| All around the world people have festivals of light, many of them are held in Advent, a time when we look towards the coming of Jesus the light of the world. These festivals celebrate the triumph of good over evil, the conquering of darkness by light.
We are celebrating this 'season of lights' with a specially commissioned series which you can listen to from the comfort of your home.
Written by South Molton's former Mayor and Methodist Minister, The Reverend Tony Cox, the five part series looks at Light Around the World from Sicily to Sweden and Israel to India. Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) lived during the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian at Catania in Sicily, the time when Christians were persecuted for their belief in God.
In part one of the series we look at the legend and find out how Santa Lucia came to be celebrated in Nordic countries today.
For eight days in December, Jewish people celebrate a brave victory for freedom won by a small army of Jews over 2000 years ago.
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is the story of a fight for freedom by one man and a small band of followers.
In part two of the series we hear about their battle against the mighty Emperor Antiochus of Syria. India is a land of festivals and, in early Autumn, Hindus celebrate the festival of Diwali, the festival of Lights.
This is celebrated with high spirits and joy, it is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor alike.
It is celebrated to dispel darkness and light up their lives. We hear more about the story of good against evil, about kings, princes and princesses in part three. The Christian festival of Advent is a four-week preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.
The story of the nativity is well known, and in part four of this series we look at the significance of the Advent Wreath, of the Christingle with its oranges and candles and the emphasis and importance in Christianity of spending time in preparation for the coming of Christ. Part five of the series looks at the Epiphany and the theme 'it is better to light a candle than live in darkness'.
The word Epiphany means light. We will follow the story of the Wise Men as they were led by the star to the Light of the World. Tony Cox has been described as Luton's greatest export. He's South Molton's Methodist Minister, was Mayor last year and continues to be a councillor.
The series was originally broadcast on BBC Radio Devon and is produced and edited by Damian Davies.
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