Faith Matters by David Jonathan, Grassroots & Luton Council of Faiths

The Annual Peace Light service, held at Luton’s All Saints Church on Shaftesbury Road, brought together local scouts, civic guests and friends from different Churches and different faith communities to welcome the Peace Light flame brought from Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ which Christians mark as Christmas.

The Revd Canon David Kesterton, Vicar, Parish of All Saints with St Peter and Church of England Area Dean of Luton said, “This light from Bethlehem has travelled far, reminding us of the light which came to a dark and fearful world when Jesus who is the light of the world, was born. We pray this light, and all those lit from it will be a sign of hope and joy in our land. May we receive this light gladly as a sign of our willingness to be channels of peace by word, and by action; and we pray that peace and joy may dwell in our hearts and homes filling us with God’s love, now and for always. Amen.”

Mr Thakor Morarji, a member of Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation, and a Trustee of Luton Council of Faiths, read out the words of Mahatma Gandhi, which said, “I am a person of peace. I believe in Peace. But I do not want peace at any price. I do not want the peace that you find in a stone; I do not want the peace that you find in the grave; I do want the peace that you find embedded in the human breast, which is exposed to the arrows of the whole world, but which is protected from all harm by the power of Almighty God.”

At the Annual Peace Light service, held at Luton’s All Saints Church Luton, The Deputy Mayor of Luton Councillor Babatunde Ajisola received the Peace Light from Bethlehem on behalf of the Town.

placeholder image — At the Annual Peace Light service, held at Luton’s All Saints Church Luton, The Deputy Mayor of Luton Councillor Babatunde Ajisola received the Peace Light from Bethlehem on behalf of the Town.

In his address, Archdeacon of Bedford Revd Dave Middlebrook reminded what Jesus said in the Bible – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14: 27)

The Deputy Mayor of Luton said, “On behalf of the town of Luton and all those who live here, I am delighted to welcome the Peace Light. May this light be a sign of the peace and understanding that we all long for, in our town and beyond.”