Holy Humor Sunday, also known as Bright Sunday or Renewal Sunday, is celebrated by Christian churches on the first Sunday after Easter. History recalls how, on this Sunday, congregants and pastors played practical jokes on each other, drenched each other with water, told jokes, sang, and danced.  The custom is rooted in the writings of early Orthodox theologians who said God played a joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead.

In my own journey, I have been surprised by the joy I’ve experienced by trying a few new things (music in my case) that have given me so much joy and allow me to be more fully present to God in worship. My encouragement to you is to find a few places to dig deeply, commit whole-heartedly and experience the fullness of joy in the love of God and neighbor that is found there.

Sometimes we need to hear, “I got you!” and sometimes we need to hear, “You can make it!” Though distinctly different experiences, they are part of the same story.  The story of a God whose love is so great, so strong that nothing in all of creation can separate us from it. Never forget that.  Lean on that.  Depend on that.  And give thanks be to God.

I don’t think Jesus is calling us to choose between contemplation or service—between what works in our hearts and the work of our hands.  As Fred Craddock noted, if we asked Jesus which example, Mary’s or Martha’s, we are to follow in life, Jesus would probably say “Yes.” Life with Jesus is about learning to listen and learning to respond. May we welcome his yes to us with a yes of our own.  That is, in my mind, the better part.

For most of the ancient world, the stranger was an unknown presence who probably needed to be driven away. But many people also approached each day with an expectation that the day might contain messages addressed to them. The Bible wants us to know that welcoming a stranger can bring us close to an experience with God.

We display our watchfulness by living lives faithful in the small things (and the big ones, too). By putting our pots and pans and bodies on the line for this sort of work. It’s not likely that anyone will ever write a best-selling novel about ordinary Christians going through typical days and being faithful in preparing dinners and putting in an honest day’s work.

The churches I have served here in North Carolina have taught me much about homecoming. I have been moved by the joy of reconnecting with longtime friends in faith. I have been inspired by the look back to the lives and shared experiences that shaped the church’s character. I have been renewed by remembering but it is through Christ and in Christ that the church exists and leans into its future.

We never know how the service we offer in Christ’s name and for his sake will continue to unfold across time. Someone may plant a seed, another may water it, but it is God who gives the growth.

What makes the risk worth it? We know that risk-taking exposes us to outcomes you never would have experienced before, many of which are positive! Leaning into risk also boosts confidence and helps us let go of the fear of failing. As someone who fails often, this is very good news.

It is a powerful experience to step out of our sacred spaces and visit a “cathedral to baseball” to learn from experts in their field so we could draw correlations for our own contexts.

Sometimes, when reflecting on what to write, articles like these seem to write themselves. They flow from my mind and heart from a deep wellspring that has faithfully delivered refreshment as long as I have been at it. There are other times when the words don’t come quickly or easily. It’s not that the soil is necessarily dry. It’s rather that in recent weeks, storms have delivered more than my soil can handle, and I’m trying to cope with spiritual flash floods.

All of us have special ones who have loved us into being children of God. Some here. Some far away. Yes, some are even in heaven where they join the saints around the throne still praying and for us. We all have had spiritual parents. Will you be that for someone else?

We may not be worthy in terms of deserving God’s love. None of us are, but we are not worthless.  The good news of God in Jesus Christ is that we have been saved, that we are eternally loved, though we are still sinners. That is how God chooses to be with us.

The memorable Baptist minister and activist Will Campbell tells the story of how one of his friends had been badgering him for a succinct definition of Christianity. “I’m not too bright,” his friend said. “Keep it simple. In ten words or less, tell me the Christian message.” What would you have said?