Three Major Channels to Broadcast Christmas Services
Despite the rise in efforts to secularize Christianity by taking the “Merry Christmas” and the “Christ” out of the season, some prominent broadcasting stations agreed to run Christmas services from at least three protestant denominations.
On Dec. 24, the Church of the Brethren’s “Enter the Light of Life” service will be presented for nationwide television audiences. Filmed from the Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, the service features a presentation of Jesus’ birth retold. There will also be “worship leaders from all parts of the nation, including Pastor Bowman of Oakton, Va.; music minister Shawn Kirchner of Los Angeles; and the 51-member Juniata College Choir in Huntingdon, Pa,” according to the National Council of Churches, of which the Church of the Brethren takes part.
The Presbyterian Church USA will also present Christmas Eve services for the television audience via the Hallmark Channel. The service begins at midnight Eastern Time, from the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, Ore. Rev. Rob Elder will deliver the message, and the Willamette University Choir will present the choral devotion.
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Finally, the Episcopal Church USA will present their annual “Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St. Philip” service in Atlanta, Ga., via ABC-TV affiliates, 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time Dec. 25. The service will be led by Bishop J. Neil Alexander and the Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler will lead the service. The Cathedral Choir will perform classical anthems and hymns will include a variety of traditional carols.
