The Bethlehem Flame of Peace arrives in Malta

At the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem burns a flame at the site of Christ’s birth.

This flame, kept lit for centuries, is the Bethlehem Peace Light, symbolizing peace, love, and goodness. Christian nations from around the world take turns donating the oil to ensure that this Peace Light is never extinguished. It is said that in the 12th century a crusader brought home a gift of the Peace Light for his family to share this great goodness.

Sharing of the Bethlehem Peace Light in modern times began in 1986, when a radio station in Linz, Austria, began a charitable relief mission for children in need. Since then, every year before Christmas, a chosen child lights a flame from the Bethlehem Peace Light. This flame is then flown to Vienna, from where scouts of every nationality have taken it upon themselves as their mission to distribute the Bethlehem Peace Light to as many communities as possible.

At first, the Bethlehem Peace Light was primarily distributed in Europe. By train, bus, car, and bicycle the Light is transported from city to city and shared especially with those, like the elderly and sick, who need some extra Christmas warmth. People also use the Bethlehem Peace Light to light their candles during Christmas dinner and in churches during Christmas services.

In 2008, Austrian scouts flew the Bethlehem Peace Light to the United States. Representatives from various scouting organizations met at the airport and began the distribution of the flame throughout this country.

For the third consecutive year, this year, in Malta, Baden Powell Scouts Malta travelled to Catania on 31 December to obtain the live Bethlehem Peace Light from Federazione Scout Europa in Catania.

On Saturday, 7 January, a simple but significant ceremony will be presided by President Marie Louise Coliero Preca at San Anton Gardens. The general public, representatives of all denominations and of civil society are invited to this manifestation of peace.