"Peace light from Bethlehem" in Czech Radio attracting members of public

In the lobby of the Czech Radio building on Prague's Vinohradska Street there is a large yellow candle. Many people have come to light their own candles from it. But what is its significance? Martin Mikule explains what the candle means.

Bethlehem Light

"What you can see there is the so called "Bethlehem Light". It is a sort of symbolic peace Christmas light that comes from Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The idea to distribute it came from the Austrian public broadcaster ORF. Each year, a child from Austria collects the light from the grotto in Bethlehem and than it is distributed to delegations from across Europe who take it back to their own countries for use at ecumenical services."

So it has some religious significance?

"Well, it is not used only at ecumenical services. Many people like to have their little light from Bethlehem at home for Christmas. It is actually interesting if you consider how anxiously people preserve the little flame that undertook the long way from Israel being passed from one person to another. So it really is a symbol of peace and friendship."

How and when can I get it?

"If you want - or if anybody from our listeners would like to - you can go to the main Czech Radio building and light your own candle that you bring. The 'Bethlehem Light' will be there available all Thursday as well as Friday until 6pm."