Joy is a gift from God. Christians often proclaim that 'the joy of the Lord is our strength', though they're not always known for being up for a laugh.

In an increasingly depressed and divided society, the value of light relief surely can't be overestimated – especially for the sometimes-too-serious Christian community.

In the spirit of seeking joy then, here are the seven best Christian-themed jokes around. 'Best' may be a dubious description, but here at least is something resembling Christian comedy. Be blessed.

1. Did you know they had tennis in the Old Testament? As the Scriptures say: 'Joseph served in the court of Pharaoh.'

2. Did you know the King of Israel rode a motorbike? 'David's Triumph was heard across the land.'

3. How does Moses make his coffee? Hebrews it.

4. What kind of man was Boaz before he married? He was Ruthless.

5. They drove Hondas in the New Testament. As it says in the book of Acts: 'All the disciples were in one Accord.'

6. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? Samson. He brought the house down.

7. Lastly, a longer joke, once voted the funniest religious joke of all time, credit to Emo Philips:

Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, 'Don't do it!' He said, 'Nobody loves me.' I said, 'God loves you. Do you believe in God?'

He said, 'Yes.' I said, 'Are you a Christian or a Jew?' He said, 'A Christian.' I said, 'Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?' He said, 'Protestant.' I said, 'Me, too! What franchise?' He said, 'Baptist.' I said, 'Me too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?' He said, 'Northern Baptist.' I said, 'Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?'

He said, 'Northern Conservative Baptist.' I said, 'Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?' He said, 'Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region.' I said, 'Me, too!'

'Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?' He said, 'Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912.' I said, 'Die, heretic!' And I pushed him over.