When in 1986 a listener of the ORF radio programme suggested that the ORF-Fundraiser „Licht ins Dunkel“ (meaning: to bring light into darkness) could thank all its donors with a lit candle or lantern, Helmut Obermayr, then head of entertainment of the ORF Upper Austria, had the idea to bring this light directly from Bethlehem, where Christ was born. At first this was planned only as a one-time promotion for „Licht ins Dunkel“. But as this light from Bethlehem was received extremely well back in Austria, the promotion was set to be repeated the next year – and then all the years to come.

From Bethlehem to Austria to the world

The light as a symbol of Christmas peace has then become a tradition throughout Europe. It has found a place in the hearts of people, especially in Austrias neighbouring countries in Eastern and Central Europe immediately after the 1989 German reunification. Ever since then, every year a child from Upper Austria has lit the Light of Peace in the Grotto of the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. The light is then brought to Austria in a special lamp/lantern on a flight with Austrian Airlines and distributed from there to the whole world.

The Light of Peace is a conscious symbol of peace in Europe and the world. In Austria the Light of Peace is passed on from person to person on Christmas Eve. Organizations such as the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), the Red Cross, the Samariterbund (Samaritan Federation), fire brigades and the Austrian scouts support the distribution. Since 1989, the Scouts are also bringing the Light of Peace to neighbouring countries.