The Miracle Baby

22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"[1] ), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."[2] 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[3] your servant in peace….” Luke 2: 22-29

These words from the Book of Luke tells of a man named Simeon who could finally die in peace because he had lived long enough to see the Child Jesus. With the start of a new year my mind is brought to thoughts of the new life I now lead through the salvation of Jesus and His infinite mercy. It was just a few days into the new year of 2004 that I heard of another miracle baby. The difference is that this miracle didn’t occur 2000 years ago; it occurred just eleven short years ago.

I had just returned to work after the new year’s day break. I make it a point to be friendly to everyone I meet. (to the point that I was once asked by a friend “Do you know everyone in Chicago?”) The new cashier at the building gift shop was no exception. Each day Serena and I would talk several times a day. Today, naturally the subject of how we each celebrated the new year came up. I mentioned that, since I became a nun, I have become very much of a “homebody” and spent it at home. Serena mentioned that she didn’t go out as she used to. She told me she used to go out every new year because it was better than staying at home and crying over her husband that had died.

Some people may have simply said, “I am so sorry” and left it at that. How many times have people asked you “How are you?” and not waited for an answer. Most times you could say “Near to death because I was just hit by a watermelon falling out of an airplane…” and people would reply, “fine, fine.” However, I am a nun, I am there for people to reach out to…that’s what nuns do. In reaching out to Serena I discovered a story of a miracle I would never have otherwise known about.

Serena was married eleven years ago on Valentines day. She told me that she had bought her wedding dress both early and large to make sure it would still fit by her wedding day. Valentines day came and she found her wedding dress did not fit well…the cause was her baby boy that was soon to be the delight of his parents life. Some months later, the little baby boy lay in his father’s arms. Much as the child Jesus must have laid in Simeon’s arms. Serena’s husband told her that it was his dream to live long enough to hear his son say, “I love you.” His dream came true…at the age of one month old, Serena’s baby boy told his father he loved him. He told the pastor of their church. He told the entire congregation. So many witnesses to a miracle that, like Simeon, allowed Serena’s husband to die happy on Valentines day, one year after they were married.

My Dog Lexy by Nicole (a young girl legally blind)

The year 2000 was a bad year for me. I woke up one morning to find out I'll never see again. It6 took a toll on me from January 12 to November 18. I had approximately 18 eye surgeries and many nights in the hospital. Then came the depression. Living in my bedroom, not wanting company, angry at the world, not wanting to live. At the same time needing something. So the, on November 19th my mom found this animal shelter by our house. So she asked me on this morning if I wanted to go see some kittens and puppies. At first I said, "no" but at the last minute I said, "yes" not knowing this will be the day I remember for the rest of my life.

A lady came in with a 6 week old puppy. Not knowing what to do, she just dropped it off and left. Well, I was asked to hold it while they cleaned out a cage for it. It fell asleep in my arms. My mom came in and asked for the puppy back. I asked if I could keep it. She replied, "under one condition, you walk it, feed it, and give her water." I promised and that is how I got my miracle puppy Lexy and I came out of my depression.

Peace be with you.

Sister Juliemarie
of the Sisters of Embracement

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