Becoming a Steward of Christmas By Jon Lewis

Faithful Stewardship of Christmas

Is Christmas something we can steward to better emphasize God’s original intent? If so, what would it look like for a contemporary Christian leader—or any believer—to serve as a faithful steward of Christmas?

The Reinvention of Christmas

Recently, my wife and I watched The Man Who Invented Christmas, the story behind Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It beautifully captured all the expected themes—warm memories, transformed hearts, generous kindness. Yet I noted that one key element was entirely missing: no reference to the original purpose of Christmas—God sending his Son to us in human form to become Savior of the world.

That omission reminded me how easy it is to glide through a Christmas season, enjoying its charm while missing its core. Christmas is the moment God pierced human darkness with divine light. As Paul writes,

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6,

To steward Christmas is to guard that truth from being buried under layers of sentiment and superficial celebrations.

The Marks of a Christmas Steward

So, how might a steward of Christmas act differently and more intentionally? Here are eight practical suggestions:

1. Instead of filling December with nonstop activities, look for moments each day to pause with family, employees, or just alone to purposefully reflect on and wonder at the miracle of Christ’s coming as a baby in a manger.
2. Instead of chasing the perfect gifts in a rush of last-minute shopping, look for simple, thoughtful ways to express gratitude for what others mean to you, maybe even with just a handmade gift, note, or card.
3. Instead of letting nostalgia drive your celebrations, look for ways to reclaim the truth that God became man in Jesus within each tradition’s expression.
4. Instead of turning Christmas lights and decorations into mere seasonal décor, look for opportunities to use them as reminders—and conversation starters—about Christ as the light of the world.
5. Instead of measuring Christmas by what you receive, measure instead the number of people you’ve discovered with a genuine need who you responded to in some way with kindness in the name of Christ.
6. Instead of treating family gatherings as stressful obligations, use them as ways to speak peace, forgiveness, and encouragement that reflects Christ’s presence in your relationships.
7. Instead of consuming holiday entertainment without reflection, look for media, music, or Advent readings that deepen your understanding of the incarnation and the hope it brings to all mankind.
8. Instead of engaging only within familiar, comfortable circles, look for those on the margins—a neighbor, a widow, or a stranger—who might need your presence, encouragement, or practical help.

Intentional Caring

Good stewardship is simply the intentional caring for something God has entrusted to us. And Christmas is, without doubt, one of His greatest gifts we’ve ever received. To steward it well, we must live with a greater sense of worship, gratitude, compassion, and attentiveness—so that Christ’s light can reshape how we celebrate.

Let the Light Shine Through Us

Christmas does not need to be reinvented; it just needs to be remembered. God has shone His light into our hearts so that we might know God’s glory in the face of a baby born in Bethlehem. The manger is more than a charming scene—it is the arrival of eternal hope.

This year, may we resist the trivial and embrace the true. May we become stewards of Christmas, carrying the light of Christ into our homes, our communities, and a world desperately longing for that hope.

Jon Lewis is a Senior Associate for Partnership Advancement with OC International. He focuses on encouraging global Christian leaders to be more effective in ministry. With over 40 years of experience, he has served as an MAF mission pilot in Africa and as CEO of Partners International.

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