05647
Dec. 5, 2005

2 NCC-produced Christmas Eve specials
to air at the same time on different networks

by Phil Jenks
National Council of Churches information officer

NEW YORK — Two Christmas Eve specials, both produced under the auspices of the National Council of Churches USA (NCC), will air at the same time, one on ABC, the other on CBS.

        Both programs are scheduled for 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 24.

        Outgoing NCC President Thomas L. Hoyt Jr. will preempt David Letterman when he preaches to 1,500 worshippers in Jackson, MS, on CBS. Meanwhile, “Joy to the World,” a mix of music and praise produced for the NCC by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will replace ABC’s Nightline for one night.

        On CBS, Hoyt will preach in Black’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, in a service on the theme, “No Room in the Inn.” Celebrating with scripture readings, carols, spirituals and a praise dance, the service will honor the birth of Jesus by awarding gifts to 100 survivors of the 2005 hurricanes.

        The one-hour “Joy to the World” special on ABC will include a mix of music and praise from Evangelical Lutheran congregations — African-American, Asian, American Indian, Arab/Middle Eastern and Latino, from Oklahoma to Illinois and Ohio to Puerto Rico. The rich and diverse cultural blend begins with a Santa Lucia celebration in the Swedish Lutheran tradition.