Are you a fan of receiving lines at events? It used to be common to have a receiving line at wedding receptions. The purpose of these lines was to allow the wedding hosts to individually greet their guests and allow guests to have a brief moment with the bride and groom (and their parents) before the festivities began. The advantage was that everyone could then enjoy the reception after all had been properly greeted. The disadvantage was the fact that the line had to keep moving, so greetings were superficial at best. Introductions were hurried, and if a name was forgotten, it was embarrassing to say the least. When receiving lines fell out of favor, the bridal couple was then expected to go to every table at the reception and greet their guests, which is why many newlyweds miss the chance to eat dinner at their own wedding. It’s a conundrum.

Today’s passage from Romans reads like a receiving line. Paul is sending a team of co-workers to his church in Rome with instructions for their care. He wants to ensure that the church receives these folks properly.

Romans 16 (Common English Bible)

I’m introducing our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. ² Welcome her in the Lord in a way that is worthy of God’s people, and give her whatever she needs from you, because she herself has been a sponsor of many people, myself included.

Note that Paul instructs the church to welcome Phoebe “in a way that is worthy of God’s people.” Oh, what a reminder this is to the church! The importance of our greeters and ushers can’t be overstated. As the front line of hospitality, these precious volunteers are doing the work of the Lord as they make the first impression of the church. Are they warm? Do they smile? Can they answer questions about the location of the nursery, rest rooms, children’s wing, etc.? Welcoming people with the warm acceptance of the Lord is worthy of God’s people. Blessed are those who say hello in the name of the Lord.

Greetings to Roman Christians

³ Say hello to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus,⁴ who risked their own necks for my life. I’m not the only one who thanks God for them, but all the churches of the Gentiles do the same. ⁵ Also say hello to the church that meets in their house. Say hello to Epaenetus, my dear friend, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. ⁶ Say hello to Mary, who has worked very hard for you. ⁷ Say hello to Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners. They are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. ⁸ Say hello to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. ⁹ Say hello to Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. ¹⁰ Say hello to Apelles, who is tried and true in Christ. Say hello to the members of the household of Aristobulus.¹¹ Say hello to my relative Herodion. Say hello to the members of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. ¹² Say hello to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who are workers for the Lord. Say hello to my dear friend Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. ¹³ Say hello to Rufus, who is an outstanding believer, along with his mother and mine. ¹⁴ Say hello to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them.¹⁵ Say hello to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. ¹⁶ Say hello to each other with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ say hello to you.

The word “hello” has an interesting history. According to Merriam-Webster, it is a derivative of the word “hail,” which harkens back to the Middle Ages. Shakespeare used “Hail” as a common greeting in his writings. Hail was a derivative of hale, health, and whole, thus the greeting was a blessing for good health. Hail became holler and hallo, but it was the invention of the telephone that solidified “hello” as the proper greeting. Thomas Edison is credited with this transition.

So when we say hello to those who have been sent to us, we are offering them the blessing of wholeness in the name of the Lord. Can you think of any better way to invite people into your church? This Sunday, see how many times you can say hello!

Hello by Michelle Robertson