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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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In Part 1, we explored the historical context of tithing — Abraham’s one-time gift, Jacob’s conditional vow, the Mosaic Law, and how Christians accidentally inherited a covenant that was never meant to be theirs.

Now in Part 2, Michele and Martin turn from context to practice and ask: What does generosity actually look like in the New Covenant — for real, grown-up adults who are led by the Holy Spirit?

This episode confronts the fear- and guilt-based messaging so many believers were taught around money and giving. We talk about why 10% can be a helpful starting point — not a one-size-fits-all rule — how generosity shifts across life seasons, and why believers must be trusted to make their own decisions with God instead of being treated like spiritual children who must be told what to do.

We challenge manipulative language, bless those who’ve felt guilted or pressured in the past, and cast a vision for giving as an adventure with God — joyful, Spirit-led, and rooted in freedom rather than obligation.

If Part 1 untangled the misconceptions, Part 2 empowers you to walk in maturity, confidence, and New Covenant freedom — trusting yourself to hear God, make wise decisions based on your unique life, and give generously from a place of genuine freedom and cheerfulness.

Right heart. New freedom. This is generosity the way Jesus intended.

Follow Unhinged on your favorite podcast platform. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday!

Check out Martin’s learning community called The Gathering on Skool.

Check out Martin’s books: Victorious Eschatology, Eyes Wide Open, and Secrets of Spiritual Growth.

Follow Michele and Martin on Facebook

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Michele Kus, M.A. on Linktree

Dr. Martin Trench on Linktree

In Part 1 of our two-part series on tithing and New Covenant generosity, Michele and Martin revisit the Mosaic Law and ask a crucial question: Why are Christians still following laws that were never theirs to begin with?

We unpack how tithing functioned as a taxation system under ancient Israel’s covenant, why the Law was always temporary, and what was actually going on in the Abraham and Jacob tithe stories in Genesis. Spoiler: neither of them were setting a precedent for Christians.

To be clear, this episode isn’t anti-tithing. It’s anti-compulsion and anti-wrong covenant. If you want to tithe, awesome. But under the New Covenant, generosity should flow from freedom and cheerfulness, not obligation.

Next week in Part 2, we’ll explore what Spirit-led giving looks like when it’s rooted in grace instead of guilt, and why some people should actually give nothing. Don’t miss it!

Follow Unhinged on your favorite podcast platform. Fresh, new episodes drop every Friday!