On Easter Sunday, April 9, we will celebrate how the resurrection of Jesus shines a light on new beginnings from God. In his resurrection, Jesus returns to his disciples and brings gifts, opportunities, invitations, and commands to begin living — or begin living again — with the assurance of his life-giving presence.
In the broader Christian tradition, there is another celebration we haven’t formally attempted at Yates — but I’ll confess I’m intrigued. Holy Humor Sunday, also known as Bright Sunday or Renewal Sunday, is celebrated by Christian churches on the first Sunday after Easter. History recalls how, on this Sunday, congregants and pastors played practical jokes on each other, drenched each other with water, told jokes, sang, and danced. The custom is rooted in the writings of early Orthodox theologians who said God played a joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead. Medieval theologians called it the risus paschalis — “the Easter laugh.”
Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything, including “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Eccl. 3:4) Cultivating levity and humor reminds us that even in difficult times, there is room for joy. Science is also recognizing that laughter enhances physical and mental health.
Lee Berk, a researcher at Loma Linda University, published a study on how our moods affect our immune systems. He found laughter has a role in fighting infection, cancer, and heart disease. Stress can hamper your immune system — and giggling can help. Berk calls this the “biology of hope.” Even scheduling humor can benefit your health!
Proverbs tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Prov. 17:22) The Apostle Paul tells us “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope.” (Rom. 15:13)
It is a reminder that even a simple laugh can reflect the deeper hope of faith — a hope that finds its home in the good news of Jesus. I hope that for you, a good laugh is among the gifts of the Resurrection!
Grace and Peace,