Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
December 5, 2025
Only for a Time
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-18.
Jesus was born a man so that we who love Him could become citizens of heaven. Though He was God, He laid aside the manifestation of His glory to come and identify with us—humbling Himself so that He could set us free from sin and make us new by the power of His Spirit.
This is what we celebrate at Christmas. Jesus was born as one of us to reconcile us to God and raise us to new life in Him (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-18). The King of kings was welcomed to earth by poor and humble shepherds so that we who believe in Him might be received by our infinite and matchless Father in heaven.
But as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christ’s birth, we shouldn’t view Him today as the baby in a manger. Even now, Christ is reigning at the right hand of God. His time on earth as a suffering servant is complete—and He will soon return as a conquering King.
One day, Christ will come to finish His work and make all of creation fully and completely new—free from sin, death, and shame forever. From His humble birth to His obedient death, He won this for us. So, as we celebrate what He has done, let us fix our eyes on the hope of what He will soon do.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for making me new and giving me the promise of eternal life with You. I rejoice in the hope of Your return. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer” (2 Corinthians 5:16).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon The Paradox of Christmas: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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About Leading The Way
Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through every available form of media, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives around the world.
What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ, including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Dr. Youssef's Biblically-based programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. His books, MY Journal magazine, and daily e-devotionals continue to minister to a global audience. Leading The Way utilizes cutting-edge technology to advance the Gospel. Its solar-powered Navigators are reaching into remote villages, and the ministry's KINGDOM SAT TV channel—launched by Dr. Youssef in 2009—is reaching into the Middle East with programming in English, Arabic, and French. Field Teams follow up with viewers, including those in restricted areas, to lead the lost to Christ, disciple new believers, and support the underground Church.
Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way team are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus with the lost and equipping believers to grow in Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.
About Dr. Michael Youssef
Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground teams. His Biblically-based teaching programs are broadcast more than 18,000 times per week in multiple languages around the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the AWAKE America prayer movement.
Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds theological degrees from Moore College and Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Life-Changing Prayers, Is the End Near?, How to Read the Bible, Heaven Awaits, and God’s Final Call. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.
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