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. CunninghamDavid 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 StoneEncouraging, biblical, and culturally relevant conversations for everyday believers.https://behindthemike.net#TheFirstChristmas #KevinCostner #ChristmasSpecial #ABC #DavidLCunningham #Nativity #HistoricalBible #BehindTheMike #ChristianPodcastTimestamped Chapters:00:00 Intro — Why this film matters01:15 Why now? The cultural moment for this project03:14 The biggest misconception about Christmas05:18 Historical accuracy: wise men two years later07:20 Kevin Costner’s role and perspective09:35 Filming moments that moved the director11:44 What David hopes happens in homes watching ABC13:41 Final encouragement + air date reminderSend us a textSupport the showWatch these podcasts on YouTube!Follow Us!YouTube: @behindthemikepodcastInstagram: @behindthemikepodcastTikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcastFacebook: @behindthemikepodcast