Heaven’s Loving Hand

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Luke 2:1-7.

There is a good reason why Jesus was not born in Caesar’s mansion or Herod’s court. He was born in the humblest of towns in the dirtiest of places so He could assure us that however filthy our hearts, He can dwell there today. And when He takes up residence, His blood makes the filthiest sinner white as snow (see Isaiah 1:18). There is no life that God cannot redeem, and in His sovereignty, He uses all circumstances to fulfill His loving plan for every one of His children (see Romans 8:28).

Consider how God orchestrated events so that His Son would be born in Bethlehem, just as it had been foretold centuries earlier. From his throne in Rome, Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken of the whole empire. But although it was Caesar’s decree, it was God’s providence. So it is with your life: Nothing is outside of the hands of God. He is at work to draw you to Himself; He is always at work to fulfill His loving promises. It is His sovereign will that you are reading this message about His glorious Gospel even now.

God’s incredible love sent Jesus from heaven to a lowly manger-cradle, divinely placed in Bethlehem. He grew and walked among us until His mission to save took Him to the cross to atone for your sins and mine. From the cross, Jesus’ lifeless body was placed in a borrowed tomb, but on the third day, that tomb was found empty because Jesus had risen from the dead to offer the same resurrection to all who believe.

Jerome was a fourth-century Christian who first translated the Bible into Latin. On one Christmas Eve, while living in Bethlehem, Jerome had a dream in which he sensed Jesus asking him, “What are you going to give Me for My birthday?” Jerome replied that he would give the Lord the new translation of the Bible he had prepared. But Jesus said that wasn’t what He wanted. Jerome offered to give Him all his money and possessions, but Jesus didn’t want these either. Jesus said to him, “Jerome, give Me all your sins. I came from heaven to earth for them—to take them away.”  

This Christmas, bring Jesus all your sins. Let Him cast them as far as the east is from the west, and receive a new life, a new heart, and a new beginning in Christ, your Redeemer.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to take away my sins. Help me to surrender them all to You and receive Your grace that empowers me to live for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Let’s Go to Bethlehem: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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