Thanks everyone for the words of encouragment. I am able to pick it up and hold it (although it still hisses at first). I am no expert - but I think it is a male. Which means it's name will be Kringle (as in Kris Kringle). It has long hair, so it is hard to see it's exact sex - plus at this young age it is so hard to tell if you aren't experienced as what to look for.

I am hypothesising, but I think it was put in the back yard of my sister's house by someone. She has lived in her neighborhood for 17 years and everyone in the neighborhood knows she is a pet lover. I can't really see a feral cat even attempting to come into her yard with the two shepards going in and out at will. Although stranger things have happened. A Christmas present gone bad perhaps??? We looked and looked today and didn't see any signs of any other kittens.

Anyway, our organization will get it vet checked, vaccinated, and neutered and then put it up for adoption. It is such a beauty that we shouldn't have too much trouble finding a good home.