The Shepherd - Frederick Forsyth - read by Alan Maitland from CBC Radio

[@lisajanedegara9858]

I first heard this on Christmas Eve 2021. My father had cancer surgery that day; I was visiting him and driving home from the hospital, totally overwhelmed. This broadcast came on and it was unbelievable. I sat in the car even when I got home although it was freezing- transfixed. It was amazing. My father is still with us now, 2024. Merry Christmas, everyone.

[@wyesmith]

Merry Christmas!

[@pendlechild7516]

Thanks for sharing your story and Merry Christmas to you too !🎅🏻🎄

[@robanthony9420]

❤

[@robanthony9420]

John Cavanaugh.... God I love this.... its a family tradition every year.

[@shaneblair-hicks4975]

One of the best things the CBC ever produced.

[@rexhallinan1785]

In my opinion this is the best version of this story .I enjoyed thus the first time I heard it and have listened heard it numerous times usually around Christmas time .What a gripping story

[@kmarchery]

I was 8 . In the back of the family suburban. It was dark dec 24 on a Canadian prairie highway . In the distance the lights of a city Refected on low hanging clouds as we traveled to see family. I heard this story . Have listened to it each and every year since . every year I get to be that little boy Again . Cheers to all .

[@grosvenorclub]

Many years ago we lived in Edmonton , Alberta and spent some time working in Lethbridge down the bottom . I had read the book a few years before . I thought about this story one christmas eve when I was driving back up to Edmonton , snow , clear moonlight night and I had just passed the old Lancaster that was in that little museum on the highway . It was really quite spooky .

[@austenobrian3757]

@@grosvenorclub I had a similar experience driving back from Kincardine, Ontario to Toronto on Christmas Eve with all the flat fields covered in snow and the moon shining brightly. As you say very evocative and spooky in a way.

[@VladislavBabbitt]

Lovely!

[@VladislavBabbitt]

It is beautiful.

[@janeleahey4587]

@@grosvenorclub How many wounded Lancs were guided back home by dedicated guides and shepherds risking their own lives 1942-1945. All respect to these brave men. Bless you each one. William M Leahey age 70

[@beth68ann]

This became a tradition with my husband and I.Last Christmas was the first with out him and I couldn't listen.This year no matter how hard I'm determined to keep it alive.I miss you and I love you!

[@IAmJaguarPaw.ThisIsMyForest.]

+beth68ann My girlfriend of 22 years and I listen to this, now, every year too.....I am sorry about your husband. I hope your years with him were happy....Merry Christmas.

[@beth68ann]

Thank you so much for your reply.My years with him were spent as best friends,very lucky to have had that.A very belated Christmas to you and yours also.

[@corinnagilliland7899]

My husband and I used to listen to it every year and each time I hear it I think of him. It's been 7 years, 8 Christmases without him yet he's right there in front of me from the moment Alan Maitland begins The Shepherd. Merry Christmas

[@pritchardjm1]

beth68ann Hope you are listening this year Merry Christmas!!!

[@Redhackle]

He loves you too.

[@sharonkavanagh428]

This story is a big tradition of myself and my son who had two grandfather's in ww2 and a great grandfather and uncle's in the great war .The interesting thing thing about this beautiful story is my son is also named John Kavanagh it brings it close to home. ❤❤❤

[@jeffdustin3023]

I've been listening to this every Christmas Eve for at least the past 8 years. I honestly believe that they should make it into a movie.

[@bitter-bit]

Agreed!!!

[@mfdixon2265]

I heard it just by chance on CBC coming home after a night shift on a cold foggy night….and I have listened to it every Christmas since then. A movie might ruin it.

[@JBinthesticks]

Films always ruin the story.

[@jeffreyphelan3515]

Us since 2000

[@jasethehoo]

it is being made as we speak with john travolta starring in it

[@robertsihler3384]

I flew USAF aircraft for 22 years. Somehow, I never came across this gem until tonight. What a fabulous story it is!

