Leon was an unassuming little lamb. He trusted his minders, for they led him to clear water and tasty grasses for nourishment. When that one evening came with all the commotion, he was just as afraid as everyone else – bright lights and singing in the middle of the night were not the norm. His minders seemed confused and excited. It seemed that they wanted to leave the flock for some other destination, but it just didn’t make sense. They had never abandoned them before. Leon decided to follow his keepers.
Leon had only been to the town in daylight on market days. It was crowded then, but this was different. Even at night, there was a commotion. He thought that his minders were going to put him up while they tended some business. They were approaching a stable, and there appeared to be a manger with hay. However, instead of oats, there was a child – a most unusual child. Obviously adored by his parents, and with the rapt attention of the shepherds, the child shivered in the cold.
Leon made a decision. Even though he himself would be cold, he would give his fleece so that the child would be warm.
And thus, each Christmas, my neice and nephew commemorate the gift of Leon to the Christ Child.
Every year I try, honestly I try to have a normal set of angels guarding over my precious old children’s books, with the standared NOEL greeting under a beautiful old English head of a cheribum. But then, I turn my back for a few minutes and LEON appears with the Lamb amidst giggles and finally admittance that this year LEON will again be honored for his sacrifice!
OH WELL, I really love it!!!