THE MIRACLE
A few years ago, when I was directing the music in Primary, the theme of the month was “Jesus is a God of miracles.” I wanted a song to go with it. I scoured all the typical sources to find that song, but no luck. So I decided to write one.
We often talk about the wondrous miracles of Jesus Christ — walking on the water, healing the blind, raising the dead. Even when we say the word “miracle,” that’s what we think of. So of course, I began the first verse with the typical lyric lines…And then I got to the chorus. What more could I say about these events - so long ago, so far away from the world we live in? How could I teach the children the relevance of these miracles to them?
I planned to work on the chorus while I drove to Chicago with one of our sons. It was a 27 hour drive, and I had a lot of time to think. Somewhere in Nebraska, it hit me. There WAS a miracle that was relevant to them! Completely and totally relevant! The miracle of the Atonement. Though we don't usually refer to the Atonement as a 'miracle,' (partly because it's SO much more than that), it is, indeed, the greatest miracle of all time. And as soon as the idea came, the words flowed, and long before we arrived in Chicago, the song was done.
There would never be a way to express everything the Atonement means in one song -- or in a million of them. But in these simple words: "...the miracle that rescues me," I hope the children begin to glimpse how personal it is. And how important. And I hope they will come to realize, as I have, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ really does rescue us -- every minute of every hour of every day.
Shawna
#themiracle
I recently came across your song in an old copy of The Friend that one of my kids left on the floor. I was struck by the words and the timing was perfect to add it to my primary singing time lesson about the atonement. I made used pictures from the gospel art picture kit to illustrate it as I sang and turned it into a story-song. The kids and adults loved it so much we will be adding it to our primary program this year. It’s now also a favorite for my kids at home too.
Thank you for sharing your talents and for sharing the story behind the song.
Our Ward Choir sang “The Miracle” as part of our Easter program today. We don’t have Primary in our Ward, so the Choir Director had 4 of her grandchildren sing the first verse and the chorus of the children’s chorus. Then a young married woman who has a simple, sweet, clear voice sang the second verse with the children joining on the chorus. By the time the adults came in, I wasn’t sure if I could keep it together. It was a wonderful, glorious experience. Thank you for this beautiful song about the Savior.
Our primary sang this as part of their program a few years ago, and I immediately loved it. I loved hearing their young voices singing, “Jesus is the God of Miracles. Nothing is at all impossible to Him.” It is not often that I love a song so much the first time I hear it. Thank you so much for writing this song! I have taught it to voice students, and one of them sang it for their ward Christmas program last week. My kids are singing it together this week. It really is beautiful in every way.
I heard this song for the first time last Sunday at the mission farewell of our daughter’s fiance’s sister. She sang it with a group of her fellow girls camp counselors. The words of the song touched me deeply and I have pondered its message each day since. It has helped me more deeply understand the individual nature of the Atonement and what Christ gives to me through that sacred sacrifice.
I heard this song for the first time today in the primary program. As I listened to some of the junior primary girls sing, tears started to roll down my face. Christ really is a God of miracles. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life thus far and it has become really hard for me to feel the Spirit or even pray. This song struck me so hard. Because of what Christ has done for each of us, I am able to be made clean. Thank you for the hope you have restored within me. Could I possibly get the sheet music to print out? I would like to have the song around me so I can remember what it teaches me. Thank you Shawna.
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