Let's hoist our cups of kindness (ginger ale?) and greet each other with "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3John 1:2)
Don't you agree there should be some options open to New Year greeters other than "Old Lang Syne"? Here's the thing, revelers get teary-eyed at the stroke of mid-night and hug and kiss whomever is around and sing "Should auld acquaintances be forgot . . . Instead, why not greet each other with,"Beloved I wish you prosperity and health for 2009, and that God blesses you richly. But being practical it is not a likely to happen.
According to a Wikipedia article "auld lang syne" in the poem by Robert Burns, in Scotish language means "old long since." But the English translation simply means "long long ago", "days of long ago", "in olden days', or even "once upon a time."
But for a 3rd generation Scotsman, whose heart stirs at the mournful squeals of the pipes, Auld Lang Syne is okay by me. It is traditional but unfortunatly it is assotiated with millions of revelers getting "snockered" by downing a cup or two of Dugan's Dew of Kilkarny. It's a cinch that auld acquaintances WILL be forgotten, not only in days
of auld lang syne, but on the first day of 2009. It's absolutely certain that Christians wake up on January 1 feeling a lot better than they.
Robert Burns' verse is truly for Scots and for those who claim to be Scotish to avoid the embarrasment of not being Scotish, but "Beloved" is for everybody. It's the mark of a loving acquaintance like that between the Apostle John and Gaius. Endearing terms come naturally to those who have the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. I chose 3John 1:2
as my signature verse and greeting because it is pleasant to hear and read and full of teachable opportunities. When I give a verbal greeting, many smile and stop as if to say, "Oh, how nice."
It assumes a mutual understanding of fellowshiip in the spirit, not in the spirits. It is something more than the automatic greeting, "How ya' doing?" Although well-meaning it is shy of impact, especially when the giver of the salutation turns his head to look at
someone else. When I am greeted that way, I am tempted to reply, " Hold on now. Look at me. Do you want the long, short, or revised version?"
I believe that 3John 1:2 is a good template for greetings. "Hey there, I hope God has blessed you richly Are you keeping well? Did you enjoy the Bible study last Sunday morning as much as I did? How is the Lord blessing you? As Jesus said to His disciples, Pray in this manner.
John greets Gaius as a brother in Christian fellowship. For us his greeting is to all the brethren in Christ. It causes one to be sensitive to the needs of one's neighbor. The Apostle Paul sincerely suggests in four places, "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss" (1Thessalonians 5:26). But I think I'll pass on that. I'm still trying to get past a manly and bonding hug. I'm just not the huggy kissy type!
BELOVED," the Apostle greets us. He is addressing Christians, not to those "who are without." One who can call another person "beloved" and mean it from the heart is a true believer who loves the brethren. It is like Jonathan and David loved each other in inseparable fraternity, as two who will know each other in eternity.
It is an internal joy from being in the presence of another whom is a friend indeed and a friend in deed. It is a bond that brings empathy and floods of importunate tears and pleas to the throne of grace from the congregation when one in in dire affliction. So let the Holy Spirit give you a well selected verse from the word of God as your
signature verse. It leaves the brethren feeling good . . . somebody actually cares about their welfare.
"PROSPER" - in all things concerning spirit, soul, and body (1Thessalonians 5:24). That is the kindest thing to say in closing an email or snail mail message, to anybody, not just to the body of Christ. Prosperity finds its way into the coffers of believers as
well as greedy unbelievers, like God's rain on the just and the unjust. (Romans 1:10-11) means to have a prosperous journey that yields fruit for the kingdom; . . . Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some
spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (Also 1Corinthians 16:2).
"HEALTH" In Genesis 43:28, Joseph in Egypt inquired of his brethren as to their father, Israel. They did not know who he was. They answered, "Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive." I am grateful for the reply our oldest son gave to a mutual
friend he had not seen for a long time. "His mind is still sharp". (Also Proverbs 16:24; Acts 27:34)
"PROSPEROUS SOUL" It has to do with growing in the knowledge of Christ. 3Jn 1:3-5) "For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;" There is no other way to expect the Lord to prosper us than to walk with Him, listen to Him speak to us through His word, and to be as obedient as Caleb who wholly followed the Lord.
"What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them thatfear him; and he will shew them his covenant". (Psalm 25:12-14)
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