Worth watching. Sit down. Get comfortable. Here you'll find a touch of Warm interactions, loving loyal friendship, faith in God and kindness. There's a sting of betrayal and suffering. And then forgiveness. But not until the emotional process is given time to find its balance. Life isn't fair. Its not a steady stream of perfection and smiles and feeling great every day. No matter what color you are there's a challenge up ahead. It's all about how one handles and reacts to the obstacles and painful unfair events that cross the paths of life. Love joy friendship peace forgiving and letting go. God.

This 1996 TV film is based on a novel of the same title and year by Richard Paul Evans. It's supposed to be a prequel to his 1995 best-seller, "The Christmas Box," which also was made into a TV movie that year.

This is a powerful story of love between a man and woman, of love between friends, of brotherly love and respect between people, and the love that is forgiveness and compassion. The film has an excellent plot and cast. The screenplay and directing at times seem a little stilted, and at other times hesitant or uncertain. And, some of the acting seems a little wooden at times. Otherwise it's a very good story with good acting all around.

I wonder if the ending doesn't catch many by surprise.

There no doubt are some who would not agree with what happens with Mary and David Parkin at the end. And probably very few who would do what they did. Yet this is a powerful scene that strikes right at heart of what it means to love. It shows how real love overcomes the bitterness of anger and revenge. And, how such love then replaces sorrow with joy.

A very fine story, indeed. And a fitting film for any Christmas movie library.

The Christmas Box is one of our favorites and scores a perfect 10. The Timepiece was also a Hallmark Hall of Fame and aired the following year 1996. The Timepiece follows the youth of Mary Parkin who is the old woman in the Christmas Box. The Timepiece shows us where the "Christmas Box" came from.

The Timepiece is an excellent movie in its own right. The IMDB description is as follows and really does not describe the movie. "Set in the 1940's, James Earl Jones as an an old clockmaker faces racism and is tried for murder when the racist is killed." The trial is a very minor but essential part of the story and he didn't really face racism.

Naomi Watts is lovely as Mary and Kevin Kilner as David. We have a great actor James Earl Jones as the clock repairman and Ellen Burstyn as Maude. All four are great. A nice story of forgiveness is woven into it.