Episode 2, Modern Day Shepherds, Guest James McNear

This is a reboot of the podcast from Day 2, of 2022 Christmas:

Charles George Missions Presents: Day 2 – Christmas Podcast – “Modern Day Shepherds”

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of our Christmas Podcast. We are bringing these daily Christmas podcasts to encourage and lift you up during this season. We are also lifting up the name of Jesus because this is who we celebrate at this time of year. Today we are going to look at the shepherds the caretakers of the sheep who were among the first to receive the good news of Jesus’ birth. We give special recognition today to the caretakers in our society – our health care workers, first responders, caretakers in the home, and all those who have been there in some way for those who are suffering during these challenging times. These are the modern‑day shepherds caring for the sheep. 

We will now start with what is known as our memory share where someone shares their favorite Christmas memory. Today, James McNear, a pastor, accomplished musician and composer, and founder of Macattack Records, will share his favorite Christmas memory and gift. Pastor McNear is the producer of CGM’s Christmas CD “We Love Christmas” selections of which we play on these podcasts. 

"We Love Christmas" singles or the entire album/CD may be purchase on our website at www.cgmissions.com/podcast

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Transcript

Charles George Missions Presents: Day 2 – Christmas Podcast – “Modern‑Day Shepherds”

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of our Christmas Podcast. We are bringing these daily Christmas podcasts to encourage and lift you up during this season. We are also lifting up the name of Jesus because this is who we celebrate at this time of year. Today we are going to look at the shepherds the caretakers of the sheep who were among the first to receive the good news of Jesus’ birth. We give special recognition today to the caretakers in our society – our health care workers, first responders, caretakers in the home, and all those who have been there in some way for those who are suffering during these challenging times. These are the modern‑day shepherds caring for the sheep. 

We will now start with what is known as our memory share where someone shares their favorite Christmas memory. Today, James McNear, a pastor, accomplished musician and composer, and founder of Macattack Records, will share his favorite Christmas memory and gift. Pastor McNear is the producer of CGM’s Christmas CD “We Love Christmas” selections of which we play on these podcasts. 

Thank you, Pastor McNear. What a blessing his father bestowed on him. A gift that his son gave back to the world. 

Our scripture today comes from Luke 2:8-18. Luke 2, starts out with the decree from Caesar Augustus that everyone had to return to their ancestral town to register for purposes of taxation. This meant Joseph and Mary had to return to Bethlehem for purposes of this decree. It was in Bethlehem that Mary gave birth to Jesus and the first ones to hear of the announcement were the shepherds. Reading from Luke, Chapter 2, verses 8‑18: 

Luke 2

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

There is a lot to reflect on in these scriptures. One thing that caught my attention is, why did God choose the shepherds to be the first ones to receive the good news of Jesus’ birth? There are many theories I am sure but what I believe is, first of all, we see God’s goodness to even the lowliest person. Shepherds were among the poorest and lowliest people. Thus, we see that God is no respecter of persons. I believe God is letting us know that Jesus came for everyone. Jesus’ birth was just as important for a shepherd as it was for the Kings who came from the East seeking him. And aren’t we glad about it? I certainly am. If I had to be born into royalty to know Jesus, I would have been left out. Although, I do not (and neither should you) count myself less than royalty because I am a queen in God’s eyes. That is how you should see yourself as well, as a queen, as a king in God’s eyes. 

We also see the shepherds watching their flock at night. Now, I don’t know much about sheep or shepherding but, I don’t think today sheep have to be watched at night because there are probably all kinds of monitoring systems to watch them. But back in that day apparently, somebody had to watch the little sheep, not only at night but in the daytime because they were subject to be stolen by thieves or killed by wolves. This reminds me that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is present all the time, anytime and anywhere through the Holy Spirit. Perhaps He is best known in the midnight hours, the quiet hours when the world is sleeping. After all, the bible tells us that he will come as a thief in the night. 

Thinking of the shepherds led me to think about the health care workers, first responders, the caretakers, and others who have been tasked with watching over the sick even in the midnight hours. They are like shepherds watching over the sheep especially during this time. They give all they have to keep the sheep alive. They are like shepherds protecting the sheep from the wolf, the thief that would like to come and steal life. So, let me stop right now and say “thank you” to all the health care workers, first responders, to everyone out there who has been like a shepherd, keeping watch over God’s sheep. I applaud you, the world applauds you. 

What else is so special about these shepherds? The angel came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.  The angel did not come to the Kings to show them the way to the baby Jesus, but these humble shepherds were blessed with the presence of the angel upon them and the glory of the Lord round about them. And then, if we skip to verse 13, it says suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host appeared. 
 
 I believe the multitude of heavenly hosts could not appear at the same time as the one lone angel appeared because it probably would have caused the shepherds to take off running in fear. Verse 9, says they were “sore” afraid at the one angel. God knows how to bless us with his presence yet not overwhelm us.  

These shepherds were chosen to spread the good news about Jesus’ birth because they were humble. God knows with whom to entrust his Word. In this case, it was the shepherds. Once they were past the fear, they readily believed and quickly went to Bethlehem to see “this thing which the Lord made known to them.”  And after they found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus they did not keep the good news to themselves, they let it be known all around them who this child was.

The shepherds should cause us to do some soul searching. How do we treat others? Are we kind only to those who are well‑to‑do or are we kind to everyone even the lowliest person? Do we help those who are in need, or at least do our part to support those who do help the needy? This brings to mind Jesus and the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Matthew 25:21-36, which reflects on the poor, the naked, and those in prison. Can God entrust us to make known the good news about Jesus not only in word but in the way we live, or are we too proud? These are just a few things to think about not only during this Christmas season but year‑round. Let us all strive to make a difference in every season. 

Thank you for being with us today on CGM Christmas Podcast. Join us again tomorrow when we will again share scriptures celebrating Jesus’ birth, hear an uplifting Christmas memory from another contributor, and listen to songs from our album “CGM We Love Christmas.” This is Stephanie Wright. May God’s love, peace, and protection be with you until next time, and remember, “Don’t let anything steal your Christmas.” 

The album “We Love Christmas” is a production of Charles George Missions and Macattack Productions and may be ordered on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and other platforms.

We leave you with the guitar instrumentals of James McNear and Gilbert Clay, Jr. playing “Little Drummer Boy.”