[@falconeaterf15]

The story was written by Frederick Forsyth. The youngest jet fighter pilot in the RAF back in the day, flying Vampires. Its being read by Canadian Broadcasting radio host Alan Maitland. I remember the long dreaded drive to Grandmas house every Christmas Eve in the family station wagon. Crammed with siblings and gifts. Dear old dad always timed the drive so we could listen to this enroute. Must be fourty years ago now. Brings back memories. Black empty highways and -30C made it seem real.

[@equinoxproject2284]

Take a drive into the countryside late on Christmas eve and listen to the Shepard. It is the only way to listen to it, preferably during the live CBC broadcast.

[@SidneyAnderson36]

I wonder if the USAF had a program like that, to find lost aircraft.

[@VladislavBabbitt]

I know. It is beautiful.

[@notyhbynorthwest]

I moved from England to the USA in 1980, moving to Minneapolis where I spent 30 very happy years. I soon discovered Public Radio and Public Television, which allowed me to listen to and watch BBC programming, and the CBC news show "As It Happens". This was where I discovered Alan Maitland and his wonderful story telling as "Fireside Al". I think the first time I heard "The Shepherd" was in 1983, and I have listened to it countless times as it was repeated on Minnesota Public Radio practically every Christmas. I was spellbound listening to it, and the hair on my neck would stand on end every time I heard it. I don't thing I have ever had such a visceral reaction to anything.

[@equinoxproject2284]

Get a nice hot coffee and go for a drive on a dark winter night in a place with as little light as possible. It really enhances the whole experience.

[@RPMZ11]

@@equinoxproject2284 Rum works too, on a Caribean beach with a full moon and the bounding surf...listening to 'The Shepherd' on Radio Canada International's feed from the Grand Turks.🌴🌝

[@equinoxproject2284]

@@RPMZ11 haha. I’m in Ontario which is currently getting pounded by a very severe winter storm😉 Have one for me eh.

[@RPMZ11]

@@equinoxproject2284 ..... 28, here on Hispaniola tonite🏴‍☠🏝🦜🦎 I feel your pain🤕. Oh...sorry,.. got to go...my Spanish wife seems to be motioning to me from the outdoor shower?.🚿🤿🌴 Cheers eq...🥃🌒 and a Magic Christmas🎄☮

[@equinoxproject2284]

@@RPMZ11 😭

[@robhartley9676]

My Dad gave me this 20 years ago as a gift. I read it every Christmas now that my father has passed.

[@grownjohnboy]

One Christmas eve I was driving home from work during an awful blizzard. I had an hour drive through mostly dark forest and I was well prepared for a long slow drive home. This story came on and kept me company all the way home. Since then I find it and play it like I am right now. Merry Christmas to all.

[@supergmx1046]

I have loved this since I was kid hearing it on CBC radio driving through the snow coming home from church Christmas Eve with the whole family in happier times probably 40 years ago. It fills me with good memories. I went on to become a pilot myself so have gained a greater appreciation for the story having done many a flight on Christmas Eve trying to get home under much better circumstances than the pilot in the story. I also remember Alan Maitland quite well as he was a friend of my father and we boarded a horse at his farm for many years. This gave me the chance to sit in his kitchen with a coffee and listen. Or he would come out to the barn to see us if we were checking the horses after supper and Al always had a snifter in his hand filled with brandy I presume. I liked him and he was interesting guy to chat with. He had an air of sophistication about him and with his voice I could have enjoyed him reciting the phone book or dictionary for hours.

[@reiddminish4310]

I was a pilot and felt my heart racing knowing the trouble this pilot was in. Excellent story and most appropriate for Christmas. Thank you.

[@24get24give]

as an American, this is my first time hearing it; my husband is Canadian and was thrilled to find this here so I could hear it after hearing him rell me about it for twenty=five years, literally so thanks, his mom is here for Christmas eve and we played this as soon as we finished opening presents, she loved it, too so thanks grom her as well

[@lesliejames9404]

I listen to this every Christmas eve. brings a tear to my eyes every time.

[@VeraTheTabbynx]

I heard this broadcast on CBC for the first time ever just an hour ago. I broke down in tears at the end. My god what a story.

[@CaspianWint]

I heard this on CBC world service in 1986, on duty in Cyprus Christmas Eve, I have not missed it since......

