But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

Today’s “Low” Advent Devotion from John Pavlovitz makes us wonder … is everything that was promised to the shepherds by the angels, “too good to be true?”

Good News? Great Joy? All People? Really?

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and found yourself watching some hyper-aggressive sales pitch on an infomercial that has caught your attention and will not let go? Usually, it’s too good to be true.   

Then, a few weeks later, the product that you couldn’t resist buying in the middle of the night turns out to be completely underwhelming. And, once again, you tell yourself, these infomercials are not to be trusted. Like everything else, they’re just too good to be true.

That was the same dilemma that the shepherds faced that fateful night out in the fields watching their sheep. First, the messengers for this infomercial were angels. So, immediately, you ask, “Is this too good to be true?” Second, the angels tell you not be afraid. Think about it. Whenever anyone says to you, “don’t be afraid,” you know you should be afraid! And then the real pitch. The angels are delivering a) Good News; b) of Great Joy; c) for All People.

Is that something you’re “buying” this year for Christmas? Have you ever thought that those angels in the fields watching their sheep by night are really just metaphors for our own lives? Aren’t we all, in a way, living and sleeping with all our responsibilities in life (just like shepherds watching their sheep)? Can you even imagine that things could be different … that this “too good to be true” is really true?  

Are you curious enough to find out this Advent & Christmas season?

Are you willing to seek out the angels, to not be afraid to believe in something that has always sounded like a pipe dream … something too good to be true?

Are you ready to “come out” as a Jesus follower this year? If not, what is it that you’re waiting for? Isn’t this the year you have been waiting for. Isn’t it just the right time in your life to come out and reveal your faith in God, and in God’s plan for you? Isn’t NOW the time to follow Jesus?

Good News. Great Joy. All People.

Believe.

This week, look for direct, tangible, and close ways to bring news that is good, and joy that is great, to all people in your path.

And in that way, all God’s promises can come true.

It’s really up to you. Not anybody else.

Is this the season you channel your best inner shepherd, and really believe that “too good to be true” doesn’t apply when it comes to God. With God, it’s all true. Believe.

Good News. Great Joy. All People.

Do not be afraid.