The American actor Kevin Costner has surprised with an openly Christian message in which he reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, beyond its commercial dimension. His words are part of the special The First Christmas, in which the performer addresses the birth of Jesus Christ and the historical and spiritual impact of his life and teachings.
In a fragment of the video, Costner stops at the core of the Christian faith: the Resurrection of Christ. “Many, including myself, believe that he did not remain long in the tomb, and that he rose from the dead, saving those who believe in Him,” states the actor, thus underscoring one of the central truths of Christianity.
Costner also recalls how Jesus’ teachings transformed the course of history. As he explains, the first followers of Christ—the Christians—suffered persecution and hardships, but over time even Rome came to declare itself a Christian empire, and the message of the Gospel ended up spreading throughout the world, reaching more than 200 countries today.
The actor highlights that, among Jesus’ teachings, are love for one’s neighbor, forgiveness of enemies, care for the poor, defense of the most forgotten, and a life marked by humility and charity. In his opinion, that is the authentic content that should be remembered at this time.
“Beneath the songs, the wrapping paper, and the stars at the top of the tree, I believe that’s really what Christmas is all about,” Costner concludes in his message, before wishing a Merry Christmas to the viewers.
In an increasingly secularized cultural context, the actor’s words contrast with the dominant discourse and recover, without ambiguities, the Christian meaning of Christmas, centered on the person of Jesus Christ and the moral and spiritual consequences of his message.