In 496 AD Pope Gelasius set February 14th as the date to celebrate St. Valentine’s martyrdom. He was known to have married and assisted Christians in the name of his love for Jesus, giving rise to our practice of focusing on love each February 14.
Now stores sell lacy cards, pink streamers and heart-shaped candies. Florists double the price of flowers and wives fix special dinners for husbands with candles lit and children sent to bed early. Lovers everywhere use the day as an excuse to broadcast their affection to the world.
But the day originally was set aside as a holy day of God’s church.
Getting past the greeting cards that display flying babies with wings, trays filled with chocolate dipped strawberries and tiny hearts munched by the mouthful, St. Valentine’s Day reminds me of Jesus.
Because Jesus is the true author and giver of love. In fact, for those who know Jesus, every day is Valentine’s Day.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Especially to my very own Valentine, Jim.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Thank you also for the people you place in our lives. Help us love all of them in your name. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Any special Valentine's Day plans?
4 comments:
I like that thought, every day is Valentine's Day. Hope you have a great one with the hubs! Julia and I are both taking the day off to enjoy together :-)
@ Chris - thanks! What a special day you and Julia will have together. Enjoy!
Valentine's Day is wonderful in that we are reminded we matter. My devotional today reminds me, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jer. 31:3; "Before you were even born I knew you" (Ps. 139:15); and, "I am enthralled with your beauty! You are mine." (Isa. 43:1);
Jay and I have a tradition of going to the local yogurt shop on Valentine's Day.
@ Pam - Yogurt! What a delightful tradition. Hubs is out of town today so we have set a date for a marguerita on the beach in Cancun next week.
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