The 12 Days of Christmas Love Challenge

GUEST POST by Debra Fileta

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me….”

There are lots of ways to say “I love you” during the holidays, aren’t there? And according to the above Christmas song, even a couple breeds of random birds are enough to do the trick!

But truly, Christmas is the greatest “I love you” all.

It’s the ferocious “I love you” from the throne of heaven, because it’s about a God who became man just to show us His love in a tangible way.

He could have sent anything- but He sent Jesus, a demonstration of Love.

What an amazing time of year to not only reflect on this great Love, but to allow it to motivate us in how we love others. So many times in life, we give love in hopes of receiving love. We encourage our spouse, hoping to get some encouragement in return. We make time for a friend, expecting that they will also make time for us.

But what if we used this time of year to love like God loves us; to give unconditionally, freely, and without expectation.

A few weeks ago on Twitter I was brainstorming how to #SayILoveYouWithoutWords. Often times we default to simply saying “I love you”- when in reality, there is no love like that of demonstrative love- a love that gives, sacrifices, and serves.

I thought it would be fun to spread the love this Christmas season by presenting you with the 12 Days of Christmas Love Challenge.

If you’re married, consider taking this challenge to love on your spouse.

If you’re single, consider showering love on someone significant in your life.

Either way, the challenge is for you. It’s a way to demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus- who loves with no expectation of receiving. You can start this challenge at anytime, but if you want to take it through Christmas Day, be sure to start on December 14th. Each day you’ll be given a special way to demonstrate love.

The challenge is meant to cost little-to-nothing, and take just a few minutes of planning ahead. The idea is that showing love doesn’t have to be extravagant- it just has to be authentic. So join me this Christmas as we shower some love on those we love the most.

Click CONTINUE to see Day 1…