[@countrichardvoncoudenhovek8855]

My Father was in the Irish Air Corps and had the pleasure of flying in the two seat training version which they flew 5 of until the mid 1970's. The sight and sound of the Vampire has a special place in my heart ever since

[@adamc.sieracki4145]

The best Christmas Eve story ever written. RIP, Mr Maitland--what a voice.

[@markproulx1472]

Indeed, his voice is unbelievably compelling. I could listen to him reading want ads and be thoroughly entertained.

[@24get24give]

yes an amazing voice, and such a good reader, as well

[@eztomcat]

Hey, folks. Guess what. I read this story in an aeronautics magazine in the 1980's when I was 15 back in China. Of course, the story was translated into Chinese language already. As an aeronautics fan, I was so fascinated by this story and had never forgotten. Right now, I'm in the middle of my 50's, I still recall it from time to time. Today is my first time being able to listen to this story in its original English version. What an honor it is. Salute, Mr. Forsyth. For I loved the story so dear. Thank you.

[@equinoxproject2284]

Take a drive on a dark winter evening and listen to it, the experience is simply the best.

[@eztomcat]

@@equinoxproject2284 Oh, yeah. You bet. Sometimes, when I was driving at a dark night on the freeway where there was no lights at all, the only thing I can see is the reflection from the separate dots that mark the lanes. My head lights can't shine very far, yet, there are very few on head lights from the opposite direction. At this moment, I always think of this story, the Shepherd. Imagining I was the lonely pilot in the Vampire, I feel I can do nothing at all, but to follow the separate dots. I feel I was flying, because I saw nothing on both sides and distance in the front. I was completely surrounded by the darkness feeling helpless. It was feeling like I was going to land on an aircraft carrier from nowhere in the air above the vast ocean. That was very weird feeling and experience.

[@camplintelford3408]

@eztomcat Wow, that’s really cool. I will try and find the mandarin or cantonese narration, would be very interesting to hear it Also, yes it is best listened to on a quiet road. The first time I ever heard it, I was driving along the “seaside route” in Victoria. It was snowing like crazy and I was the only car on the road It was a pretty great way to be introduced to this tale Big thanks to the original poster And the cbc of course Take care all and happy holidays

[@genesturby9247]

A story and a voice... I've listened to this tale many times over the last 30 years. Reading through the comments I'm warmed and charmed, and appreciate being one of the many that enjoys this story. 😋

[@cheerleader9566]

I cannot allow a Christmas Eve to pass without listening to Alan Maitland. First heard decades ago as we milked our dairy cows.

[@blue47er]

I was a Telegraphist (Signaller) and was stationed at RAF Celle from early December l1956 to November 1957, which was when the RAF handed over the air base to the newly reformed German Air Force. This is a wonderful and tremendously atmospheric story by a master storyteller. I have had the book for years and have re-read it a number of times.

[@thisisme2995]

Wow!

[@lighthousecollector]

never tire of this -my dad flew both the planes featured so i can imagine him in either role :)

[@michaelvivian8759]

I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to receive this magnificent story again. Touching.

[@sapper82]

One of Frederick Forsythe's early short stories, but still one of his best.

[@kevinbundschuh5932]

omg......the story, the voice of Alan Maitland..., has made this one of my favorite Christmas stories for near 40 years. I was about 8 or 9 weeks old, when this hit the airwaves. Enjoy

[@ScottWright-p2d]

Back to listen again. This 24th of December.

[@jackdundon2261]

I'm not crying. My eyes are just sweating

[@DominicDeWolfe]

Right Christmas Eve 2020..at least we still have this

[@gavinliddy47]

I’ve been listening for over 20 years. Have passed on the tradition to my own family. Great story and well read.

[@Czechsix]

I listen to this every year. Dad was a Mossie pilot/navigator in WW2 Czech RAF service.

[@shanenelson4058]

My dad introduced me to this story on CBC a long time ago. I try to listen to it every Christmas. It always moves me.

[@samgregan2105]

Our family Christmas Eve tradition is to open our Christmas Eve gift (matching pyjamas) and sit in the living room near the fireplace listening to The Sheppard. It just isn't Christmas without it.

[@chrisboissevain229]

It isn’t Christmas until I listen to this.

[@pcb922]

Listened to this for the first time on the radio while driving home, through the fog and mist, on Christmas Eve. This will be my Christmas listen from now on. God bless our fliers and Merry Christmas to you all.

[@SWKatzRok]

I was a child in Norfolk, England in the 50s; I know most of the towns and airfields mentioned in this haunting and unforgettable story. The first time I ever heard it read by Alan Maitland was on Christmas Eve 1998, on CBC aired on my local Public Radio station KALW, San Francisco. Moments before I had heard long distance from one of my older brothers, a pilot himself, that our dear mother had just died in England. Somehow the familiar names in this story, and the memory of England just post-war, comforted me beyond words, and every Christmas Eve I listen to “The Shepherd”.

[@73dems]

I am listening to this on Christmas Eve 2018. Tomorrow we will go to my parents and watch the Alastair Sim Christmas Carol with them. These are our wonderful Christmas traditions.

[@gregsawka201]

Same here!! Those are two of my "MUST have's" for Christmas!!!

[@iananderson7883]

2021 and still a great way to spend Christmas evening. Everyone should read this one. One of the coolest Christmas stories.

[@VladislavBabbitt]

Indeed!

[@RPower-be6wz]

This takes me back to childhood evenings listening to CBC Radio. We miss your voice Alan Maitland.

[@gordonshaw6231]

As a commercial pilot who was raised in Suffolk and Norfolk I can relate to all of this, I had a flying school in Norfolk years ago and know every old WW2 airfield. The first time I listened to it I was beside myself, great little story and can relate to all of it.

[@iananderson7883]

2020 and this story still resonates. I have the book but wanted to hear it read out loud. Frederick Forsyth is one of my favourite authors. Read all his stuff..

[@garnetaltwasser8774]

A most moving Christmas story that I have listened to for over 40 Christmases. From the night time loneliness over the North Sea to arriving safely it is good for the soul.

[@User2718218]

I have always been captivated by this wonderful story and have heard it on CBC several times over the years. It's a real piece of classic Canadiana to treasure. Thank you for posting.

[@jimmartell9703]

We listen every year. So special. What a story. Kudos to Allan Maitland

[@davezentner7384]

Merry Christmas to all from Dave in Vancouver, Canada, 25 Dec. 2019..Wise Men and Women still seek The Good Shepherd born in a Manger so many Years ago..

[@arctic9001]

I love this.A faithful listener I am. This year, I'm listening here on KZbin as it is the weekend, and the program called As It Happens on CBC radio is only on the weekdays. It's all good - Happy Christmas! 💜 💜 🙂👍

[@RoyalSwissNavy]

Many thanks for putting the whole thing together. I don't know why, but every time I hear it the tears come. I think it's something to do with how a man will put his own life on the line to help someone he doesn't even know.

[@MrLarryC11]

I have not the least belief in ghosts but every time I hear this story (each Xmas) I get the shivers. What a superbly written and read story!

[@NaturallyFrigid]

i have shared this over and over again...and ity has most definitely become a tradition for me to listen each christmas eve.........i still can't believe there are people who have never heard this...it's so beautiful...merry christmas.

[@bradwalker4988]

The first time I heard it, I was driving 4 hours to Sudbury from Toronto in a blinding snowstorm on a Christmas Eve. The drive was eerily similar -- our car a cocoon in the snow. At times -- the lone car on two lanes, it was hard to see the lanes which cut through the rocks and trees of Highway 69. Driving in those conditions, that night, listening to this, is etched as part of my memory of The Shepherd.

[@scottburgoyne7043]

Love this story. My dad used to have us brothers listen to it every Christmas. My KZbin suggested if today and now I’m playing it for my wife and a new generation.

[@peterartedi5872]

Alan Maitland immortalised this story by Frederick Forsythe, and he also immortalised himself in the process. It is one of the most moving stories ever written. Best left as an audio file; any movie would ruin the mental images conjured up by Maitland's voice.

[@gregsawka201]

Agreed. Hard to beat the 'theatre of the mind'!!

