The UCC has produced and edited a new musical Christmas TV special in conjunction with the National Council of Churches.

The program, called "Christmas Angels," is an hour-long celebration of the season featuring performances by youth choirs and drama groups from around America. Local congregations in the UCC, Lutheran, Disciples of Christ and Episcopal churches submitted videos for consideration.

The UCC has submitted the show to NBC and it is available to all NBC affiliate stations nationwide to run during their Christmas programming Dec. 24 and 25.

"It's up to the local stations to decide if they will air the show or not," says Jean Robinson, the UCC's video production manager.

Robinson encourages UCC members to contact their local NBC station and express their interest in the broadcast of "Christmas Angels."

Making the local connection - to UCC, Lutheran, DoC and Episcopal churches in the broadcast range - is another important step in persuading stations to air the show she says. "You might want to mention that the show features one or more churches and denominations from your area."

Charter Digital Cable Systems of greater St. Louis has even made the program available in their "OnDemand" schedule beginning Dec. 24. The show is free to Charter Digital Cable subscribers via the "iWantMore!" section of OnDemand programming.

A petition from the Rev. Diane Weible, Hawaii's Associate Conference Minister, to Hawaii NBC affiliate KHNL resulted in favorable placement of the program in the station's Christmas programming - 7 a.m. Dec. 25.

"It is an inspiring program that shows the many ways churches and families celebrate Christmas," says Robinson. "We're hopeful it will air in many locations and bring the joy of Jesus birth into many homes."

A preview of "Christmas Angels" is available online as is a partial listing of stations and broadcast times.