Program hosted by Franklin Graham includes inspiring Christmas music from Grammy Award-winning artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs

Contact: Graham Clark, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 704-401-2116, gclark@bgea.org

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Continuing a longstanding tradition of a Christ-centered celebration of Christmas, the next Billy Graham TV Special, airing in cities across the U.S. December 6-14, will speak straight to the heart to reach people in every walk of life. "The Billy Graham Christmas Special with Franklin Graham" will air in more than 145 markets in the U.S. and Canada, and on seven national networks. Local listings can be found at www.billygraham.org/TV.

"Christmas is a joyful time as we celebrate our Savior's birth," said Duane Gaylord, vice president of television, film and Internet at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. "But we also know many people struggle during the holidays with finances, loneliness, loss, or any number of other difficulties. So while few primetime TV programs present the truth of Jesus Christ during Christmas, our program proclaims this Good News boldly and joyfully, so that all who see it will understand the hope we can have this season."

Hosted by Franklin Graham, the holiday program includes heart-warming tales of the blessings of family and the value of service. Passionate gift-giver Mary Damron shares about how God's changing work in her heart produced a desire to reach out to others during Christmas. The Special also follows evangelist R.V. Brown, who, along with several of his 16 brothers and sisters, recalls the joy of past Christmases shared with family.

Produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the program includes inspiring world-premier Christmas music videos from Grammy Award-winning artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Ricky Skaggs, as well as from Dove Award-winning artist Nicole C. Mullen. Christian singer/songwriter Erin O'Donnell also performs a powerful version of "Mary Did You Know?" Viewers will see classic footage from vintage Billy Graham Christmas TV Specials, including a timeless one with Johnny and June Carter Cash from 1977.

A 90-second preview video, downloadable promotional materials, and local listings can be found at www.billygraham.org/TV. For a limited time, this Christmas special will be available for purchase to the public by calling 1-800-631-7141 or visiting www.billygraham.org.

Screener copies of the program are available by contacting Graham Clark at (704) 401-2116 or gclark@bgea.org.

About BGEA

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA runs a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelist Franklin Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, offering the hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of tragedy; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org.