[@markproulx1472]

I agree completely. Let the mind do the work.

[@markproulx1472]

@@gregsawka201: Right on!

[@rogerkay8603]

What a book! Read it years ago and still a massive favourite especially this time of year.

[@ronlacey5292]

This never gets old.

[@alainlaverdiere3657]

This CBC treat has been on my my Christmas listening list 5 years in a row. Thanks for posting. Merry Christmas! 🍁🏳️‍🌈🇨🇦🌸

[@connordalton4553]

It's Christmas tradition in my family to listen to this every year.

[@1swedeATfiorde]

That and the 'Gift of the Mag'i! Hang on to your sweet beautiful years...few among many. You are amazing!

[@simonjenner8115]

I can't even relate it without tears. It's a universal story for anyone who's ever flown, even non-professionals just getting a licence. I try rationalising it. 1977 flying in Chipmunks tutored by ex wartime Mosquito pilot Fl Lt Dring prone to mad gestures, with my blessing turned engine off at 1800 - too low to bale out, Russian roulette, and got me to dead-stick till 100ft when he took over. We could have crashed or landed anywhere but he got us just over the perimeter. A year earlier at 618 Gliding School Learned to fly mainly T31s. Third solo, altimeter issue, stuck, but mainly sudden crosswind whilst I was up had grounded everyone else but me out of a thermal then had to land in it. Jammed ailerons and rudder to port to stop being flipped over. Hairy. But sets you up for life doesn't it? They were mostly glad I'd not damaged the plane but said cheerfully they expected me to get killed.These two experiences pus the dead Vampires, Victors, Vulcans Javelins and a solitary Meteor F8 at West Malling's graveyard (I broke in and sat in them, took pics) must be one reason I can't read The Shepherd without tears welling up. At 17 - and this must be a common experience amongst cadet contemporaries - I too was stuck however briefly without instruments no radio, nothing, landing in a sudden cross-wind, and I too was gently guided down a year later by a Mosquito pilot.

[@nagsman29]

Hi Simon, interesting as I had a very similar experience as a cadet flying in a Chipmunk out of RAF Manston in 1967 ! Shortly after take-off my Flying Officer pilot flew us over his married quarter and told me to wave to his wife who was at the time hanging out the washing in the garden, she waved back and on we flew when the engine coughed a few times. He told me not to worry as it should be ok but a few minutes later the engine cut for good and as with you the Chipmunk became a wonderful glider getting us back to the airfield and over the perimeter landing safely. I was the last cadet to fly for the rest of that summer camp. Happy days.

[@simonjenner8115]

@@nagsman29 Thanks, your experience was certainly more vivid than mine too. Rather touching and human. It was a more relaxed time. Cuts and health and safety sliced these times away.

[@seedsoflove7684]

Why didnt the vampire not at least try to find land below? Why waste fuel going in triangles? Why not try to find land?

[@wallymackay5811]

Love this story. Very beautiful intersection of haunting realism but very spiritual. Makes you think of all those veterans and airmen

[@TheMikewalking]

I drive an overnight shift with no holidays off and I listen to a lot of radio. 3 years back I just happened to switch to a local NPR station while driving my route on Christmas Eve. I missed the first 10 minutes or more, not sure. But I didn't get out of the car til it was over. My calendar is marked to remind me to check for another holiday broadcast.

[@sajivarghese2662]

It's eerie but it reminds one of the true spirit of Christmas. A Shepherd who was born to gather together and lead those people who went astray. A Saviour who carries you safely through. Wonderful story 👌

[@Lara-wm9rm]

I bought this on a little cassette tape after disappearing off the freeway when my cousin m. Was driving drunk without letting me and my mother know so we were safe shepherded in by god himself into the discount store to discover this story of faith and enduring everlasting life .thank you mr.forsyth for putting it into words I am so greatful I fully appreciate your literary efforts and your other novels based o. Reality in fact I'm listening to the shepherd on you tube and I have the fist of god on my right thigh and the fox on my right as well I know my man has been shepherded home and is safe he's a pilot and this is a time of war please tell sir John major that Lara Victoria Grenfell F.M. says hello.thank you.keep writing and keep entertaining me .goodbye or should I say auf wiedersehen .

