Leading Well Through the Holiday Season – a six-part series aimed to help you lead and live well throughout the Holiday Season (Week 6)
By Bianca Schaefer
Week 6: Lessons from the Manger
I’ll never forget a Christmas Eve when our church service ended late, and I stepped outside into the cold night. Stars blanketed the sky, carols drifted from the sanctuary, and I paused taking in the stillness of the season. In that ordinary moment, I felt the extraordinary truth of Christmas: God came quietly, humbly, vulnerably. And yet, His arrival changed everything. That night reminded me that leadership—especially at Christmastime—is less about perfection and more about presence, humility, and courage.
Christmas tells a story that challenges our usual leadership instincts. Jesus arrived not in a palace, but a stable; not with fanfare, but with humility. Yet His leadership changed the world.
As leaders—whether in ministry, the marketplace, or our families—we are called to lead in ways that reflect that same courage, clarity, and heart for others.
The holidays are packed with tasks, expectations, and pressures. It might seem counterintuitive to slow down or step back. Yet the Christmas story reminds us that true leadership often flows from humble influence, relational connection, and celebrating God’s work in ordinary moments.
Consider three leadership lessons from the manger:
1. Humility Shapes Influence
Jesus’ humble arrival teaches us that leadership is not about status or recognition. Leading with humility—listening more than speaking, serving quietly, valuing others’ contributions—creates space for lasting impact.
2. Courage Requires Faithful Action
Mary and Joseph’s obedience to God required courage: to accept responsibility, risk societal judgment, and step into uncertainty. Leadership often calls us to similar acts of faith: making hard decisions, trusting God, and taking the next right step even when the path is unclear.
3. Celebration Cultivates Joy and Connection
The shepherds and wise men responded to Christ’s arrival with awe, worship, and sharing the good news. Leadership that embraces gratitude, joy, and celebration inspires others and points them toward God’s presence in the midst of busyness.
This week, leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about leading with Christlike courage, humility, and relational awareness, letting your actions reflect the heart of the One who came to serve
Leadership Challenge
Identify one small way this week to model Christlike leadership: a word of encouragement, an act of service, or intentional celebration with someone who needs it.
Scripture Meditation
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11, NIV
Prayer
Lord, help me lead this week with humility, courage, and joy. May my words and actions reflect Your heart, and may I point those around me to the wonder of Your arrival. Amen.
Blessing
May the story of the manger inspire you to lead with humility, serve with courage, and celebrate the extraordinary gift of God-with-us in the ordinary moments of this season.