God and Lucifer were sitting out on the patio, and God noticed that his best friend was kind of down in the dumps. God tried a few of His better jokes, but the best Lucifer could work up was a weak smile. God freshened Lucifer's drink with a little Old Thunderbolt, but all he got in return was a subdued, "Thanks, Big Guy." God tried a few card tricks, a little magic, a bit of the old razza-ma-tazz, but his buddy just wouldn't crack a smile.

Finally, in desperation, God said, "This one takes a little while to work up, but just be patient, and I know I can cheer you up, Red." Lucifer responded despondently, "Go ahead, but I don't think it's much use; the fire just seems to have gone out of things for me."

So God said, "Let there be light!" ...

Lucifer hasn't stopped laughing since.