The one who created the universe did an impossible thing: He entered a virgin’s womb in order to become a man and then overcame the same difficulties and temptations we face. He “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

The true message of Christmas is this: God became human in order to come to earth to rescue us from sin, death, and our own failed lives. Do you believe that the sinless came to carry your sins, the perfect died for the imperfect, and the only man who ever lived a holy life died a criminal’s death to satisfy the justice of God for you?

This Christmas, ask yourself, “How have I responded to Jesus?” Acknowledge in prayer today that He was willing to become an infant and be born in a stable in order to reach you. In His presence, marvel that, as a King, He left heaven for a life of humiliation and death on the cross. Rejoice that He triumphed over death in His resurrection. Thank Him that you will one day live with Him in heaven for eternity.

Linger with God awhile today. Do not rush this loving conversation as you tell God how much the presence of Jesus in your life means to you. Allow God a few minutes to communicate to you how extravagant, sacrificial, and unfaltering His love is, no matter how much you may have sinned. If you long to know more about God, His love, and His nature, you need look no further than Jesus.

Prayer: Thank You, precious Lord, that I can spend eternity with You because of Your sacrifice. You are the fulfillment of everything I could ever desire, and so I long to draw near to You. Deepen my faith as I seek Your face this Christmas. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[H]e made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Indescribable Christmas Gift: 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.



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