Nettleton) thanks Cody, as does Faith and Luke. Rosie insists Cody stay for dinner. At the house, which is on the card that Cody received from Faith, a plot thickens. Cody finds the home everything he had hoped it would be, and more. Luke offers Cody a chance to spend Christmas with their family and work at Luke's lumber mill during the holidays, helping Luke's brother-in-law Richard (Peter Jason) with the business.

As Cody settles in to this new experience, he discovers family, friends and a love for Faith. He reluctantly doesn't reveal he received the Christmas card from her, making the best not to interfere with her current relationship with her boyfriend. Still, both Luke and Richard have a plan to play matchmaker.

A touching story that tugs at your heart and is entertaining from start to finish. A must see for romantics and veterans alike.

Yes, that's the plot ;)

This movie showed us the power of love as it binds two hearts from different place. Well, at the same time it is also about family for it portrays good family values. The movie is "real" and not some fairy tale Christmas story. It makes you feel like you visited the characters yourself. The actors are all great, and the movie never gets boring. The plot continues to build on emotions and suspense of the fate of the lone soldier. It will make you look deeper into your own relationships to find your true feelings for someone in place of a false sense of belonging to someone. 

It is true that Christmas time is loving time. So spread the love, always. Spend the day as if it is Christmas. Bring joy and love to everyone. God bless the soldiers who receive such heartfelt Christmas cards and give them strength and hope to fulfill their dreams.

by: Maria Aira B. Sobreviñas