How The Miracle of Jesus Came to Be

Fourteen years ago, a story began to take shape in my mind. I could see a little boy in Jerusalem and imagine what it might have been like for him to meet Jesus. The story and illustrations came so clearly that I drew them in my sketchbook.

I had always wanted to tell a story about Jesus healing someone. The idea was deeply personal. The Savior had helped me through very difficult physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. As I imagined Him healing this little boy, I saw something of my own story in his. I wanted children to know that Jesus’s love and healing power are real.

Then life became difficult, and I set the project aside. Years passed, but I never forgot the little boy or the story I hoped to tell.

Later, while Wendy Castleton and I were making art together, she asked if I had ever thought about creating a children’s book. I told her about the story in my sketchbook, and we decided to bring it to life together.

We created the illustrations in a digital art program using a mouse. It was more challenging than either of us expected! Some days, the fact that we could make the pictures at all felt like one of the miracles of this book. Little by little, The Miracle of Jesus became real.

Our purpose in writing and illustrating it is simple: to strengthen faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. We want children, parents, and grandparents to feel His love as they read together. We hope this story helps them talk about the miracles He performed and the ways He still blesses lives today.

I sometimes think how wonderful it would have been to live in Jerusalem and witness one of the Savior’s miracles. But Jesus Christ is still healing. Sometimes that healing is physical. Sometimes He helps us through grief, fear, or hurt caused by others or by our own choices. Healing does not always come in an instant or in the way we hope. We trust in His love and His timing as we turn to Him in faith and humility.

Our children and grandchildren need to know the power of Jesus Christ. My hope is that this book reaches thousands of people and helps them recognize that He knows them, loves them, and can help them through what they face. If even one child closes the book feeling closer to the Savior, the years it took to bring this story into the world will have been worth it.

—Camille Cornaby, co-author and illustrator of The Miracle of Jesus