Expect the Unexpected

​"The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!' - John 1:29

This morning during my quiet time I was picturing the scene where John the Baptist is in the Jordan River baptizing disciples in preparation for the arrival of the Son of God... 

The Father had told him that he would recognize the Messiah as, “the One on whom the Holy Spirit came down and remained.” I imagined John’s anticipation as he awaited the Promised One, eagerly searching the crowd each time he brought a renewed believer up out of the water. And then finally, John’s eyes caught a glimpse of the Holy Spirit  gracefully gliding down from heaven like a dove and resting on…his cousin! As John faithfully announced the revelation of the Christ, I envisioned memories that must have immediately flooded his mind, like family gatherings where he and Jesus played chase or wrestled one another on the floor. Next I thought of all the emotions John must have felt: Astonishment, excitement, reverence. John had been waiting patiently for this day to come and now, here was God in the flesh. God had answered his prayers in an amazing and unexpected way. And although Paul had yet to pen Ephesians, John knew the truth found in chapter 3 verse 20. He knew that His Father in heaven was, “able to do immeasurably more than he could ask or even imagine.” Jesus was living proof of God’s lavish grace as His love story for us continued to unfold before John’s eyes.

In celebrating Christmas with my family this past week, I have let the love of God, spoken through His actions, soak into me. Jesus took off His heavenly robes and came to earth in a humble whisper. He came quietly as a little baby, born to an unwed teenager. His brilliant light came bursting into my darkness and my mess, so He could be with me, right here, right now. He has done it all. Through Jesus’ death on the cross , I  am now redeemed and made right with God.  And, what He is asking of me is to turn around, grasp His hand, and lovingly walk with Him. When Jesus died on the cross, He tore the veil so that we can all have that kind of access to God. That is the good news that we will share with the women and children who will live at the Mountain House. And, it is with joy we will, “go and tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.”

Thank you for your prayers and support. We are excited for what God will do through So Big and the Mountain House in 2017. We are continuing to move forward with bringing the house up to code to make it a safe place to live and work, with plans to open in May.

We at So Big wish you a Happy New Year!

God’s Peace,

Lori