The Bethlehem Light comes from the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Every year, a child, either a girl or a boy, from Austria comes to pick it up. They are called “Children of Light.” This honor is awarded for exemplary behavior, willingness to help others, and noteworthy deeds.
The scouts from the Slovak Scouting Organization received the Bethlehem Light this year at the international ecumenical celebration on December 14 in Vienna to bring it to the people. Due to the difficult situation in the Middle East, they are bringing the Light from the previous year for the first time, which the scouts have maintained throughout the year.
The Bethlehem Light arrives in Slovakia for the 35th time. By personally passing it from candle to candle, it travels among millions of people. This fulfills its mission to be a symbol of unity, hope, love, and a joyful herald of Christmas. Through this light, the scouts wish to convey understanding to the hearts of people in our surroundings, thus creating a festive atmosphere and bringing peace and joy to every corner of our country.
This year, specifically on Saturday, December 21, 2024, this Bethlehem Light arrived in our Roman Catholic parish of Medzibrod. It was brought to us by scout Jakub Kortán, who distributed this light along the route of Selce, Priechod, Podkonice, Slovenská Ľupča, Lučatín, Ľubietová, Medzibrod, Brusno, Predajná, Podbrezová. He is one of many who bring the light to the churches, from where people can take it to their homes.
Another group of scouts distributes the light by train to all corners of Slovakia. Their goal is to spread the message of peaceful and joyful Christmas. From this group, several scouts also briefly stopped at the railway station in Medzibrod and brought the light there as well.
Let us accept this light, which helps us open our hearts to Jesus, who is Love, and spread his flame further so that we can help brighten and unite all of Slovakia, inspiring as many people as possible to desire to know Jesus, the Son of God, who is our Savior.
In our Roman Catholic parish of Medzibrod, the Bethlehem Light will burn in the vestibule of the parish church of St. John of Nepomuk in Medzibrod until the holy mass, which will be celebrated in the parish church on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at 00:00 on the feast of the Nativity of Christ. During these days, you can take it from there to your homes. On Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM; on Monday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM; on Tuesday from 8:00 AM until the midnight mass.
Slávka Lenčová
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Photographs from the delivery of the Bethlehem Light at the railway station in Medzibrod.
