Author Description

Toby is a baby sheep who lives with his mother Anna Belle in a small stable near the town of Bethlehem. Anna Belle has other children and has to go out with the shepherd daily to forage for food. When Toby awakes one morning he is sick and cannot join the family for the daily foraging. An owl named Mr. Barney promises Anna Belle that he will look after Toby while she goes out in search of food. Toby sleeps and later is awakened by a man and woman riding a donkey who are coming towards his stable. The couple has come into the stable for shelter. Shortly after they arrive, Toby witnesses the birth of the Christ Child from his hiding place. Immediately upon His birth, Toby knows that this baby is special. His excitment builds as he tells his mother and the other animals about this special child that has been born. Toby then has the idea to name the day Chirst Mass to honor this special child. This story teaches children about the birth of Jesus Christ and what a special child he was. Christ Mass later becomes Chirstmas which we still celebrate to honor the birth of this special child, Jesus Christ.