n ancient flame, a symbol of peace and hope, resides in Swarthmore. The journey began in Bethlehem, in a rock grotto believed to be the location of Jesus’ birth. For over a thousand years the faithful have tended olive oil lamps that hang around rock, polished smooth by the hands of the faithful, who come to pray for peace, wholeness, and give thanks to God for coming close in the midst of struggle. The flame is known as the Peace Light and is shared with delegations from across Europe and the Americas, along with a message of Peace, made possible through the cooperation of Scouting organizations, who then take the light to houses of worship, hospitals, food banks, nursing homes, and to communities where peace is being prayed for and pursued. A network of volunteers keeps and spreads this flame across North and South America. In times of geopolitical violence, the Peace Light continues to be shared, while prayers and work for peace continues.

The Peace Light will be available at SPC this Advent through Epiphany, January 6, 2027. Along with our candles in worship being lit from this ancient flame, we will have the lanterns burning on the front steps of SPC on Harvard Avenue 24 hours a day, and in the Narthex on Sunday Mornings. As part of our commitment to creation care, our Scouts made these candles from the unused wax from our Christmas Eve service last year. You are invited to bring and light your own travel safe candle or lantern to then spread the flame to your homes, share it with neighbors, friends, other houses of worship, anywhere you are praying for peace, or wish to wish to recognize others pursuing peace.