The Preacher's Wife is a sweet, touching holiday film with appealing stars, swell music and the best of intentions.

It would be Grinch-like to dwell on its shortcomings -- weak pacing, semi-frayed story line -- so let's focus on the good stuff.

Number one, Whitney sings. Ms. Houston gets almost ample time to display her breathtaking vocal talents, often on gospel tunes and accompanied by the Georgia Mass Choir & Band. Sure, the gospel sound is watered down, but even so, the movie comes closest to realizing its feel-good aspirations in its full-throated church-singing interludes.

Number two, Denzel acts. Mr. Washington may be less of a rascal than Cary Grant (who starred in the 1947 original The Bishop's Wife), but he's one of the most adept screen actors at work today, and he brings verve, spirit and comic energy to the role of an angel assigned to help an overworked minister (Courtney B. Vance) and his neglected wife (Ms. Houston).

Number three, the supporting cast includes Gregory Hines, Loretta Devine, and Jenifer Lewis, all of whom bring zest to the screen. And as the minister's son, Justin Pierre Edmund makes a strong play for Cutest Movie Kid of the year.

The movie takes no chances, and breaks no ground, nor does it dig deep into its emotional turf. Still, it is warm as a Christmas candle and appealing as a homemade quilt. These days, any family film that fills that bill is a rare gift indeed.