Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Have we grown too familiar with the wonder of Christmas?
In this Advent conversation, Jason Watson is joined by theologian, author, and apologist Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore why the incarnation is not only wondrous but reasonable—and why Christmas remains one of the church’s greatest evangelistic opportunities. From Mary’s courageous “yes” to the credibility of miracles and the cultural openness of Advent, this episode invites leaders and believers to rediscover the depth, wonder, and missional power of Christmas.
Key Takeaways
- The Christmas story invites honest questions and skepticism rather than suppressing them
- The incarnation is presented in Scripture as extraordinary—but grounded in evidence and eyewitness testimony
- Mary’s voice in Luke’s Gospel reveals agency, consent, and profound theological insight
- Early Christians reframed—not compromised—culture to proclaim Christ as the Light of the World
- Advent creates unique spiritual openness marked by longing, memory, and reflection
- Christmas is not just a celebration—it’s a strategic moment for gospel proclamation
- Preachers and leaders are called to recover awe, not sentimentality, in telling the Christmas story
Links & Resources
- Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing – Website: amyorr-ewing.com
- Advocate Collective: advocate-collective.org
- Book: Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Rediscover the Wonder of Christmas - https://a.co/d/detPL9U
- YouTube: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing (apologetics resources, including an 8-part series on God and suffering) - youtube.com/@amyorr-ewing
- Upcoming Book (Pre-order): Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear (releasing 2026) - https://a.co/d/g0Y4maN
Guest Bio:
Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker, and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. Travelling internationally, Amy is a regular speaker across university campuses, businesses, parliaments, churches, and conferences, as well as on TV, radio, and podcasts. She is the author of multiple books, including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner-up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ and ‘Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.’
00:00 Amy Orr-Ewing_youtube
01:41 Introduction and Welcome
02:03 Dr. Amy's Backstory and Journey to Faith
05:51 Growing Up in a Ministry Home
11:17 Living Out Faith in a Secular World
14:18 Diving into the Christmas Story
19:33 Addressing Pagan Origins of Christmas
23:52 Navigating Santa Claus and Commercialized Christmas
26:22 Explaining Santa Through a Christian Lens
29:55 The Credibility of the Christmas Story
31:32 Mary's Role in the Christmas Story
33:42 The Significance of Miracles in the Bible
40:43 Christmas as an Evangelistic Opportunity
44:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Have we grown too familiar with the wonder of Christmas?
In this Advent conversation, Jason Watson is joined by theologian, author, and apologist Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore why the incarnation is not only wondrous but reasonable—and why Christmas remains one of the church’s greatest evangelistic opportunities. From Mary’s courageous “yes” to the credibility of miracles and the cultural openness of Advent, this episode invites leaders and believers to rediscover the depth, wonder, and missional power of Christmas.
Key Takeaways
- The Christmas story invites honest questions and skepticism rather than suppressing them
- The incarnation is presented in Scripture as extraordinary—but grounded in evidence and eyewitness testimony
- Mary’s voice in Luke’s Gospel reveals agency, consent, and profound theological insight
- Early Christians reframed—not compromised—culture to proclaim Christ as the Light of the World
- Advent creates unique spiritual openness marked by longing, memory, and reflection
- Christmas is not just a celebration—it’s a strategic moment for gospel proclamation
- Preachers and leaders are called to recover awe, not sentimentality, in telling the Christmas story
Links & Resources
- Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing – Website: amyorr-ewing.com
- Advocate Collective: advocate-collective.org
- Book: Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Rediscover the Wonder of Christmas - https://a.co/d/detPL9U
- YouTube: Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing (apologetics resources, including an 8-part series on God and suffering) - youtube.com/@amyorr-ewing
- Upcoming Book (Pre-order): Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear (releasing 2026) - https://a.co/d/g0Y4maN
Guest Bio:
Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker, and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. Travelling internationally, Amy is a regular speaker across university campuses, businesses, parliaments, churches, and conferences, as well as on TV, radio, and podcasts. She is the author of multiple books, including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner-up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ and ‘Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.’
00:00 Amy Orr-Ewing_youtube
01:41 Introduction and Welcome
02:03 Dr. Amy's Backstory and Journey to Faith
05:51 Growing Up in a Ministry Home
11:17 Living Out Faith in a Secular World
14:18 Diving into the Christmas Story
19:33 Addressing Pagan Origins of Christmas
23:52 Navigating Santa Claus and Commercialized Christmas
26:22 Explaining Santa Through a Christian Lens
29:55 The Credibility of the Christmas Story
31:32 Mary's Role in the Christmas Story
33:42 The Significance of Miracles in the Bible
40:43 Christmas as an Evangelistic Opportunity
44:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
