Who was St. Valentine? Why do we celebrate February 14th by sending cards to those we love?
No one is quite sure who St. Valentine was or if there was only one. However, there are a few popular legends about St. Valentine and the beginning of St. Valentine's day. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.
Some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D. (www.history.com)
Whether the stories of St. Valentine be truth or legend one can be sure the spirit of Valentine's Day is reflective of God's love. God loves you SO much! God loves you more than anyone else loves you. God loves you even more than your Mom and Dad love you. Wow!! That is a LOT of LOVE! God shows you his love everyday in the blessings he gives you in friends, family, nature...his gifts of love are everywhere! But the best gift of LOVE God ever gave us was Jesus Christ.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Psalm 3:16
Doesn't it make you feel good to know that God loves you SO much? God wants us to share his love with others. How can you show someone you love them today? More importantly, how can you show someone how much GOD loves them today?
Dear God, Thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for this day to celebrate love and most importantly thank you for giving us the gift of your Son, Jesus. Amen
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