The laughing Jesus

My favorite image of Jesus has always been “The laughing Jesus.” It was originally drawn by Canadian Willis Wheatley, a member and employee of the United Church of Canada. The image celebrated its 50th birthday in 2023.

This image of Jesus stretches viewers to appreciate the full humanity of Christ. And it stretches us to appreciate that the serious side of godliness is closely connected to joy. The two go hand in hand. It’s not one or the other. It’s both. Unfortunately, though, there are some whose faith is altogether too serious and others who will only align themselves with a joyous God. If circumstances around them do not produce a joy-filled result, they confidently assert, “that’s not my Jesus”, even leave the Christian faith.

But this joyous Jesus is our Jesus. And so is the Jesus who is suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. The laughing Jesus is as much our Jesus as is the strategically intentional Jesus of ministry we also find in every chapter of the four gospels.

This blend of both a joy-filled and serious Jesus validates some of the best times I have had in ministry:

Elders vs Youth Group Floor Hockey with a bunch of West Coast Seattleites who didn’t know an off-side from a hat trick. (This was before Seattle had its own team, the Kraken.)

Stopping a serious council meeting in a Northern Albertan church halfway the night to relax with cigars and pop brought by the chair of council.

Board meetings filled with Canadian insider jokes and laughter on the heels of discussing binational tensions.

Biblical joy

Church councils, Christian schools or charity board meetings are, in general, very serious places to serve. It’s likely because “religion” is serious business. Religion evokes strong emotions and thus strong responses. I get it. So it would be safe to conclude that our faith and faith matters should also be treated seriously, no?

No! And Yes. Yes, of course, it’s serious. But, no, our faith (and Jesus himself) was not always serious. Despite considering myself a playful and humorous person, the playful side of Jesus only became clear to me upon reading a book five years into ministry entitled The Humor of Jesus by a respected Presbyterian pastor, Rev Earl Plamer. Its subtitle is “Sources of Laughter in the Bible.”

Playfulness, laughter, mirth, joy. They’re supposed to be a core of our faith but they seldom make their way into our board meetings. Lately, there’s been a lot to be sad about, to be worried about, to be stressed and serious about. We could use a good dose of laughter in our church circles. If you’re a Christian leader, perhaps it’s time you build laughter into the agenda, or plan an event for the leadership team that does nothing more than create joy amongst your group. Floor hockey and a cigar, anyone?