What if the nativity wasn’t sentimental — but courageous, gritty, historical, and deeply human?

In this exclusive interview, Director David L. Cunningham reveals the inspiration, historical accuracy, and behind-the-scenes challenges of Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas — premiering Tuesday, December 9th at 8 PM ET on ABC.

This isn’t the westernized version of Christmas.
This is the REAL world Mary and Joseph walked through — politically dangerous, culturally complex, and full of courage, faith, and hope.

🔥 Key Topics We Discuss:
▪️ Why THIS is the right cultural moment for the story
▪️ How modern audiences misunderstand the nativity
▪️ The courage and faith of Mary and Joseph
▪️ Why the shepherds mattered more than kings
▪️ Why the wise men arrive two years later — and what that means
▪️ Kevin Costner’s personal connection to Christmas
▪️ Filming in Morocco: caves, deserts, storms, and real weather
▪️ Why this Christmas film may inspire people to open their Bible again
▪️ What David hopes happens in your living room on December 9th

📌 About David L. Cunningham
David is an award-winning filmmaker known for creating deeply meaningful stories that connect audiences to themes of courage, faith, and humanity.

📆 Air Date:
December 9 at 8 PM Eastern on ABC

🙏 Watch as a Family
• Let this be the year:
• You see the nativity with fresh eyes
• You understand the cultural and historical context
• You remember the courage of Mary and Joseph
• You appreciate the real meaning of Christmas

👍 Support this film by sharing this interview!

@ABCNetwork @GraceHillMedia @EdenFilms @DavidLCunningham @KevinCostnerModernWest

▶️ Behind the Mike Podcast with Mike Stone
Encouraging, biblical, and culturally relevant conversations for everyday believers.

https://behindthemike.net

#TheFirstChristmas #KevinCostner #ChristmasSpecial #ABC #DavidLCunningham #Nativity #HistoricalBible #BehindTheMike #ChristianPodcast

Timestamped Chapters:
00:00 Intro — Why this film matters
01:15 Why now? The cultural moment for this project
03:14 The biggest misconception about Christmas
05:18 Historical accuracy: wise men two years later
07:20 Kevin Costner’s role and perspective
09:35 Filming moments that moved the director
11:44 What David hopes happens in homes watching ABC
13:41 Final encouragement + air date reminder

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