Killing Valentine

If you’re wondering what makes a good Valentine’s Day gift, it may help to know why February 14 is a holiday at all. Like many holidays, Valentine’s Day came from a Church holy day, and it is named after Saint Valentine, who lived in the third century.

Valentine was a priest who became famous for defying Roman Emperor Claudius. Claudius banned clergy from performing wedding ceremonies. His reason was simple. Men would not volunteer to join his Roman army with wives to leave behind. Valentine would not comply with this outrageous law.

Valentine knew that God instituted the family and God’s will includes marriages. So, he kept on performing marriage ceremonies – secretly. During one secret wedding, he was caught, imprisoned and sentenced to death under the Roman law.

Who would have guessed that Valentine’s Day came from a defiant priest who loved weddings? I usually don’t even think of Valentine’s Day as being about married couples as much as it is for those who are dating. It is really interesting to see that all the candy hearts, flowers and Valentine cards all began over one man’s religious convictions that marriage really matters to God and His people—so much that he was willing to die for that truth.

St. Valentine was executed on February 14, 269 AD. But before his death, many young people came to the jail to visit Valentine. Most likely, he was still performing ceremonies while imprisoned. He also received a visit from the daughter of one of his jailers, and she became a close confidant. It was to this woman that Valentine left a note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”

Whether you exchange cards or gifts for Valentine’s Day, reflect on the original Valentine.  Consider how much marriage means to God and His people, and perhaps it may inspire you to make some needed changes about your relationship right now. But one more word of advice: it can kind of break the mood if you bring up the cruel martyr of a Roman priest over a romantic dinner with your loved one.

You can also check out this article at http://www.theborderlinetimes.com/feb_2011/religion_02-10.html

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