When others are blessed …

People either love Simon Cowell or hate him.

Simon is the brutally honest judge on the hit TV show “American Idol.” I find myself often agreeing with his assessment of contestant talent, but not necessarily with how he communicates his opinion. He can be too harsh in what he has to say, with his style of communication detracting from the content of his critique.

At the core of his harshness is a life philosophy that is starkly ugly: he doesn’t like seeing others win.

During one of the TV show episodes, Simon revealed that he didn’t enjoy seeing others win and him lose … that he thought it silly to celebrate the victories of others when it meant personal loss. Simon lives life pursuing “what’s in it for him” and doesn’t enjoy seeing others blessed when he isn’t.

I think many people share Simon’s attitude. Some people find themselves wallowing in envy when they hear of the blessings of others instead of rejoicing with others in their blessings. It takes a great deal of selflessness to honestly celebrate good things happening to other people when they may not be happening to you.

But that is the heart of Christmas!

The first Christmas was all about heaven celebrating the blessing of God providing a Savior for humankind … at great personal cost to God Himself! As the Creator of humanity wrapped Himself in flesh and offered Himself to the world as our hope for salvation, He eternally changed Himself. Jesus didn’t have a human body until He was “born” of Mary, yet He was willing to leave the splendors of heaven to take on human form for our sake … and God celebrated! Luke 2:8-14 reveals how heaven reveled in our blessing:

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others — the armies of heaven — praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'”

That first Christmas was God doing all the giving with humanity doing all the getting, and God celebrating for us!

If you want to really experience the spirit of Christmas, then join in the celebration of God’s blessings in the lives of others. Rejoice with family, friends and others about the good things happening in their lives. Romans 12:15 puts it this way, “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” Let’s ask the tough question: how can you sincerely rejoice in the blessings of others? By caring deeply about others.

Note Romans 12:15 again. Not only does it admonish us to “Be happy with those who are happy …” but also “… and weep with those who weep.”

That first Christmas was an expression of God’s deep care and love for us. He was so concerned about our well being that He paid the greatest of all costs: He gave His Son to meet our need.

THAT is caring! And by caring enough to meet the need, you can rejoice in the benefit to others.

The example of Christmas is a reminder to live beyond ourselves and not only celebrate the blessings of others, but be part of the blessing in the lives of others. The real spirit of Christmas is to give of yourself at great personal cost, and to revel in the benefit others receive.

I hope you’re enjoying many rich blessings this Christmas season!

Scotty