Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas — Behind the Scenes with Director David L. Cunningham

When most people picture the Christmas story, they imagine a peaceful stable, cozy atmosphere, and gentle angels hovering above a manger scene. But what if the nativity wasn’t neat, warm, and sanitized at all? What if it was chaotic, dangerous, and historically gritty—yet full of divine courage and hope?

That’s the vision behind Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas, premiering Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00 PM Eastern on ABC. In this extraordinary new Christmas special, director David L. Cunningham leads viewers into the world Mary and Joseph really lived in — a world marked by political tension, cultural turmoil, and life-or-death stakes.

I had the honor of interviewing David for the Behind the Mike Podcast, and his insights give depth and meaning to the story millions of families think they know.

❄️ A Christmas Story Rooted in History and Humanity

During our conversation, David reflected on why now is the right time to revisit the birth of Jesus with historical accuracy:

“In these dark and divisive days, it magnifies even more the importance of the Christmas story… It took faith, courage, and the hope of bringing the Son of God into a brutal world.” — David L. Cunningham

Instead of treating the nativity as a sentimental myth, Cunningham brings viewers to the historical context of first-century Judea — where infant mortality was high, Rome ruled ruthlessly, and King Herod violently sought to eliminate any threat to his throne.

This isn’t a fairy tale — it’s a courageous moment in human history.

📖 The Real Nativity: Less Sentimental, More Courageous

Cunningham shared that one of the biggest misconceptions modern audiences have about Christmas is that we imagine a “cozy” scene. He told me:

“We’ve sanitized the real first Christmas. It took sacrifice, courage, and faith for this young couple to bring the Son of God into the world.”

There are no glowing halos in this portrayal.

There are no soft filter effects.

This is the world that Scripture actually describes.

And that matters — not only for historical integrity, but because it helps us understand the heart of God and the meaning of Christmas more deeply.

🧭 Surprising Historical Accuracy: The Wise Men Arrive Years Later

One fascinating moment from my early screening of the film was the appearance of the wise men — not at the manger, but years later, as Scripture describes.

David was intentional about that:

“There’s nothing in the Scriptures that is randomly dropped in there. The wise men showing up two years later speaks to God’s character—He is waiting, and all are welcome, even if it takes time to get there.”

A single historically precise detail brings new meaning to the story.

🎬 Kevin Costner’s Involvement Is Personal

When I asked David why Kevin Costner was the perfect presenter for the film, he didn’t hesitate:

“He had been thinking about wanting to do something about Christmas. His connection to childhood, church, and personal faith is very real.”

Kevin isn’t just a narrator — he’s a guide who walks viewers into the story with authenticity and sincerity.

🌧 Filming in Morocco: Real Weather, Real Caves, Real Humanity

The production team chose Morocco because of its rugged, ancient landscape — and they didn’t shy away from the elements.

“We filmed in actual caves, deserts, and storms. Even the rain became a meaningful part of telling the story realistically.”

For many viewers, this will be the first time they’ve seen the nativity as it truly may have unfolded.

📺 What David Hopes Happens in Your Living Room

When families tune in to ABC on December 9, David hopes for a powerful moment of spiritual clarity:

“I hope there’s a lightbulb that goes on — that this is what it’s all about. Let’s point people to the person of Jesus and the character of God.”

This special isn’t just visually beautiful — it’s spiritually resonant.

📣 Watch Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas on ABC

To experience this remarkable retelling of Jesus’ birth:

Tune in Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00 PM Eastern on ABC.

Make this a family moment.

Let it spark curiosity.

Maybe even open your Bible again with fresh eyes.

🎧 Hear the Full Interview with Director David L. Cunningham

You can listen to our full conversation on the Behind the Mike Podcast:

👉

It’s a short interview — just 10 minutes — but it’s packed with insight, sincerity, and powerful reflection.

📌 Why This Matters

Christmas is more than tradition.

More than decoration.

More than nostalgia.

It’s God entering humanity in the most unlikely way — through weakness, risk, and humility.

And Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas brings that truth to life with authenticity, reverence, and depth.

I pray it blesses you and your family this Christmas season.

— Mike Stone, Behind the Mike Podcast