January 19, 2004 - Reported in [Spirit Daily.com] online newspaper. From Children of Medjugorje.com An unprecedented event took place in Medjugorje. Since 1981, the Gospa always appears on Christmas evening carrying newborn Baby Jesus in her arms. Now for the first time in 22 years, Mary came with Baby Jesus on a day other than Christmas, during her apparition to Mirjana on January 2nd, at 9:12 am, under the tent of the Cenacle. But this time, instead of carrying the Baby in her arms, she held him up high in front of her, facing the crowd and turning with him so that his vision could embrace all people present.

When Mirjana came out of her ecstasy, she was so shaken by the event that, right away, she started to write the message received during the apparition. She said later that she could hardly see Baby Jesus, only from the back, for he was facing the assembly. Here is the message that Mirjana transmitted to us then:

"Today I bring you my Son, your God. Open your hearts in order to know how to accept him and carry him with you. Welcome the happiness and peace that he offers you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

"This coming of Baby Jesus among us carries a meaning that cannot be passed over. Why did Baby Jesus come at the beginning of this year 2004? Why does the Gospa ask us to "carry him with us"? Why does our Mother see that we need this very grace now? How are we going to open our hearts to the "Baby" that she gives us so warmly? Mirjana did not give any explanation, for it is not her role to do so. But everyone will know in prayer how to make this message resound within him in a unique way. May Baby Jesus really be the center of our hearts and captivate our attention, for, according to the prophet Isaiah: "A child will lead them."