International Peace Light comes to Washington
A South Strabane church is carrying a special flame in its candles this Christmas season.
The Peace Light, a flame that begins at Jesus’ birthplace in Bethlehem and is spread across the globe, has made its way to Faith United Presbyterian Church at 900 E. Beau St.
The Rev. Jason Hefner said he obtained the flame Tuesday from another pastor in Smock, Fayette County.
“I wanted to obtain the light for the real, physical connection to Christ, who is the Prince of Peace,” he said.
Hefner said he first heard about the flame through the Synod of the Trinity. According to the synod’s website, each year, for more than 1,000 years, the flame has been taken from Bethlehem and shared across Europe. More recently, it has been maintained in miner’s lamps while being flown to New York City. The tradition is usually carried out during the season of Advent, typically Dec. 1 through Christmas Eve.
The light burns in a candle in the sanctuary of Hefner’s church. He said when no one is in the building, he’ll transport the flame to his house and return it again, in order to keep it burning without it being hazardous.
“Peace has come into the world physically as Christ,” Hefner said. “This light reminds us that peace is a reality.”
The Rev. Edward Gray of First Presbyterian Church of Murrysville also expressed interest in obtaining the flame. He drove to Washington Friday afternoon to get it from Hefner.
Gray said the flame is a way to unite with other churches in the region and across the world.
“We thought this would be a wonderful way to express our unity and to spread the message of peace and hope,” he said. “It’s certainly significant that people of faith have been burning that flame continually for over 1,000 years.”
Gray said peace is a message that resonated with people this season, after hearing local news reports on shootings, abuse and other violence throughout the year.
“That gets lost sometimes – that Christ came to be the Prince of Peace to the world,” he said. “Now more than ever it’s a message that needs to be shared.”
Hefner said anyone who would like to light their own candle from the flame at Faith United Presbyterian can call the church at 724-225-2110, or stop by from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays.