What if letting go of some of our favorite Christmas “myths” doesn’t ruin the story—but actually makes it richer?

In this special bonus, long-form episode of Dwelling Place, we slow down and take a Mythbusters-style look at some of the most common assumptions we carry about the Christmas story—Mary riding a donkey, the “inn,” the stable, the shepherds and wise men, and more.

Along the way, we return carefully to Scripture, history, and the early Church—not to be nitpicky or cynical, but to listen more closely to what God actually gives us in His Word.

And what we discover is this:

nothing in the Christmas story happens by accident.

From Bethlehem, the House of Bread, to the manger, to shepherds, kings, sorrow, and hope—every detail is part of what can only be described as holy choreography.

This is a longer episode than our usual daily devotions, meant to be listened to slowly (or in pieces). If you’ve ever wondered whether the real Christmas story is still beautiful without the embellishments—the answer is yes.

In fact, it’s even better.