Unlikely. Unexpected.

That was my reaction to the announcement that ABC would be airing a Kevin Costner TV special exploring the birth of Jesus Christ, “like you’ve never seen it before.” So, we watched it—every minute of it.

Part drama and part documentary, the program, between scenes, offered viewpoints from an array of sympathetic experts, including Francis Chan.

The dramatic portrayal of the aged Simeon chuckling as he lays eyes on the infant Jesus is pure delight. Yet when he turns to Mary with the prophetic utterance, “a sword will pierce even your own soul,” we shudder at her agony and can almost taste the salt of her tears.

The two-hour production isn’t perfect, of course. Though Costner does a credible job hosting, at one point, he offers the possibility of some entirely unbiblical reasons for the coming of Christ. And though Costner is bold enough to connect the crucifixion of Christ with His birth, the word sin is never mentioned as the reason for it all.

Still, the production is well done and largely (refreshingly) biblical. More than that, it is reverent. Jesus is frequently referred to as the Messiah or Son of God. And the producers go out of their way to emphasize that Jesus came for all people—Jews and Gentiles. Regarding the death of Jesus, Costner states that there are many— “myself among them”—who believe that Jesus didn’t stay dead.

When you consider the extreme polarization of our culture, the vitriol dominating so much of public discourse, the “Christmas wars” that have been waged against any mention of the name of Jesus, Kevin Costner’s production is an extraordinary thing. Nor should we treat lightly the fact that ABC gave two full hours to platform the biblical account of Christmas.

We Christians are quick to criticize, quick to complain, quick to see ourselves as victims. But this is a moment to savor and celebrate. Thank you, ABC. Thank you, Kevin Costner!

“She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

--Matthew 1:21

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay