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Azariah
This episode is brought to you by.
Miles
Northwest Christian School Online. To learn more, visit ncsonline.org previously on Eyewitness. Oh, hey, one thing I forgot to tell you guys.
Azariah
You're not all together for this adventure.
Miles
See if you can find your way back to each other.
Quinn
Wait, what? We have to look around, walk around, talk to some people, and maybe we'll figure it out that way.
Emily
What about those people there? Hey, are we supposed to talk to you?
Quinn
Emily, stop. That is not how this works. I told you, we have to figure it out. But shouting at Randos is not the way it's gonna get done.
Mary
Hey, you see that guy standing over there?
Emily
What about him? He looks like he's crying.
Joseph
What can I do for you all?
Emily
We saw you from back there. We wanted to make sure you were okay.
Joseph
I look that bad, huh?
Emily
No, I think we could just tell something was wrong.
Joseph
Yes, you could say that. It's my wife. She is pregnant.
Emily
Congratulations.
Quinn
That's great news.
Joseph
It would be great news, except I'm not the father.
Jake
There's gotta be something around here, right? People just don't leave herds of sheep alone, do they?
Azariah
Who comes near my flock? Oh. Oh.
Jake
Hey, it's.
Zhen
It's okay.
Azariah
You're in the middle of the night with no caravan or horses. Only thieves and wolves wander in such darkness. Which are you?
Zhen
I promise we are neither.
Azariah
You must take me for a man of faith to believe such nonsense.
Zhen
Call it faith or something beyond us, but maybe we were meant to be here with you tonight.
Azariah
This land knows much of faith. You were brought here, but by what? Perhaps the stars guided you. If the stars have brought you, perhaps there is more here than any of us know. Please. Your names. I.
Miles
Miles.
Jake
Jake.
Miles
Adam.
Azariah
Very interesting names. I am Azariah.
Joseph
It would be great news, except I'm not the father.
Emily
Who is?
Joseph
You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Quinn
Actually, I've seen and heard some crazy things before. You may be surprised by what's believable.
Mary
Wait. What have you seen? Read the room.
Quinn
Jen, now's not the time.
Joseph
I think it's best for you to hear it from my wife.
Emily
Where is she?
Joseph
She's inside. Please, follow me.
Emily
Quinn. I have been told my entire life not to follow strange men anywhere, especially inside a house. I. I don't know. Are you really wanting us to go in there?
Quinn
Yep.
Emily
Do we go? I guess.
Joseph
Please sit. May I offer you a drink?
Quinn
No, thank you.
Joseph
Very well. Let me get my wife.
Emily
I have a bad feeling about this.
Quinn
Why?
Emily
Have you ever listened to a True crime podcast. This is how they all start.
Quinn
This isn't going to end with something bad happening to us.
Emily
It might. Either way, I'm ready. Ready for what? Ready to take someone down. What does that even mean? I grabbed a rock from outside. Gotta have something for defense. Emily.
Quinn
Seriously, Emily, you don't need to worry about anything.
Joseph
Sorry for the delay, my friends. My wife is very tired, but agreed to meet with you.
Quinn
That's okay. What's her name? Actually, what's your name?
Joseph
Did I not introduce myself? I'm so sorry. My name is Joseph.
Quinn
Nice to meet you. I'm Quinn, this is Emily, and this is Zhen.
Joseph
Great to meet you. You'll have to forgive the mess. We're getting ready for our travel to Bethlehem in the morning. Yes, here she is now. My dear, this is Quinn, Emily and Jen.
Mary
Nice to meet you all. I'm Mary.
Emily
Mary and Joseph?
Mary
Yes.
Emily
Why does that sound so familiar?
Mary
I don't know.
Quinn
Joseph was telling us we wouldn't believe your story. He said it would be better if it came from you.
Mary
Yes. Well, it was a day like any other. I was doing some chores around the house and I noticed something. At first I thought it was a reflection, but it was a small light. And it grew larger and larger. That's when I saw him.
Angel
Do not be afraid, Mary. This is unexpected, but there's no reason to fear.
Mary
What's going on? Who are you?
Angel
I'm a messenger from God. I've come to tell you something. Something wonderful. You found favor with him, Mary.
Mary
What? Favor with who?
Angel
With God.
Mary
Me? Favor? I. I don't understand. Why me? I'm no one. I'm just a girl.
Angel
God sees you. He has chosen you for something incredible. You're going to have a son. And his name will be Jesus.
Mary
A son?
Joseph
That's.
Mary
But how? I'm not even married yet. I've never. Oh, how can this happen?
Angel
God's spirit will come upon you, and his power will make this possible. This child, he's not just any child. He will be holy, the Son of God.
Mary
But why would he choose me? I'm not special. I'm no one important. There must be a mistake.
Angel
God does not make mistakes. He has chosen you for this because he knows you can carry this responsibility. You are stronger than you think.
Mary
I don't know if I can do this. What will people say? What will my family think? I could be shamed. I could be cast out.
Angel
I know you are afraid, but you are not alone in this. God is with you, and he will guide you. Through every part of it. Your cousin Elizabeth, she's going to have a child, too, even though she's well past the age. Everyone said it was impossible, but look at what God has done. Nothing is impossible for him.
Mary
What if I fail?
Angel
You have been chosen because of your heart. Because God knows you will trust him, even when it's hard.
Mary
I don't understand any of this. But if this is what God wants, then I'll trust him. I'll do it. Whatever he needs. I'm his servant.
Quinn
It's beyond words. You've been through so much, and still you have so much hope, so much faith.
Mary
Hope. And faith is what God has given me. It's not always easy, but it's something that I. We hold onto.
Emily
Did you ever think of saying no? Of choosing not to carry this responsibility?
Mary
It would be lying if I said I didn't feel overwhelmed. At times, it feels like more than I can handle. But each time I start to feel that way. I remember God's promise. He chose me for this. And somehow that gives me strength.
Joseph
We both had our fears, our moments of doubt. But God is always with us. And that's what gives us the courage to keep going.
Quinn
Where we're from, most people would struggle to trust anything so completely, especially something they can't fully understand.
Emily
I don't mean any disrespect, Mary, but it's so hard to believe. You know, an angel, a miraculous child. When you have an. You know, it all sounds like a story, one that's too good to be true.
Mary
It's natural to question things that feel beyond our understanding. You're not alone in that. Even I have moments where I question, why me? But God's ways aren't always ours to know. Faith doesn't remove the questions. It just gives us the courage to keep walking with them.
Joseph
Faith means trusting even when you don't have all the answers. It isn't the absence of doubt. It's the choice to keep trusting, even when you're unsure.
Emily
I don't know if I could do that. Just trust without answers.
Joseph
I had my doubts, plenty of them. But God reached out to me, too, and showed me that this child was part of his plan. I don't know the entirety of his plan, but I trust him. We're still learning every day. And we don't expect anyone else to have it all figured out either.
Emily
Still, I just don't think I could.
Mary
God meets us where we are. Even a small step of trust is enough. And over time, those steps turn into something more.
Quinn
I Think this experience will stay with us? Where we're from, we're taught to question everything. But there's something so real in what you're saying. I feel like maybe that's what we've been missing.
Mary
Maybe it is. Each of us has our own journey to understanding. I don't know where yours will lead, but I know you're here for a reason. We're actually leaving soon to go to Bethlehem for the census. It's a long journey and I could use all the help I can get. If you're willing. Would you travel with us?
Quinn
Really?
Mary
We could use the extra hands, and I'd love to have your company. We'll find a place to stay in Bethlehem, and you'd be welcome to stay with us at the inn.
Quinn
Jen. Emily, what do you think?
Emily
Absolutely. I don't know. This whole thing feels like a dream. But maybe that's what I need to see where this all leads. I guess we're going then.
Joseph
Thank you. I know this wasn't in your plans, but your presence is a blessing to us.
Mary
We leave in the morning. Rest well tonight. And tomorrow. Tomorrow we start a journey none of us will forget.
Joseph
Northwest Christian School Online provides online Christian education for any students ranging from kindergarten to 10th grade. The tuition is fully covered through the State of Arizona's ESA program and is affordable for families out of state. You can count on NCS Online for a rigorous, proven online program that establishes a robust biblical worldview for all students. For more information, go to ncsonline.org that's ncsonline.org.
Narrator
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Jake
I'm gonna be honest, walking around in the sun, surrounded by the sight and smell of sheep and their droppings isn't what I had in mind when I signed up for the Elysium.
Miles
Yeah, I kind of feel the same.
Zhen
Way during my first time. I didn't expect the things I experienced either. But at the end, it was all worth it. Besides, this won't be what we were doing the whole time. I know it.
Miles
So, Miles, you know this Azariah guy?
Zhen
Yeah.
Jake
But he doesn't know you.
Zhen
Correct.
Jake
How does that work, again?
Zhen
I meet him 30 years from now.
Miles
30 years?
Zhen
Yeah.
Miles
How is that possible?
Zhen
Because I met him in the Elysium during something that takes place about 30 years from now.
Jake
Why didn't you say something to him?
Zhen
What am I gonna say? Hey, Doc Brown. It's me, Marty. I'm from the future.
Miles
Who is Doc Brown?
Mary
It.
Zhen
It's from Back to the Future. It's. It's a classic.
Jake
Stop quoting old movies nobody has seen.
Zhen
He literally doesn't know who I am anyways, so what's the difference?
Jake
That's a fair point.
Azariah
Be quiet.
Miles
Here he comes.
Azariah
My friends, I need your help. We have a lost sheep and I must find him.
Zhen
Yeah, sure. What do we do?
Azariah
Miles, will you and. I'm so sorry. Your name again?
Jake
Jake.
Azariah
Jake. Yes. Will you and Jake stay to watch the flock? Adam and I will search the canyon over there for the lost sheep and return him.
Zhen
Okay. Adam, you good?
Miles
Yeah. I've always wanted to go searching for a lost sheep.
Azariah
Excellent. Please, this way.
Miles
So you've been doing this for a while, huh? Being a shepherd, I mean.
Azariah
A while, yes. Longer than I can remember. Sometimes it's all I've known since I was a boy.
Miles
You like it?
Azariah
It has its moments. There's peace in the routine. I suppose.
Miles
It seems like a lot of walking and watching. Just you, the flock and the stars.
Azariah
Walking, watching. Guiding. But it's more than that. You get to know each one of them.
Joseph
Them?
Azariah
The sheep.
Miles
Really?
Azariah
Of course. Did you know they have personalities? Habits. After a while, you know which ones like to wander and which ones will stick close.
Miles
Seriously? They actually have personalities?
Azariah
Oh, yes. Some are stubborn, some are curious. Some are timid. In a way, they're not so different from us.
Miles
I never thought about it like that. I mean, where I'm from, sheep are just sheep. They don't seem like they'd be too complicated.
Azariah
They're simple creatures, but there's a beauty in their simplicity. They trust, they follow, and they teach patience.
Miles
Interesting. Do you ever feel like you want to shake things up? Do something, I don't know, a little more exciting?
Azariah
Exciting? I'm not sure if shepherding is anyone's idea of excitement, but it has a purpose. And there's comfort in purpose. Even if it's a quiet one.
Miles
I guess it's kind of nice, in a way. You don't have all the Noise. Back home, everything's so loud. Everyone's always rushing, busy trying to get somewhere. It's like no one ever stops just to be.
Azariah
Yes, life here is simpler. But maybe we lose something, too. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to see the world beyond these hills. To see what lies beyond the flock.
Miles
Why don't you?
