Holy Humor Sunday

Holy Humor Sunday

Sunday, April 12th come and worship with great joy as we celebrate Holy Humor Sunday. Celebrate the joy of the Lord together proclaiming and rejoicing that Jesus’ resurrection, ascension, and gift of the Holy Spirit is God’s Last laugh over death. An extension of Easter Joy, this day is also known as Hilarity Sunday, God’s Laughter Sunday, Bright Sunday or Holy Fools Sunday.

This special worship has a long and rich history in many congregations around the world. Churches in 15th century Bavaria used to celebrate the Sunday after Easter as Risus Paschalis (‘God’s Joke,’ or ‘the Easter laugh’).  “Priests would deliberately include amusing stories and jokes in their sermons in an attempt to make the faithful laugh.  After the service, people would gather together to play practical jokes on one another and tell funny stories.  It was their way of celebrating the resurrection of Christ – the supreme joke God played on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead.” (The Joyful Noiseletter, 2010)

Join in worship with joy and laughter on Sunday, April 12th. Wear bright colors and silly hats. Put on a fun outfit. Dress backwards or inside out. Prepare all the days before:

• Practice smiling a lot (try looking in the mirror).
• Get those jokes and stories ready to tell.
• Begin rejoicing in God now (no need to wait).
• Try on a few good laughs.
• Invite someone who likes to laugh.

Invite someone who needs to laugh.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)

“Happy are you who weep now; you shall laugh.” (Luke 6:21)