Just What I Needed

We were good friends and we shared a lot of humour and good times together. Unknown to me, he had spent the previous night at the hospital with his critically ill father. In the morning when I called him, it was the usual banter and a good laugh. Later in the day when we met, I apologized for not being more thoughtful and sensitive. His answer was, “You made me laugh, it was the best thing you could have done.”

The people of God laughed and celebrated with one another. It had been a long time coming. They were back in their homeland. They had a cause to celebrate and did they ever! God had answered their prayers.

The promise and joy that a saviour is born should cause us to be lifted up and to celebrate with family and friends.

Our very young daughter was running down the sidewalk and she slipped and fell, skinning her knees. Running over to pick her up, I saw tears running down her cheeks. At the same time, she was giggling and laughing. When I asked her didn’t it hurt, she replied, “If I wasn’t laughing I’d be crying.” May you find the healing power of laughter this season.

Dear God, help us to find the healing power of laughter in our lives and may we bring joy to others. Amen. — SN