The Heart of Christmas
DVD released cover
Written by	Lance W. Dreesen
Directed by	Gary Wheeler
Starring	Candace Cameron Bure Erin Bethea Jeanne Neilson Eric Jay Beck George Newbern Matthew West
Music by	Matthew West
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Production
Producers	Suzette Schafer Charlie Schafer Mark Burman
Cinematography	Rob Givens
Editor	Jonathan Olive
Running time	107 minutes
Production companies	SlingShot Picture My Three Sons Film
Original release
Release	December 4, 2011 (2011-12-04)

The Heart of Christmas is a 2011 American Christian drama film directed by Gary Wheeler. It stars Candace Cameron Bure, Erin Bethea, Jeanne Neilson, Eric Jay Beck, George Newbern, and Matthew West. Based on a true story, the film involves a woman's encounter with a family caring for a child with acute leukemia and how it transforms her faith and her attitude about her own family.

Plot

Megan Walsh is a successful businesswoman who does not seem to have enough time for her husband and two children. While taking her children trick-or-treating during Halloween, she encounters a confusing situation in which many families are decorating for Christmas (which is nearly two months away). Their explanation is that they are trying to provide one last Christmas for Dax Locke, a toddler in their neighborhood who is dying of a rare form of leukemia. Curious, Megan reads Dax's mother Julie's blog and learns about the Lockes' journey. Inspired, Megan examines her own life and priorities.^[1]

Cast

• Candace Cameron Bure as Megan Walsh
• Jeanne Neilson as Julie Locke
• Eric Jay Beck as Austin Locke
• Erin Bethea as Trish Hurtgren
• Matthew West as Mark Hurtgren
• Christopher Shone as Dax Locke
• George Newbern as Dr. Don Sandler
• Nicholas Shone as Dax Locke
• Dendrie Taylor as Michelle Denford
• Anita Renfroe as Theresa
• Burgess Jenkins as Walt Walsh
• Brooke Bryan as Emma Walsh
• Hayden & Christian Nelson as Jackson Walsh
• Bruce Marchiano as Dr. McDowell

Reception

The film does not appear to have received reviews by any major professional film critics. Rotten Tomatoes has no rating for the movie.^[2] Scott Rolfe at The Dove Foundation website assigns the film 5 stars out of 5, although this may reflect its acceptability for the foundation's wholesomeness for family viewing.^[3]

Release

It received a worldwide television premiere on December 4, 2012, on Gospel Music Channel (GMC).^[4]