Azariah
Hmm. I don't know.
Miles
So, what's the craziest thing you've had to deal with out here? Wild animals. Bad dudes?
Azariah
A little of both, actually. There was one night not too long ago when a pack of wolves tried to get at the flock. And there's always the occasional thief who thinks you can make an easy living off another man's work.
Miles
I bet they didn't know who they were dealing with.
Azariah
They rarely do. It's an advantage people tend to underestimate. A shepherd.
Miles
Would you do anything else if you could? Or is shepherding it?
Azariah
There are days when I feel restless. As though there's something more out there waiting.
Miles
It's like this feeling there's something bigger, just out of reach. Something you're supposed to do, but you don't know quite what it is exactly.
Azariah
But for now, this is my calling. The flock needs me, and I have to believe there's a purpose in that.
Miles
In my village, people are always talking about finding their purpose. It's like everyone's looking for the same thing, but they don't know where to start. Some people think purpose has to be big and flashy. You know, something that'll make them famous or important.
Azariah
Purpose doesn't have to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes the greatest purpose is found in the smallest acts. Even in watching over a flock or finding a single lost sheep.
Miles
Speaking of which, I've got to ask, why are we spending so much time looking for this one sheep? I mean, you've got a whole flock back there. Wouldn't it be easier to let this one go?
Azariah
Easier, yes. But a shepherd doesn't leave any member of his flock behind. Each one has worth, even if it seems small to someone else.
Miles
But does the sheep even know it's lost? Maybe it's happier out here on its own. Frida Wandered. Whatever sheep do, maybe it doesn't know.
Azariah
It'S lost, but that doesn't mean it isn't. And one day it would realize just how far it's wandered and how alone it's become. That's why the shepherd goes after it, to bring it back before it's too late.
Miles
Yeah, I guess I can relate. Feeling like you're out there on your own, and no one's looking for you.
Azariah
Perhaps there are times when you think you're alone, but you're not. Sometimes help comes in the ways we don't expect, through people we'd never imagined.
Miles
I don't know. It doesn't feel like anyone has time to stop and look for anyone else. Everyone's busy with their own lives.
Azariah
But isn't that why we need one another? To remind each other that we're not alone?
Miles
It's strange being here with you, looking for this one sheep. It almost feels like it's more than that.
Azariah
Maybe it is. I believe that in every journey, the Almighty has a lesson for us, even in the smallest ones. Sometimes he calls us to search for others, and along the way, we discover he's leading us closer to himself.
Miles
You sound like a philosopher. Maybe shepherding isn't all you're meant for.
Azariah
Perhaps. Or perhaps shepherding is more than meets the eye. Ah, there he is.
Miles
Perfect timing.
Azariah
Indeed. Let's get him back to the flock. It'll be getting dark soon, and tonight feels different.
Miles
Different how?
Azariah
I don't know. You travelers, the lost sheep. It all feels like it means something. More like God's hand is in this, showing us that tonight isn't just another night. I don't know why, but I feel as though we're on the edge of something holy. Like what we may be called somewhere soon. Like you said, something a little more exciting.
Mary
Thank you for joining us for Eyewitness. Stay tuned for more thrilling chapters from Northwest Christian School. To learn more about NCS, visit ncsaz.org.
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host/Author: Northwest Christian School, Red Five Media
In the second episode of Season 2, titled "Lost & Found," "I Witness: Silent Night" delves deeper into the intertwining lives of its characters, blending elements of faith, mystery, and personal discovery. This episode masterfully balances suspense with profound conversations about purpose, faith, and the human experience, all set against a backdrop that hints at both biblical narratives and contemporary dilemmas.
The episode begins with the main characters—Quinn, Emily, Miles, and Zhen—embarking on an adventurous quest where they find themselves separated from one another. Their mission: to reunite by navigating through unfamiliar territories, interacting with locals, and solving the mystery that keeps them apart.
As they navigate this journey, they encounter Joseph and Mary, a couple burdened by unexpected news. Joseph reveals a personal crisis: he is not the father of his pregnant wife’s child, hinting at deeper, possibly supernatural implications. This revelation sets the stage for a profound discussion on faith and destiny.
Midway through the episode, the characters find themselves in Elysium, a place that introduces elements of time travel and philosophical musings. Here, Zhen reveals an intriguing connection with Azariah, a shepherd figure who embodies wisdom and introspection. Azariah’s role becomes pivotal as he leads the group in searching for a lost sheep, symbolizing lost souls or purpose.
The culmination of the episode occurs when the group aligns with Azariah’s mission, leading them to a deeper understanding of their own paths and the divine purpose that binds them all together.
Faith vs. Skepticism:
Mary and Joseph’s Interaction: A significant portion of the episode revolves around Mary being visited by an angel who tells her she will bear a son named Jesus. This supernatural event challenges the characters' understanding of faith.
Mary: "It would be a mistake."
(06:20)
Quinn and Emily’s Doubts: The characters grapple with believing in Mary and Joseph’s story, representing the modern struggle between skepticism and faith.
Emily: "This might all feel like a dream. But maybe that's what I need to see where this all leads."
(11:33)
Purpose and Destiny:
Azariah’s Philosophy: As a shepherd, Azariah shares profound insights about purpose, emphasizing that even seemingly small acts hold significant meaning.
Azariah: "Purpose doesn't have to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes the greatest purpose is found in the smallest acts."
(19:07)
Miles’ Reflection: Through conversations with Azariah, Miles contemplates his own search for purpose, resonating with listeners who may feel lost or seeking direction.
Miles: "Feeling like you're out there on your own, and no one's looking for you."
(20:11)
Human Connection and Support:
The episode underscores the importance of community and supporting one another, especially during times of uncertainty.
Azariah: "But isn’t that why we need one another? To remind each other that we're not alone?"
(20:38)
Symbolism of the Lost Sheep:
The quest to find the lost sheep serves as a metaphor for searching for lost purpose or faith. It illustrates how individual actions contribute to the greater good.
Azariah: "A shepherd doesn't leave any member of his flock behind. Each one has worth, even if it seems small to someone else."
(19:22)
Azariah on Faith:
"This land knows much of faith. You were brought here, but by what? Perhaps the stars guided you. If the stars have brought you, perhaps there is more here than any of us know."
(01:57)
Mary on Overwhelm and Trust:
"I don't know if I can do this. What will people say? What will my family think? I could be shamed. I could be cast out."
(07:05)
Joseph on Trust and Doubt:
"Faith means trusting even when you don't have all the answers. It isn't the absence of doubt. It's the choice to keep trusting, even when you're unsure."
(10:00)
Emily’s Skepticism:
"I don't mean any disrespect, Mary, but it's so hard to believe. You know, an angel, a miraculous child. When you have an... you know, it all sounds like a story, one that's too good to be true."
(09:16)
Azariah on Purpose:
"Purpose doesn't have to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes the greatest purpose is found in the smallest acts."
(19:07)
Quinn and Emily:
Miles and Zhen:
Azariah:
Mary and Joseph:
"Lost & Found" skillfully intertwines personal quests with timeless themes of faith, purpose, and community. Through engaging dialogues and symbolic storytelling, the episode invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, encouraging a balance between skepticism and belief. The interactions between characters like Azariah, Mary, and Joseph enrich the narrative, offering profound insights into the human condition and our search for meaning. As the group comes together to aid Azariah in finding the lost sheep, they also embark on a spiritual journey that promises further revelations in upcoming episodes.
Stay tuned for more enthralling chapters as Northwest Christian School and Red Five Media continue to deliver compelling stories that resonate deeply with listeners.
For more information about Northwest Christian School Online and their programs, visit ncsonline.org. To explore more of Red Five Media’s captivating content, visit RedFiveMedia.com.