Find A Moment To Laugh

– Ponderings:

Books surround me at home and at church. I’m often reading several at the same time. Some are for my doctorate or an upcoming sermon, but at least one is a “just because” book. It may be on a subject that interests me or written by an author I enjoy. Sometimes, it has a catchy title, such as “Who Moved My Pulpit,” written by a retired pastor. It has me laughing out loud.

Here are a few excerpts of comments worshippers have offered following the sermon. I enjoyed the sermon this morning (said after a sermon on starvation in Africa). You really stepped on their toes today, pastor. I feel better when you finish your sermons. I never understood suffering until I heard you preach. Nice weather we’re having.

Then there are message suggestions for the church answering machines. Methodists: The Lord be with you, but we’re out right now. Pentecostals: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Leave your own hallelujah when you hear the tone. We can always use another one. Presbyterians: We’re not in the office, but God knew you were going to call. Quakers: We’re not in right now, but you don’t need us. The Light is within you. Baptists: We can’t agree on what to say on this answering machine, but we strongly believe in your right to leave the message you feel led to leave.

When it comes to faith, I think too often we believe laughter is inappropriate or might offend God. We forget that God gifted us with laughter and a sense of humor when he created us. There are days when “doing” ministry is hard … and I’m not just talking about pastors. The Bible calls us a “priesthood of believers,” which includes you. Occasionally, perhaps frequently, we need to pause and not take ourselves so seriously. An occasional benediction might be, “Let’s have some fun out there.”

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22). “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Have you ever considered that God has a sense of humor? Think about it—he made camels, platypuses, giraffes, penguins with tuxedos, two-year-old toddlers, and teenagers. God delights in joy, and he designed us to laugh. Yet, somewhere along the way, many Christians started believing that holiness and humor can’t share the same pew. But that’s not true. Humor isn’t just a human invention—it’s a holy one.

In the Christian calendar, the Sunday after Easter has often been called Holy Humor Sunday. Why? Because the Resurrection is the ultimate punchline. The enemy thought death had won. The tomb was sealed. All hope was gone. But then—surprise!—Jesus walked out of the grave, alive and victorious. The cosmic joke was on sin and death. That’s not just serious theology; it’s also a bit of divine comedy.

Humor can be holy when it brings life, lifts burdens, and draws us closer to others and God. Laughter doesn’t erase the pain or grief, but it often softens the sting. In moments when faith feels heavy or complicated, humor can remind us that we are deeply loved.

When was the last time you laughed with God? Not at him or at others, but laughed in his presence? This morning, my dog went out and just rolled and rolled in the grass. She looked like she was laughing at the enjoyment of it all, and I sat outside and laughed with her. Sometimes, it’s that simple. Let’s not be so serious that we forget that Jesus didn’t just rise to make us right with God; Jesus rose to make us alive.

Today, I hope you find a moment to laugh, a holy kind of laugh that reminds you that life is a gift. Then, share your laugh with someone else. Be filled with God’s holy humor and be reminded of the God who invented joy.

Prayer: God of resurrection and joy, thank you for laughter—the kind that bubbles up unexpectedly and reminds us we’re still alive. Teach us to live with open hands, light hearts, and a readiness to celebrate even in small ways. May our faith never lose its joy. Amen.

Until next time, keep laughing—and keep pondering.