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The Sunday after Easter is often celebrated as Holy Humor Sunday. Why? Because Easter is God’s great joke on death. And what is a joke? It’s something that turns the tables on the expected, and the resurrection is the unexpected reversal of expectations. What a wonderful surprise – Jesus is NOT dead as we expected! He is alive! Easter is when God pulled the rug out from under the powers of darkness and death.
On Holy Humor Sunday, I normally intersperse jokes throughout the service. Many people (but not all!) enjoy this special day. My sermon often addresses the spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits of laughter. Occasionally, I have talked about cheerfulness, which also has its benefits.
A couple of years ago in the first summer of the pandemic, a graveside service was held for a woman known for her cheerfulness.
Here is what was said: As I’ve thought about Esther, the one word which comes to mind in describing her is “cheerful.” The King James version of the Bible has at least 17 verses that use the word “cheer” or its variations. Modern translations use words like “happy” or “joy,” instead. Esther was happy and joyful but so are a lot of people. For me, Esther was uniquely cheerful.
A cheerful person is someone who sees beauty in ugly things, who sees good even in evil things. A cheerful person offers encouragement in discouraging times and comfort in painful things. Esther was that kind of person.
There is an old legend which tells how, in a somber forest, some moss began to grow. The sunshine warmed it, and it spread until it formed a soft, rich carpet on the forest floor. One day, Jesus, coming out of the wilderness, passed through this old forest, his feet torn and bleeding from the rough way by which he had come. Jesus’ path led over this carpet of moss, and as his bruised and weary feet walked on it, they were soothed, refreshed, and rested by its gentle softness. Grateful for the comfort which he had received, Jesus spoke these words to the moss: “You shall be blessed forever, over every plant that grows.” Then from the moss there sprang a perfect rose.
This is only a legend, but the lesson is this: Christ honors the gentle thoughtfulness which makes the way easier for anyone who is tired. We are in this world to bless others, to spread a carpet of moss for any bruised and weary feet. Jesus blesses those who live to give hope, strength, and cheer – and that was Esther.
May each of us “be of good cheer” as we make our way in the world, giving hope and strength to everyone and in every situation, all in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Sue Mackey is a native North Dakotan and an ordained United Methodist minister. In her 43-year career, she has served United Methodist, UCC, and Lutheran congregations in the area, and now serves the Langdon Presbyterian Church (since 2012). She lives in rural Hampden, has two sons and seven grandchildren. An avid reader, she also enjoys playing baritone horn in the Devils Lake Elks Band.