(written after 1991)

It’s such a sad state of affairs in Canada these days. We are in the middle of a recession, and there is so much division in many churches that some of their members want out to form even better churches. It’s all such serious business. But have you noticed that we can hardly laugh anymore? We are so busy arguing and complaining these days that we can’t be light-hearted. Do you really want visits after church to talk about unemployment, about polarization, about the ozone layer, or you name it? Those are not exactly discussions you can make light of.

But, to stick to myself — no, I don’t smile so much anymore. Unlike our prime minister, my jaws are quite slack — but my neck is as tight as a house! That’s what you get from sitting seriously in front of a computer — every turn to the right or left hurts. Laughing can be such a pain!      

Some years ago, I was sitting in the study of a roguish pastor. Yes, they still had those back then!  His chubby cheeks glowed with fun. Mine too, as we were exchanging jokes.

Finally though, the pastor set his face into a more serious frame. “Yep man,” he said, “some pastors mix stories into their sermons to convey the gist of their message as clearly as possible. We’ve got books for that — books full of illustrations. Well, I’ve always preferred to use appropriate jokes from my Readers Digests – they’re shorter and snappier. But not anymore! There used to be a roar of laughter through the church when I surprised them with a funny joke. Nowadays, there might still be a few people who chuckle, but the rest sit there like they are going to send a letter to classis about this scandal tomorrow. You can’t imagine anything nastier than a congregation pretending to laugh.”

Now, you must understand me well. I am not talking about the quiet joy that surrounds true believers with its glow. I am talking about exuberant mirth, a generous smile, the ‘hiccup-laugh’ that some charming ladies are known for, the belly laugh with which some gentlemen shake so nicely. The laughter that goes with ‘fun’. Even though that short, pithy word has taken on a worldly tone, let’s still call it fun! Where has our fun gone?

I have attended many classis meetings. There they sit for hours, debating. That’s what a classis meeting is for. There always used to be upstart elders and pastors who, if certain brethren droned on with their nagging, would playfully lean in towards each other and say something funny behind their hand. Then you would suddenly hear them chuckling or see them stifling a laugh. The chairman would then reach for his gavel to nip further hilarity in the bud. During the smoke breaks, the generous laughter sounded again! Now, along with the smoke, the laughter has disappeared. One still finds a certain playfulness in the old guard, but the young bucks now sit seriously listening to reports — because there is nothing more engaging than a good report!

Perhaps they think: should one actually be allowed to have fun in this miserable world? Someone told me with a steely face that Jesus never laughed. But if the Father can laugh (according to the late Okke Jager) would the Son be any different? Can you imagine Jesus addressing the little children who came to him with a straight, serious face? Would He not have tickled the little boy who climbed up onto his lap? Can you imagine that, during serious conversations with his disciples, Jesus might once in a while throw in a joke?  That he might get distracted and look past his disciples to the children playfully running and singing? If there will be no more tears shed in the new heavens and the new earth, what do you think will take their place? Can’t we get a head start now already?

An elder once had to visit a rather dour, persnickety brother who objected to reciting the profession of faith in unison. The elder was very reluctant to visit but made the plunge. Then he happened to come at an inconvenient time, while the sourpuss was watching a comedy show on TV. “You can come in, but please give me a moment, it’s almost finished” he said. To the elder’s great surprise, he witnessed a very different side to that brother. He was slapping his knees in amusement. His laughter echoed through the house. “Never miss, this sit-com,” said the host, “can I offer you something?” And so, over a beer, a fine conversation ensued. The ‘laughter’ had bound them together.

We need to learn to laugh again. It is an important part of living with the Lord. Laughter has a liberating effect and gives breathing space. Therefore — away with those serious congregational meetings. Keep up the Bible study in your societies but do something fun in the breaks. Sing some happy songs along with the hymns. If necessary, invite a comedian — they too serve the Lord. Try improvising speeches or collaborating on an impromptu play — people, what fun! Then suddenly you start seeing your fellow sisters and brothers in a different light. You get to know them better. And I almost think that, after such an evening, you will say; we should do that more often! What are we so worried about?