Most of us will have a sense of humour, and what makes one person laugh doesn’t make another person laugh. Whether the ‘knock-knock’ jokes have been around for countless millennia or a simple game of hide and seek (followed by a boo) were the earliest forms of wit, humour, has certainly been around as long as the human race has existed.

Even the animal kingdom displays comical behaviour. You only have to look at chimps exhibiting laughter and watch lion cubs play together.

It is certain, as Jesus and his disciples journeyed around Roman-occupied Palestine, that they shared a sense of humour. The parties, the gatherings, that Jesus attended would have been places of jovial company. However, many people including some Christians, have a vision of Christ as being a deadly serious person.

No doubt, Jesus when delivering sermons, was absolutely serious about the truth he was teaching. We would expect no less when considering His words carried such ultimate importance and were both spirit and life. However, Jesus was human as well as divine, and that humanity would incorporate a sense of humour and joy. No doubt, Jesus would have exchanged humorous banter with his disciples, family and friends, in different settings.

So are there Christian comedians? Yes, there is a Christian comedy circuit, and why not? Christian comedians no doubt, tackle all manner of subjects, just as secular comedians do.

Here is a list of comedians who identify as believers in Christ:

1) Miranda Hart.

2) Frank Skinner.

3) Johnny Vegas.

4) Sally Phillips.

5) Ian Hislop.

For those that suffer from depression and other mental illnesses, laughter is medically beneficial. Here are the following examples of just how laughter lifts us:

1) Laughter strengthens relationships.

2) It can attract others to us.

3) It can enhance teamwork.

4) Laughter reduces conflict and can even resolve it in certain circumstances.

5) Laughter relaxes the body.

6) Laughter boosts the immune system.

7) Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.

8) Laughter protects the heart.

9) Laughter burns calories.

10) Laughter lightens fits of anger.

11) Laughter may even help you live longer.

Laughter and a sense of humour can definitely lift a dark or depressive atmosphere. We all know when we have been in intense or in difficult situations, a sense of humour and banter can, at the right and appropriate opportunity, make those present, feel at ease.

Sadly, there are institutions and even churches, where humour does not exist or is not encouraged. Sadly, such an atmosphere is not conducive to church attendees, no matter how far they are along in their relationship with God. Of course, church services have to involve very serious elements of teaching and practice, but there is nothing wrong with the odd quip that reminds us of our humanity and God’s gift of laughter. A merry and joyful heart can certainly be good medicine for the soul! Knowing Jesus should make us joyous, and with that comes a healthy sense of humour. Of course, Christians suffer from all the problems of the world as secular people do, but that inner joy, happiness and laughter, must and should be part and parcel of the Christian life.

So has God himself got a sense of humour? Well, if Jesus in his humanity, had a sense of humour it will be apparent that God will because Christ was Man and God in one. Have you ever had those moments, when you are waiting on God for something and the answer to that prayer is not what you expected? Sometimes, those answers to prayer, catch us out. We can be surprised, shocked or even disappointed at that answer. However, we must know that God ‘has got this’ to coin a popular phrase. When God answers prayer, even if it is not what we expected, we must remember that He has our back, and like a true Father, he has our interests at heart. In those answers to prayer can come, a form of ironic humour or even surprise that can cause us to laugh and realise why the Lord has answered that request that way.

Our sense of humour and joy must direct our relationship with others, whether they be Christian or not. The Holy Spirit will give us joy and people will see that shining out of us. No doubt, there are many non-believers who think that believers in Christ are a miserable lot who can’t do this or say that. But we know as Christians, the Lord came to give us life, and in that life, there is joy and laughter. So, if we are truly Christians, in the real sense of the word, joy and laughter must be our modus operandi.

Here are words from the Bible that speak on the subject matter in this article:

Proverbs 17:12: “A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones”.

James 5:13: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is there anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise”.

Proverbs 26:19: “Like a madman is the man who deceives his neighbour and says, “I am only joking!”.

God bless you.

Nick.