EWTN 2011 Christmas Specials

EWTN’s Christmas Specials:
From ‘Star of Bethlehem’ To ‘Martin The Cobbler’

Irondale, AL – It’s Christmas and EWTN Global Catholic Network is brimming with Christmas movies, specials, children’s programs, musical extravaganzas and more. Below is just a sampling of the many programs that will be aired on EWTN over Advent and Christmas 2011 on EWTN.

For a full listing of U.S. specials, please check our television schedule at http://www.ewtn.com/tv/NA_2011_Dec_Advance.asp. For international listings, please click here: http://www.ewtn.com/tv/schedule_index.asp. Find EWTN at www.ewtn.com/channelfinder.

Children’s Programs

Martin The Cobbler: Based on the classic children’s tale by the great Russian author Leo Tolstoy, this story follows a lonely shoemaker who rediscovers his faith in God; narrated by Tolstoy’s daughter Alexandra Tolstoy. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20 and 9:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

We Are Catholic: Christmas Special: When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, the Mayor is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, the helicopter is used to rescue the children. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec.20, 10 a.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.

Michael The Visitor:Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret. Airs 5 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21 and 4 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Hermie and Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas: Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar’s long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. Airs 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

The First Christmas:The timeless Nativity story, narrated by Christopher Plummer(“Sound of Music”), was produced for the enjoyment of the whole family. With a musical background of familiar carols, this engaging special will be a favorite in your home. Airs 4:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:35 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus:Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the nativity story, and helps them to understand the true meaning of Christmas, with lots of singing, dancing, and good old fashioned fun. Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.
Specials
Gift of Peace: The First Six Chapters of the Gospel of Luke: Leonardo Defilippis captures Jesus Christ's infancy and early ministry, and transforms himself into the aged and suspicious Zechariah, the trusting and humble young Mary, the cynical Pharisees, the delightful Peter, and Jesus the Beloved Savior. Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 18; 10 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23; and 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

Path of the Messiah, Part 1: An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah's mission and ministry. Airs 5:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 19; 2 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; and 4:30 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 16.

Footprints of God: Jesus: The Word Became Flesh: Steve Ray continues his journey through Salvation History taking viewers to key sites from the life of Jesus, in this exciting travelogue, Bible study, and history lesson rolled into one. Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 20.

The Star of Bethlehem: A look at the Biblical and historical evidence revealing the incredible significance of the Star of Bethlehem. Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; 5 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26, and 2 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 29.

Timeless Dramas
A Time To Remember: This Christmas favorite tells the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. It’s a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and a Christmas miracle. Airs 1 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21; 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24, and 1 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

A Link in the Chain: James Cagney stars in the role of a retiring college professor who, wondering whether or not he’s made a difference in the lives of his students, begins to reflect on his relationship with them. Airs 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22; and 3 a.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 28.

The Chimes: Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. Airs 4:30 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 23, and 4 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 30.

Music

San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad: Airs at 4 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, and 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 24.

Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2011): Airs 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Dec. 27, and 4 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 31.

Dana: Our Family Christmas: Airs 6 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 22, and 11 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.

Tajci: A Christmas Broadcast Special: Airs 11 a.m. ET, Sunday, Dec. 25, and 9 p.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 26.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 30th year, is available in over 160 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com, electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.