This is an engaging movie. Following the death of their son in Operation Desert Storm, the Boyajians haven’t felt much like celebrating Christmas and in fact have not celebrated it for years. And, on top of that, the family waits anxiously to learn if their daughter has breast cancer. So they decide to do everything in their power to make Christmas like it used to be. In fact, local merchants are surprised when they begin buying lights, a tree and so forth and all the merchants, who care for this local family, donate to them everything they need to celebrate. The dad (William Devane) frequently goes to the war memorial, talking about his memories of his son and talking to him. One evening while he’s there some thugs come along and try to rough him up and steal his pick-up. A shadowy figure appears in the ally, resembling a soldier. A voice from nowhere – and suddenly everywhere – scares them away.
Hospital visits, test upon test, doctors and technicians become a way of life for the Boyajians as their only daughter is put through the ringer. To top things off, a stranger the father picks up has joined them but this visitor, who says he served in the same war their son and brother did, will change their lives forever.
This is a wonderful Christmas movie for the family. The viewer will feel the turmoil the parents go through and the release when their faith is restored. The ending also might have some viewers scratching their heads regarding the visitor, but the love of the son and brother is definitely burned into the family’s hearts. We award “A Christmas Visitor” five Doves. It is a film that just might renew your faith in any area where it is lacking. Yes, it is that good!