Foundations Advent: Is laughing appropriate in church?

HL Mencken said critically, “Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”

― H.L. Mencken, A Mencken Chrestomathy

And perhaps it could be said of the view of some Christians in General. Everything about religion must be serious.

Christians can and should laugh, especially in the Lord. Laughter comes spontaneously when we hear a story or something odd, unexpected or wonderful happens. In fact that’s what makes a joke work. We go down a path and then an unexpected turn.

Perhaps you had people ask in marriage counseling, did Adam and Eve ever have a date together?

No, just an apple.

There is a place for laughter. Laughter is great medicine. Especially when it comes from joy.

The Bible tells us to rejoice IN THE LORD always. That’s where the greatest laughter comes. When we release our worries, our plans, our ideas of HOW things should be, what only we can IMAGINE and experience the unexpected blessing God has for us. That which eye has not seen, nor ear has heard.

In fact if it wasn’t for experience and history, who could have imagined the things the Bible tells us? Shepherds, one man leaving the Ur of Chaldees and from him all these nations emerge?

Genesis 21:1–7 CSB

1 The Lord came to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time God had told him. 3 Abraham named his son who was born to him—the one Sarah bore to him—Isaac. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears will laugh with me.” 7 She also said, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne a son for him in his old age.”

When God speaks, your goal should be to respond in faith and trust. (v.1-2)

We tend to add our thoughts to the Bible such that we think well Abraham and Sarai did something special to get this promise. We gloss over that it came totally by God’s grace and His promise.

There are conditional and unconditional promises in the Bible. All come out of His goodness. God doesn’t owe us a relationship with Him, especially when you consider all the things we do to exclude Him or even push Him away. As believers we can see where that happens. How much more with those who live in darkness? The will war, say such ungodly things etc.

In His plan, He chose, elected Abraham and Sarai.

There was nothing they had to do. He came to them. He comes to us. He wants to be with them. He wants to be with you.

Examples of sinful laughing:

i. scoffing at God. (Disbelief, Doubt in God’s Word. Gen.17:17; 18:12-15)

Is there anything impossible for God?

ii. Mocking other’s faith, joy, and worship in the Lord. (2Sam6:16)

iii. When you base faith and obedience only when it’s comfortable, easy, and sensible to you. (1Sam15:22-23)

God can bring life where death reigns! God loves workign

God is not obligated to explain to your satisfaction.

b. When God loves to laugh with you.

When you see His promise fulfilled in surprising ways!

Laughter is good medicine: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22, ESV

Don’t keep joy to yourself. Share the “good medicine” of a joyful heart with others. Have you brought joy or laughter to someone today? If not, think of a way you can make one person laugh. It’ll bring joy to both of your hearts.

Make sure to tell others happy stories or good clean jokes. Celebrate the good every opportunity!

When you can laugh with God.

2814 Joy: Beneficial In Every Way

Scientists have been studying the effect of laughter on human beings and have found, among other things, that laughter has a profound and instantaneous effect on virtually every important organ in the human body. Laughter reduces health-sapping tensions and relaxes the tissues as well as exercising the most vital organs. It is said that laughter, even when forced, results in beneficial effect on us, both mentally and physically. Next time you feel nervous and jittery, indulge in a good laugh.

—Executives’ Digest

Tan, Paul Lee. 1996. Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

When you find joy in and with Him!

Sarah, it’s not up to you. I’m with you. It’s walking with Me. It’s finding real purpose and trust in Me.

One of the greatest ways to reach people comes when joy overflows in you because of Christ. People see so mcuh

iv. When you see HIS Love played out! (v2; Gal4:4)

Galatians 4:4 CSB

4 When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

As we celebrate Advent:

Consider beliefs or attitudes you may have caught or been taught that keep you from enjoying God and ask God to renew laughter in you.

Consider past Christmas joys and share them with others.

Review and if necessary restart traditions that brought you joy in the Lord.

Visit a living Nativity or attend Handel’s Messiah and join in the joy.