Kevin Costner Presents: My First Christmas
Hosted by the Oscar-winning actor and producer Kevin Costner, this special offers a more nuanced retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ. Unlike the familiar depictions of Mary, Joseph, and the Magi in a simple manger, this narrative unfolds through a mix of scripted scenes and expert insights.
Key Points: Costner kicks off the special by reflecting on one of his earliest acting experiences. At just four years old, he had a line in a Nativity play, which made the traditional story stick in his mind, just like it has for so many others. The classic image includes Mary and Joseph cradling the baby Jesus with the wise men on camels. However, this ancient story, passed down through generations, is a lot more complicated than it appears. Taking into account the historical context of around 4 B.C., the circumstances surrounding Christ’s birth were likely quite different from today’s common beliefs.
The narrative begins in Galilee, described as a “remote region” under Roman control in Judea. Young Mary (Gia Rose Patel) and Joseph (Ethan Thorne), both teenagers, are preparing for marriage amidst the anxiety stemming from Roman soldiers who come to conduct a census. The Jewish King Herod (Anthony Barclay) is portrayed as a dangerously paranoid puppet under Roman influence, even willing to betray his own family due to his fears.
One night, the angel Gabriel (Saif al-Waris) appears to Mary with the news that she’ll bear a child destined to be the Son of God, named Jesus Christ. It’s perplexing for her, as she isn’t of royal blood, yet she ultimately embraces her role as the devoted mother. After leaving Nazareth to assist her cousin, Mary returns home pregnant, insisting to Joseph that her purity remains intact. Soon after, Gabriel visits Joseph too, letting him know the child will need a steadfast father.
Mary and Joseph, perhaps joined by other travelers, undertake a daunting 90-mile journey to Bethlehem for the census. Once there, they seek refuge with Joseph’s cousin as Mary goes into labor. Rather than the traditional manger scene, Jesus is born in an underground shelter, likely beneath the home where they’re staying. Interestingly, it’s thought that the Magi brought gifts to Jesus at the age of two, not right after his birth as commonly believed.
Table of Similarities
Some elements remind viewers of productions like “The Chosen,” which revisits the “origin story” of Jesus, while it also evokes the style of Costner’s own work in the series “Hatfields & McCoys.”
Featured Performance: Gia Rose Patel shines as Mary—she embodies a strong, independent young woman who is ready to make significant sacrifices for her faith, even at the cost of her relationship with Joseph.
Sex and Skin: None.
Our Perspective: Similar to Costner’s previous projects, “My First Christmas” presents a grounded approach, diverging from traditional interpretations of the nativity story. By intertwining insights from various clergy and theological experts, Costner seeks to provide a more authentic representation of life in first-century Judea, rather than just regurgitating the familiar biblical narrative.
This special challenges misconceptions, including the myth that Jesus was born in an actual manger surrounded by wise men. It also highlights the harsh realities of living under Roman oppression. For instance, when Mary and Joseph reach Bethlehem, they encounter a village ravaged by Roman violence, leaving only a lone survivor to convey the horrors suffered. The presence of cruel punishments like crucifixion underscores the brutality of the era.
In many ways, the story of Jesus’ birth is painted as being far more perilous and complex than the typical depictions suggest. Costner even notes the danger women faced during childbirth, with many dying in the process, and that a significant number of infants didn’t survive their first year. While some elements of the traditional narrative remain—like Gabriel’s visit to Mary and the virgin birth—this perspective adds a refreshing layer of realism.
Final Thoughts: “Kevin Costner Presents: My First Christmas” invites viewers to explore new interpretations of Jesus’ birth, with well-crafted reenactments that breathe new life into an age-old tale.
