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Peace light and festive tradition: This is how Breitensee celebrated Christmas!
Experience the traditional Christmas Eve celebration in Breitensee, where students spread the Christmas message with a peace light.
Peace light and festive tradition: This is how Breitensee celebrated Christmas!
On Christmas Eve, the tranquil Breitensee was once again the scene of a touching tradition. A group of school children marched through the festively lit streets and brought with them the Peace Light as a symbol of Christmas peace. This happened as part of a celebration in the church, which set the mood for the message of the Holy Night with the theme “Dream Man Joseph – Jesus the Light of the World”. During the lighting ceremony, over 70 lights illuminated the church interior, which not only made the atmosphere magical, but also warmed the hearts of those present.
Lena Kopp, 12 years old, appeared as a Christ child in a bright white, tailor-made dress and handed out small and large gifts to the enthusiastic children. She was accompanied by Simon Schneider, 13, who dressed as a shepherd and announced the message of the angels, and Kilian Gütlein, who presented a festively decorated Christmas tree as a Moor. The oldest in the group, Konstantin Gütlein, 14 years old, announced the house visits and thus ensured the announcement of this charming tradition.
A loving tradition
The custom of marching through the streets with a peace light on Christmas Eve has a tradition in the region that goes back more than 500 years. Time and time again, the actors manage to keep the good news of Christ's birth alive in the Bethlehem stable. This year's light celebration was accompanied by music from the Breitensee music band and the talented Miriam Bötsch, who performed festive Christmas songs for those present.
The light of peace worldwide
The Friedenslicht has gained in importance not only in Austria but also internationally. Since its introduction in 1986 by ORF, it has been reminiscent of the message of Christmas peace. Every year a child from Upper Austria lights the light in the grotto of Jesus' birth before it is distributed throughout Austria by various organizations. In other countries, such as Germany, Switzerland and Italy, the light is also spread with great commitment as a symbol of peace. Recipients in recent years have included high-ranking political and religious dignitaries.
These heartfelt traditions show that Christmas is much more than just festivities and presents. They are a sign of hope and togetherness that connects people, no matter where they live. At a time when the world is facing challenges, the Peace Light remains a shining symbol of the shared longing for peace and harmony.