November 30, 2005

NEW YORK – Two Christmas Eve specials produced under the auspices of the National Council of Churches USA will compete with one another at 11:30 p.m. December 24 on CBS and ABC.

Outgoing NCC President Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., will replace David Letterman when he preaches to 1,500 worshippers in Jackson, Miss., on CBS; and "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.

In the days before video tape recorders, the competing broadcasts would have posed a holiday dilemma for network viewers who want to see both Christmas specials.

On CBS, Bishop Hoyt will preach in Black's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss., in a worship service based 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" Christmas 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.

Local air times may vary. Viewers are urged to check listings with the local ABC and CBS affiliates.

The National Council of Churches is composed of 35 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and peace communions representing 45 million Christians in 100,000 local congregations in the United States.

National Council of Churches USA