Did you hear the one about…..

What is Holy Humor Sunday? In the early church, the Sunday after Easter was observed by the faithful as a day of joy and laughter with parties and shenanigans to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Some early church theologians said that God played a joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead. So, on the Sunday after Easter, it was a time for clergy and people to tell jokes and to have fun.

“The assumption that a sense of humor and a Christian faith are incompatible is totally mistaken…comedians, like Bob Hope, tend to be believers rather than sceptics or cynics…Laughter is, indeed, God’s therapy. Let us then be thankful that, when the Gates of Heaven swing open, mixed with the celestial music there is the unmistakable sound of celestial laughter.”—Malcolm Muggeridge

G.K. Chesterton once wrote: “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. Never forget that the devil fell by force of gravity. He who has the faith has the fun.”

The Bible actually has many references to laughter and partying and having fun. Some examples:

–“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Prov. 17:22 ESV).
–“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed” (Prov. 15:13 ESV).
–“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (Ps. 32:11 ESV).
–“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4 ESV).

Over and over, scriptures tell us to rejoice, to praise, to laugh – all those emotions that have to do with enjoying our relationship with God. It’s too bad that many Christians walk around and live their lives as if being a Christian was a chore and they struggle under a hard task master.

Look forward to seeing YOUR HAPPY FACE Sunday!!