[@frontcentermusician]

This audio book never gets old.

[@belliott538]

Just discovered this Great Tale… We do not get this story on the Radio for Christmas unfortunately. Southeast Texas…. I will add it this year. Merry Christmas… In Advance!

[@MrNess2911]

Today is xmas eve. I remember myself being a child, eager to read The Reader's Digest. On that december, about the end of 70's I guess, I read this wonderfull tale "The Shepered". While I listen I feel myself flying back to the 70's, same emotions once again. I never knew there was such a exquisit narration. I'm quite excited. I read it in spanish as a kidd and I listened today in English. I'm deeply amazed, happiness striking twice with the same old feeling. Thnk you very much for uploading and Merry Christmas to all!

[@gapratt4955]

It is Christmas 2019, and as yourself I first read this story in Readers Digest in the late 70's. I did not know of the radio broadcast of the story, however am very happy to have found it. Feliz navidad, feliz año nuevo

[@myaspa]

I'm almost teary eyed remembering my late father who narrated this story to me and to my brother in the mid or late 1970's in the Philippines. The Reader's Digest subscribed from USA was a huge favorite in our family. This story is among those that fascinated me and I remember well enough.

[@dodaexploda]

@@gapratt4955 Chiristmas eve 2020 here. A message for the future: covid19 sucks. I first heard this story I think about 5-6 years ago on CBC radio while driving home from my aunts. They play it every year.

[@gapratt4955]

@@dodaexploda A Merry Christmas to you and yours. Agreed, Covid 19 Sucks! Christmas Eve 2020 and my daughter was able to appreciate this wonderful story. A family tradition we will enjoy.

[@dodaexploda]

@@gapratt4955 And a merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

[@Danskerable]

I never tire of this story, I listen to it again, and again........pure brilliance! Thank you!

[@Ferda1964]

this is definitely my favorite Christmas story , thanks for posting this gem

[@cgreeneblue]

I always try to catch this on CBC but missed it this year so I found it here. Thanks for uploading this.

[@hughmacintyre7000]

This is awesome Christmas eve stuff....years ago on way to folks place for xmas eve long drive & I came across this by accident on CBC radio.....never missed a xmas eve since....love it ....we need more stories like this

[@asarand]

This is the first time I've heard this story. Very powerful. Causes one to beg the question how does one come back from the dead to spare another's life? I believe we could use more stories like this.

[@EssDave1]

Wow! This is fantastic! I got that same chill the others mentioned. This is one that will be cherished forever and shared far and wide where ever aviation and bravery are honored. Thank you for posting it!

[@jrcadet4]

I first heard Alan Maitland's reading on CBC Radio one (appropriately) foggy Christmas Eve some years back. It took me back to my own flying days, and to the unselfish friends and mentors whose teaching and advice saw me through some thoroughly scary moments in the air. I can never hear this without giving silent thanks to my own 'shepherds'.

[@dancupp9186]

its been one of my favorite books since i bought the hard back when it was published. my favorite author

[@mikecombs5075]

I listen to it all the time.just a great story and reminds me of when radio shows were the great theater of the mind.

[@rexhallinan1785]

I always like this at Christmas

[@maryturnipe9297]

I have goosebumps just listening to this amazing story.

[@AbdiPianoChannel]

The best story ever. Who's watching this on December 25, 2021 Christmas night in northern Alberta, Canada?

[@ericgustafson7253]

Every year I have this wonderful listen and a great cry Thank you and blessings to all

[@jimalcock1645]

I believe we heard the first time Fireside Al broadcast, regardless it became a Christmas tradition for my wife and I to listen to every Christmas Eve. We only missed it once I believe. It does not age nor does it fade.

[@wayneHarry1]

A touching, moving story so well done. A wonderful story at this time of the year. A reminder of all those moments that are not to be explained or understood in ones life!!!

[@SamB-fv6su]

Wonderful to hear this again - such an amazing story

[@EssDave]

Wow! What a chilling story! Thank you for making this possible and adding an unforgettable tale to my permanent memory.

