In Challenging Times, Scouts Offer a Beacon of Peace
Kicking Off the Peace Light Season in Kaarst
Every year, Kaarst residents eagerly anticipate the beginning of the Peace Light season, which officially starts on the third Sunday of Advent—this year, December 15th. The source of this sacred light comes from none other than Bethlehem itself! First, it makes a journey by airplane to Vienna, then continues its trip by train to all German cathedral cities, including Cologne.
In Cologne, the Kaarst folks embark on a delightful stroll through the vibrant Christmas markets, where they receive the Peace Light alongside hundreds of exuberant Scouts. Afterward, they share this radiant light at Kaarst's very own "Starlight Hours" Christmas market.
During the tumultuous COVID times, passing on the Bethlehem light to the people became quite a challenge, as large gatherings and events were out of question due to restrictions on contact and social distancing. However, since then, designated pick-up stations have emerged and garnered popularity among the community. These stations, adorned with the burning Peace Light, are set up by private households, public buildings, and Scout families, offering an opportunity for anyone, even the elderly, to pick up the Peace Light without having to venture too far. To participate, one just needs to drop a line to the Scouts at [email protected], and the station locations can be easily found on www.vcp-kaarst.de.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Scouts pay a visit to several churches to bring the light to the communities: Lukaskirche Holzbüttgen on December 22nd at 11 am, Auferstehungskirche Kaarst on the 22nd at 9:30 am, and Sankt Martinus-Kirche Kaarst on December 21st at 5:30 pm.
For many years now, representatives of the member associations of the "Ring deutscher Pfadfinder" have brought the Peace Light to the Düsseldorf state parliament.
To wrap up this enchanting tradition, a grand send-off procession will take place on the Tuesday after the third Sunday of Advent—December 17th.
Insights:Though the enrichment data doesn't provide specifics about the changes in Kaarst's Peace Light tradition during the COVID era, it does highlight how the tradition might have been impacted by the pandemic. Restrictions on gatherings and travel could have presented challenges in transporting and celebrating the Peace Light. However, the resilient Kaarst community adapted by establishing pick-up stations throughout the town.
Such pick-up stations, arrayed by private homes, public buildings, and Scout families, serve as a means for people, including the elderly, to safely acquire the Peace Light, illuminating a new facet of outdoor-living within the home-and-garden setting. Even amid shifting circumstances, the tradition of other lifestyle practices remains ongoing in Kaarst, symbolizing unity and resilience in face of adversity.
