First Sunday in Advent: Epistle,  1 Corinthians 1:3-9              

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Sometimes when I sit down to write these short meditations I look at the text for the week. I read it several times, sometimes in different translations. I generally look for key words or phrases on which to begin building thoughts, ideas, and even prayers to get to what I want to write and share. I always want this time to be us together delving into what the Bible is saying. And know that what I offer in comment is just that, though I hope it is helpful and faithful always.

Right at the outset I find something I generally read over pretty quickly and those are the greetings that come at the beginning of the epistles, especially Paul’s. This one is no exception: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:3). No surprise. And perhaps the greatness of these few words lies in that truth. After reading and rereading the New Testament for decades, these words, these greetings are just a part of the fabric of hearing God’s truth. But if they usually garner a  quick glance of the eye, I want us to pause. Right here.

“Grace to you and peace”-beautiful isn’t it? And this is not the mere wishing that “Oh I hope God is good to you.” No! This is the beginning, the foundation of all things framing our lives as Luther called us, “God’s Christians.” And the real “punch” in these oft-repeated but never unnecessary words is the source of the blessing, “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” You and I are GIVEN grace and peace and they come from the only One who can deposit genuine grace and true peace. God Himself.

So enjoy the New Testament letters filled with words from our great God. Yes, enjoy them. But don’t miss, and don’t skip over the words of greeting that show us His goodness toward us from the start.