Sharing the Light

PEACE LIGHT PRAYER

May the kindly spirit of Christmas spread its radiance far and wide,

So all the world may feel the glow, of this Holy Christmastide.

So may this light of peace today that has travelled many miles,

Bring joy and hope to many and fill each face with smiles.

So may every heart and home continue through the year,

To feel the warmth and wonder of this season of good cheer.

And may it bring us closer to God and to each other,

With every stranger known as friend, whether Sister or a Brother.

THE 2020 PEACE LIGHT

The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized by the Austrian Broadcasting Company – ORF (Linz) – and was part of a large charitable relief mission – Light into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad.

Since 1986 there has been co-operation between Scouts and Guides in many countries which has allowed the light to travel throughout Europe, such that the light is passed on to 30 European Countries and for the past few years, on to North America, Mexico and Canada.

Each year, a child, the “Peace Child,” from Upper Austria kindles a flame from the “Eternal Flame” from the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem. The light is then flown to Austria and distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe who carry it, with a message of Peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical services.

Scouts and Guides then carry the light to other churches, hospitals and places of public, cultural and political importance – to anybody or group that appreciates the significance of the “gift.”  In past years the light has been presented to Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, Mikhail Gorbachov, the former King Hussain of Jordan, European Union President Romano Prodi and other members of the European parliament in Strasbourg, the United Nations Troops in Kosovo and Ground Zero, New York USA.

Eastridge Presbyterian Church has taken part in sharing the light in our state, community, and congregation since 2015.  Throughout the year, we tend the flame in the kitchen stove, as the pilot light.  This year, due to the pandemic, the flame we are sharing with you is the same flame that we received last year at this time.  May it be a reminder for us of the flame of the Holy Spirit that unites us all, even when we are physically distant.  We pray this flame will be a meaningful reminder that the God made manifest in Jesus Christ remains with us today by the power of the Holy Spirit, in our hearts, homes, and world.