[@brianbergstrom9579]

Thanks for presenting this. Appreciate it very much. Have listened every Christmas since 1979. Always grips my heart and soul.

[@upf-international]

A beautiful and moving story... brought tears into my eyes.

[@daltcon1]

I've heard this story many times both here and on the radio and this story never gets old

[@matthewoverton2549]

My favourite Christmas Eve story.

[@NGLO6977]

I read this book for the first time whilst on tour in lashka gah Afghanistan in Christmas eve 2011 I can’t go a Christmas without listening to this from that day on

[@stephenwilson6519]

My Grandfather served in the Royal Air Force. Air traffic control. Lancasters. Some came home shot to hell. Fire hoses were used to clean out the crew. They needed all the help they could get.

[@mbrown1919a4]

I first encountered this story in Reader's Digest sometime in the last century when I was but a callow youth. It was touching then. It still is. This is the first time I've encountered the reading of it.

[@MsShaunaM]

I first heard this story several years ago while driving home, Christmas Eve while in nasty snow. I love this story and it is a part of my Christmas tradition.

[@HiVizCamo]

The CBC of yore, long may it be remembered and well. Great tale, I have just discovered it today.

[@Kaizerzydeco1]

We may yet lose it.

[@peterlisyak5396]

A truly beautiful Christmas story one every person should listen to

[@jameshaviland6183]

I had never heard of this until an hour ago, when a friend told me about it. Quite the story!

[@chipcook4237]

If it’s been twelve years since you posted this, that means this is the thirteenth Christmas Eve that I have listened. It is so haunting. Plus, it reminds me of my dad bringing the book home from the library when I was a kid. “You might like this.” He knew I didn’t read. But I read that.

[@gabegates6463]

Heard this marvelous reading last nite on NPR and mesmerized by the imagery contained in the script and brought to life through the narration. The piece also provides great praise to the dedication of those pilots and the skill they developed during their service and need to fall back on rudimentary elements of training to save their life and other crewmen. The words expressed when the jet pilot realized his dire situation and needed the guiding hand of our ever present "Shepard" to save him ties the story together when he learns of JK and his fate. As we ready ourselves to celebrate the birth of the Christ child reflect on the notion that prayer should not be so hard for one to rely on to guide our own lives. HAPPY CHRISTMAS

[@2476bunny]

this storey gave me a shiver thanks for the down load best ive heard for a long time i need a shepard

[@AJNorth]

1979 was my last year in northern NY (190 km south of Ottawa) finishing my undergraduate degree before moving out West. The CBC was constantly on (the days of "Rawhide" Max Ferguson, Bob Kerr, Colin MacLean, "Fireside Al" Maitland and, of course, Allan McFee and his "Eclectic Circus"). The original 1979 broadcast of Al Maitland reading "The Shepherd" left an indelible impression (I've still got the cassette recorded off-the-air). After finally acquiring a computer in 2001, I was delighted to discover the world of streaming radio over the Internet, and find that the overwhelming majority of my listening these past years has been to the ABC (Australia), BBC, CBC, DW Radio (Germany) and RTÉ Radio (Ireland). Needless to say, it was pure delight to discover the annual re-broadcast of "The Shepherd" (now if only the CBC were able to bring back production of their outstanding radio dramas, and reinstate some of their wonderful classical programming with Eric Friesen... . At least we have Michael Enright and Robert Harris!).

[@herrietencate]

I used to work at AIH and never, ever tire of listening to the story. In the early 90s, Frederick Forsyth came into the studio to talk about the novella and it's connection to AIH. Maybe they'll replay it next Xmas eve.

[@nzs316]

I cannot let a Christmas go by without the lights dimmed and "The Shepherd" playing in the background, to bring another Christmas to a close.

[@kidmohair8151]

when my kids were younger we would drive north to spend Christmas with my wife's parents and sometimes of necessity that would have to take place on Cmas eve this was a feature of As It Happens back then, mostly because it was Alan Maitland doing the reading in the car I took it to heart and used it to cover the miles that were always left feeling that every long haul was being my shepherd

[@stevenjames2891]

Brilliant love this story yes they should make it in to a movie would be agreat to see that fantastic made me feel like i was there great voice.