Gdańsk scouts gave the lantern with the Light to the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. Piotr Stepnowski. The Bethlehem Light of Peace has an almost 30-year tradition and is a symbol of reconciliation and peace. The motto of this year's edition is 'Light of Hope'.

The Bethlehem Light of Peace was organised for the first time in 1986 in Austria, as a part of the Christmas charity activities. The action was called 'Light in the Darkness' and was promoted by the Austrian Radio and Television (ORF). Every year ORF chooses a girl or a boy to receive the Light from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Light is then transported to Vienna on an Austrian Airlines flight.

The Polish Scouts Association organizes the Bethlehem Peace Light since 1991. Traditionally, ZHP receives the Light from Slovak scouts and its transfer takes place once in Slovakia and once in Poland. Poland is one of the links to the Bethlehem relay. The scouts pass the Light further eastwards: to Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus, westwards to Germany and northwards to Denmark.

This year's action is held under the motto 'Light of Hope'. Lit in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem is distributed by European scouts and scout leaders to various institutions - including offices, hospitals, and orphanages. It is a symbol of peace, love and brotherhood at Christmas time.