Ep11: A Very Unhinged Christmas: Why the Incarnation Was Bigger, Wilder, and Longer Than You Think

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Was Christmas really a one-night event in a lonely stable? Or have we oversimplified one of the most radical moments in human history?

In this episode of Unhinged: Separating Faith from Fiction, Michele Kus and Dr. Martin Trench bring you “A Very Unhinged Christmas” by dismantling common nativity myths and recovering the deeper historical, cultural, and cosmic meaning of the incarnation.

You’ll discover why the Christmas story actually unfolds over nearly two years, how ancient betrothal customs reshape our understanding of Mary and Joseph, why the Magi were Zoroastrian priest-astronomers watching the stars, and how celestial signs, Old Testament prophecy, and political upheaval all collide in the birth of Jesus. It’s a cosmic drama like none other in history!

Our deep-dive conversation explores:

• Why the incarnation should be celebrated daily — not just annually
• The cultural and biblical context of ancient pregnancy and betrothal
• Who the Magi really were and why constellations and the zodiac matter in the Christmas story
• Why the “three kings” were stars, not people
• The connection between Virgo, Leo, Judea, and Revelation 12
• Where Mary and Joseph likely stayed when Jesus was born
• How Christmas reveals a God who is fully present, not distant

This is not sentimental Christmas-card theology. This is incarnation as divine union, cosmic disruption, and embodied presence. Hallelujah!

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Chapters:

00:00 It’s a Very Unhinged Christmas!

02:25 Why the Incarnation Was a Two-Year Event

08:28 Pregnancy, Prophecy, Betrothal, and Divine Visitation

15:18 Meet the Magi: Zoroastrian Priests From the East

19:20 How Ancient Astrologers Read the Night Sky

23:20 Essenes, Caves, and Bethlehem’s Guest House

28:25 Three ”King” Stars Align in the Constellation Leo

34:14 The Symbolism and Value of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

40:18 How Families and Shepherds Kept Their Animals

45:43 Mary and Joseph Go to Egypt with Money

47:50 December 25 Was Probably Not Jesus’ Birthday

54:45 Bloopers and Outtakes