(From City of Joplin)
For over one-thousand years, lamps have been continuously lit in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel. Twenty-two years ago another tradition began. A child from Upper Austria has lit two miners’ lamps from a Grotto lamp at the Nativity. These lamps are then transported from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Vienna, Austria, where the Peace Light is distributed at a special Service of Dedication to delegates from across Europe who then returns home with the light and a message of Peace. Since 2004, Austrian Airlines has flown miners lamps containing the Peace light from Vienna to New York City where Scout Leaders light their lanterns and spread out across the United States and Canada to share the Peace Light.
This year, the Peace Light is being brought to Southwest Missouri, and will be available at two locations:
· On Saturday, December 17, the Peace Light will be available for distribution following a 2:00 p.m. ceremony at the Boy Scouts Service Center located at 1616 S. Eastgate in Springfield, MO.
· At 5:00 p.m. the Peace Light will be presented to the citizens of Joplin during a special ceremony being held at Cunningham Park located at 26th and Maiden Lane.
On May 22 of this year, an EF-5 tornado devastated the city of Joplin leaving a path of destruction and claimed 161 lives. “It is our wish that during this Christmas season, the Peace Light becomes another step in the rebuilding of Joplin.” said Dean Ertel, Ozark Trails Council Scout Executive, “The light is a symbol of peace, and for Joplin it is also a symbol of hope and strength for the community.”
Those wishing to take the Peace Light home or to a church should bring an oil lamp or enclosed candle and the Peace Light will be shared with them.
For additional information contact Dean Ertel at 417-883-1636 (ext 235) or visit www.peacelight.org
Ozark Trails Council is also coordinating with the Council of Churches to share the Peace Light.
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