The Apologetics of Christmas & the Church’s Evangelistic Opportunity with Amy Orr-Ewing

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

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a pastor, leader, or friend preparing for Advent. Consider how you might intentionally use the Christmas season this year to invite others to encounter Jesus.

Links & Resources

• Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing – Website: https://www.amyorr-ewing.com/

• Advocate Collective: https://www.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) - https://www.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.’