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December 13, 2025

Peace from a Humble Spirit

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.

Read Luke 1:26-38.

Mary’s deep, abiding relationship with God is truly a model for all of us, young or old, to emulate.

By all accounts, Mary didn’t have an easy life. She was a young girl in a society where only men seemed to matter. She was poor and lived in Nazareth, a village that had a reputation for being unremarkable, so she was likewise unremarkable from a worldly perspective. Add to this the fact that when she became supernaturally pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary was not yet married—only betrothed—so she knew her pregnancy would create a terrible scandal that could leave her abandoned, ostracised, or worse—stoned to death. 

Yet, because she had a self-image grounded in God’s Word, she was able to hold her head high—not faking it but trusting in the Lord for her peace. Mary knew the promises God had made to His people in the Old Testament. These were her ancestors, and she shared their hope. So, when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her God had chosen her to be the mother of His Son, she humbled herself and accepted God’s will for her life. 

In our celebrity-crazed culture, people adore the so-called “important people.” But God uses the humble and unknown. He seeks out and calls those with a contrite heart. There are some who try to emulate the immoral, worldly lifestyles of Hollywood celebrities, but God blesses those who are pure in spirit. People may admire the ruthless and arrogant, but God despises such attitudes; He lifts up the humble.

For centuries, artists have attempted to capture Mary’s beauty in paintings and in sculptures. But the focus of Scripture is on the beauty of Mary’s holiness. She was striking not because of her physical features or any adornments she may have worn but because of the way she surrendered her life fully and completely to God. 

Mary knew the miracle of God’s favor—His grace, mercy, and love—and it humbled her so that she delighted to obey. Are you taking this miracle for granted? Don’t lose your passion for the miracle of salvation—the miracle that through Christ, you are favored by God. This Truth will both humble your heart and give you peace as you trust your Lord to sustain you through every circumstance. 

Prayer: Lord, I am in awe of Your matchless love. Thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. I praise You for Your grace and mercy toward me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you’” (Luke 1:28).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon The People Who Missed ChristmasWATCH 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.

Contact Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef

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