Bethlehem Peace Light Ceremony Returns to Jersey Village with Message of Unity and Hope
A small flame with a powerful message will shine in Jersey Village this Sunday, December 14, at 5:00 p.m. as the Bethlehem Peace Light returns to Jersey Village City Hall, inviting residents from across Northwest Houston and beyond to participate in a globally cherished tradition of peace, unity, and goodwill.
Hosted by the Sam Houston Area Council of Scouting America, the event will take place at Jersey Village City Hall, located at 16327 Lakeview Dr, Jersey Village, TX 77040, and is open to all—regardless of faith or Scouting affiliation. Attendees are encouraged to bring a long-burning candle or lantern to receive the flame and continue its journey, spreading light and peace through their homes, congregations, and communities.
"The Peace Light travels thousands of miles, but its real journey begins when a Scout carries it into their own community,” said John Brogan, Chairman of the International Committee for Scouting America, Sam Houston Area Council. “In a world that sometimes feels divided, that message resonates with families and Scouts more than ever”.
From Bethlehem to Jersey Village
The Peace Light originates in the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where oil lamps have burned continuously for over a thousand years. Each year, a child from Austria travels as a pilgrim to gather the flame, which is then flown to Vienna, distributed across Europe, and eventually makes its way to New York City. From there, Scouts and volunteers help the light reach communities across North America.
“Scouting America became involved because Scouts recognized the Peace Light as a natural expression of our values—reverence, service, and goodwill,” explained Brogan. “What began as a grassroots effort has grown into an annual national tradition”.
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Since its introduction to the U.S. in 2000, the Peace Light has been delivered to places of worship, hospitals, shelters, and even Ground Zero following the events of 9/11. While recent years have posed challenges—including travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflict in the Middle East—volunteers known as “Keepers of the Light” have preserved the flame from previous years, ensuring its continued spread despite geopolitical hurdles.
Jersey Village: A Welcoming Beacon
For many in the greater Houston area, Jersey Village City Hall has become a meaningful gathering place for this annual event. Its civic setting symbolizes that the message of peace is a gift for everyone—not just a ceremonial act for Scouts.
“Hosting the Peace Light in a civic space lifts it beyond Scouting and offers it as a gift to the entire community,” said Brogan. “It also makes the event accessible to people who may be hearing about the Peace Light for the first time, inviting families, residents, and city leaders to experience it together”.
The ceremony itself will feature brief remarks and a moment to reflect on the light’s powerful journey. Community members will have the opportunity to light their candles and take the flame home, encouraged to share it further—keeping the chain of peace burning long after the event.
Lighting the Way Forward
More than just a beautiful tradition, the Peace Light is a reminder of the active role individuals play in building a more compassionate world.
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“My hope is that everyone who attends the ceremony in Jersey Village leaves with more than a candle—they leave with a commitment,” shared Brogan. “When we share the Light, we share responsibility for making peace real in our community”.
Those interested in participating can visit peacelightnorthamerica.org to learn more about the Peace Light movement, safety tips for transporting the flame, and ways to share it with others.
In this season of giving, the Bethlehem Peace Light offers a unique and heartfelt way to give back—by kindling hope, fostering unity, and igniting peace in homes across Jersey Village and the wider Houston area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
