The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century
with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was
Claudius II Gothicus. The Christian was Valentinus. Claudius had ordered all
Romans to worship state religious idols, and he had made it a crime punishable
by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the
ideals of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep him from
practicing his beliefs.
During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable
thing happened. One day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome knocked at
Valentinus's door clutching his blind daughter in his arms. He had learned of
Valentinus's medical and spiritual healing abilities, and appealed to
Valentinus to treat his daughter's blindness. She had been blind since birth.
Valentinus knew that her condition would be difficult to treat but he gave the
man his word he would do his best. The little girl was examined, given an
ointment for her eyes and a series of re-visits were scheduled.
Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked
whether his daughter, Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons.
Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of
"Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?"
Julia said one day. "Yes, my child, He hears each one, "he replied.
"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I
might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"
"God does what is best for us if we will believe in
Him," Valentinus said. "Oh, Valentinus, I do believe," Julia
said intensely. "I do." She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat
quietly together, each praying. Several weeks passed and the girl's sight was
not restored. Yet the jailer and his daughter never wavered in their faith and returned
each week.
Then one day, Valentinus
was arrested by Roman soldiers who destroyed his medicines and
admonished him for his religious beliefs. When the jailer heard of his arrest
and imprisonment, he wanted to intervene but there was nothing he could do.
Valentinus was condemned to death for his belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to
Julia. He urged her to stay close to God, and he signed it From Your
Valentine.E His sentence was carried out the next day,
He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome.
It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his
grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.
In 496 Pope Gelasius named February 14 as Saint Valentine's Day. On each
Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged
around the world.
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Isn't is amazing the things that we do (or celebrate)
without really knowing why we do what we do?
I pray that we will become a community of faith that will be in the
world but not of it.
Talk about twisting history for our own selfish
desires. We have made Valentine's Day
into a commercialized, sex-driven concept that takes away the beauty of
biblical love and servanthood. I pray
that as we focus on our Savior's love for us... it will motivate us to love
(biblical) those around us without defrauding or manipulating people. This is how strong biblical community will be
established. The world has to see another way.
To those who are married may we strengthen our marriages and
families so that the world will know of God's love. To those of us who are single (I remember
being single and hating these times, especially Valentine's Day)... may we
learn to love Jesus more deeply and sweetly.
Through this we can become a servant of all. May the world know of
Christ's incorruptible love.
Most of all, the greatest miracle happened to many of
us. Our spiritual eyes were opened and
we have been in love with our Lover ever since.... for that we are forever
grateful.
Eph 6:24