Some of the stories are based on the real individuals of the nativity: Mary, Joseph, the Wisemen, the Innkeepers, the Soldiers, the Shepherds, etc. Others were born of his imagination, such as Jacob or The Artist.Many were created after a most memorable trip to Israel. He has tried to use these individuals to bring out some new insight, some new wonder about the Birth of our Lord. There are even three stories that have been developed out of pure fantasy, A Christmas Fable, A Decision in Heaven and The Fable of the Animals.