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Greetings


Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, 
To God’s holy people in Ephesus,] the faithful in Christ Jesus:
                 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:1-2)

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)

To the churches in Galatia:
                Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:2-3)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 
          Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2) 

          It at least used to be that when we wrote friendly letters, we’d begin with something like, “How are you?” or “I hope this letter finds you in good spirits.” Maybe it’s just me, but that sort of greeting, while nice, is about as bland as “Happy Birthday” or “Happy Holidays.” If that’s your greeting, go with it. But I like Paul’s. Grace and peace. 
          They’re like wisdom, direction, and attitude. If we have them, it doesn’t matter as much if we have good health or pleasant circumstances. And he doesn’t just wish them any old grace and peace, he wishes them grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This, to me, is sirloin, while “hope you’re feeling well” is mashed potatoes. Maybe in Paul’s day, “grace and peace” was the mashed potatoes, maybe he and others said, “grace and peace” with as little thought as we give to “Hi, how are ya?” Maybe, “And with you also” was their, “Fine thanks, and you?” but I don’t get the same feeling from it, the feeling that says I’m paying so little attention that I assume you’re saying “Fine thanks, and you,” even if you’re saying, “I’m about ready to commit suicide, thanks, and you?”
          I’m trying to decide how to greet the new year, and how to be more present when I greet the people I find in it.

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