Greetings carry the presence of God

The deepest transformation does not begin with grand gestures or theological statements. It begins with something as simple and ordinary as a greeting. In the Gospel of Luke, the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth reveals the sacred power contained in a humble exchange of words. When Mary greeted, Scripture says, “the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41). One greeting, spoken in faith and love, carried the presence of God and produced overwhelming joy.

This story offers a powerful message for us today, and especially for migrant churches and native congregations living side by side in places like Norway. In a society known for quietness, privacy, and reserved social habits, it is easy for people to live next door to one another without ever speaking. Migrants may feel the weight of isolation, cultural distance, or the uncertainty of belonging. But the story of Mary and Elizabeth reminds us: a simple greeting can break isolation, create connection, and carry hope into places of quiet despair.

Mary’s Journey: A Migrant Heart Seeking Connection

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is deeply familiar to migrants. She traveled from her hometown to the hill country, carrying both a miracle and a burden. She was young, uncertain, and likely anxious. She needed someone who would understand her. Many migrants in Norway whether workers, students, asylum seekers, or refugees carry similar journeys within their hearts. They, too, have left what is familiar and walked into new landscapes where their stories may not be immediately understood. 

When Mary arrived, she did not begin with explanations, sermons, or demands. She began with a greeting. Her greeting was an act of humility, connection, and openness. Migrant churches in Norway can see their own story reflected here: sometimes what people need most before theology, before cultural adaptation, before ministry programs is a simple, Spirit-filled greeting that says, “I see you. You are welcome. You are not alone.”

Elizabeth’s Response: Joy Born from Hospitality

Elizabeth models the response that native churches and local neighbors can offer. Her reaction was not suspicion, distance, or silence. She was filled with joy. She welcomed Mary with blessing, affirmation, and celebration. In that moment, Elizabeth became a channel of the Holy Spirit’s encouragement.

In Norway, where many migrants come with stories of hardship or uncertainty, an Elizabeth-like spirit can transform lives. A greeting at the grocery store, on the bus, in the neighbourhood, or inside the church can lift someone who feels invisible. When native church leaders greet migrant leaders or believers with warmth, openness, and genuine interest, the Holy Spirit often uses those simple moments to create unexpected joy and deep spiritual connection.

Greetings as Ministry: Carriers of God’s Presence

A greeting is not a small thing in the Kingdom of God. In Scripture, greetings often function as blessings: “Peace be with you”, “The Lord be with you”, “Grace and peace to you.” These words carry spiritual weight. They are more than polite social gestures. They carry the presence of God.

When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the unborn John responded with a leap of joy. Something supernatural happened inside the home of an older woman because of one Spirit-filled greeting. Imagine what could happen in our communities if we learned to greet people intentionally with love, warmth, and spiritual awareness.

Among migrants, greetings can bridge cultures, heal loneliness, and create belonging. Among Norwegians, greetings can open doors to understanding and fellowship. Among churches, greetings can break down barriers, challenge prejudice, and create unity in the Body of Christ.

The Christmas Greeting Generates Hope

Christmas is the perfect season to rediscover the importance of greeting one another. It is a time when God Himself came close. Emmanuel, “God with us.” When God entered the world, He did not arrive with distance or formality. He came as a child, approachable and near.

For migrant churches in Norway, Christmas is an opportunity to greet neighbors, co-workers, and other believers with renewed intentionality. A smile, a wave, a kind word, or a friendly “God jul!” can carry the spirit of God into the lives of people who feel forgotten or hopeless.  For native churches, Christmas provides a moment to extend hospitality to someone who has just arrived, to greet unfamiliar faces with genuine interest, and to reflect the welcoming heart of God.

Will You Greet the Ones Living Beside You?

This is the question Mary and Elizabeth inspire us to ask: Do we greet those who live on the other side of us? The people in the next apartment, the neighbor across the hallway, the stranger in the pew behind us, the coworker whose language we do not understand well. Have we greeted them? Not just politely, but with the love of Christ, with the warmth of the Holy Spirit, with the intentionality of those who believe that greetings carry hope. Often, people do not need complicated solutions. They do not need perfection. They simply need connection. A greeting can be the seed of friendship, encouragement, healing, and even salvation.

A Small Gesture, a Great Joy

Mary and Elizabeth teach us that a greeting is a bridge. It is a gift. It is a ministry. Among migrants and natives in Norway, a greeting can dissolve fear, awaken joy, and build community. This Christmas, let us greet one another with the same Spirit-filled warmth that passed between those two women long ago. For our greetings carry the Spirit of God and the Spirit brings joy wherever He goes.

God Jul!