4-5-2026

 Good Morning All,

     Matthew 28:6; “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

I once knew an Irish man who was bulletproof. His name was Rick O’Shea.

What are you if you drive a Subaru in reverse? Ur a Bus

How do you carve wood? A whittle at a time!

    I am sure you are shaking your head by now but at least with a little chuckle. We are engaging in a centuries old practice called “Risus Paschalis.” It translates to “Easter Laughter.” The practice was for the priest to start the Easter service by telling jokes; jokes that would encourage a strong loud belly laugh. The idea stems from a belief that Easter, in its reversal of death and the devil as God outwits them. “Surely Satan laughed with glee when Jesus died there on that tree. But three days more there was a change in the score as Jesus burst out of death’s door.”

    Satan was completed outwitted and defeated at his own game. It provides us with something of a divine irony, a holy reversal that makes the powers of evil look foolish. So, we laugh, we laugh at Satan and his foolish folly of thinking he could kill God not having a clue that this was God’s plan all along to redeem his people. Justice had to be served and the debt of sin had to be paid but the devil never thought the sacrifice would be Jesus and when Jesus emerged from the tomb all the devil planned on, wanted and worked for went completely awry. One of the made for television movies about the life of Jesus ended with Jesus sitting up in the tomb, looking at his hands, and then bursting out in laughter. What a wonderful picture!

    That same victory is ours! We too, can laugh at death and the devil. They no longer have the upper hand. We have been granted by our loving Father eternal life in His Name. We possess it right now. It is a “now but not yet” gift. Like the child who is holding his Christmas present in his hands but he has to wait his turn to open it. He is shaking with excitement because he knows it will be so great, but just not yet.  His joy knows no end.

    So, this Easter, don’t just observe, don’t just participate, but rather celebrate. Celebrate the wondrous gift given to us by the death and RESURRECTION of Jesus. Our sins are atoned for and the tomb is but a path to eternal life. And we, like that child with a present, or when we hear a funny joke can laugh at the devil and be giddy with excitement when we remember Christ did al this for us. CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Gracious Father, you have shown us a love that knows no end! Keep us ever in joyful knowledge of your salvation, given to us through your son Jesus. May we always look to you and know your peace. May we in joy and love celebrate this wonderful day all our lives. Keep us safe in your loving arms. Be with those who struggle that they too may know your mercy. In the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior we pray. Amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret