"Valentine's Day"

By Amie Mitchell

When you research Valentine's Day, you will find information that is believed to be true that states it started to honor St. Valentine (or Valentinus) of the third century AD, who was martyred.

St. Valentine was working as a Roman priest during the reign of an emperor named Claudius. He believed that the reason the Roman army wasn’t as formidable as possible was because husbands wanted to stay at home with their wives and families instead of fighting in wars.

So, Claudius made marriage and engagements illegal in Rome to get male soldiers to stay in the Roman army and not worry about their girlfriend back home.

St. Valentine encouraged marriage, especially Christian marriage, and he married many couples in secret.

When Claudius found out, he sentenced Valentine to execution. Most believe St. Valentine was killed during the year 270 AD, but some have debated the year.

Valentine became a patron Saint of Love. It is said Valentine supposedly wrote a letter in prison signed “From your Valentine,” giving birth to the tradition of sending love cards with the same signature.

The world often promotes Cupid, which in Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Not a good idea to celebrate Cupid or buy anything with Cupid for Christians who want to honor Jesus.

February: The Month of Expressing Love, Especially to That Special Someone

On Valentine's Day, the world also promotes buying the one you love expensive gifts. Through advertising, they try to make people feel like if you are not going all out, then you must not love your wife or girlfriend.

It is sad, really, the negative emotions it can bring out in people at times, who have bought those lies.

My husband and I don't really make an overly big deal on Valentine's Day. In years past, it came and went, and we did nothing. We looked at it like we show each other love all year long through the things that we do for one another.

But then, our thoughts changed a bit. We started to realize that going out to dinner, getting flowers, getting chocolate, or whatever gift that the one you love would like, is thoughtful, it brightens the day, and it is fun!

When our kids were young, I used to make heart-shaped mini cakes for them or heart cookies on Valentine's Day. I would also give them a little card and some other little token of something I knew they would like. The point was for them to know that I thought of them and that I loved them.

A Little Tip for Husbands and Boyfriends

If your wives and girlfriends care about Valentine's Day, it's a good idea NOT to forget about them.

Seriously, not a good idea to tell them that it shouldn’t matter to them, that it is just another day, and then not do anything for them. Let's just say that will not help your relationship very much.

At the same time, do NOT fall for the lie that you have to spend large amounts of money and go broke.

The point is for her to know you thought of her, for her to know that you know her. Don’t just grab some random gift. Put thought into who she is and what will speak love to her heart.

And for Wives and Girlfriends...

The same tip applies to wives and girlfriends.

Some men out there enjoy Valentine's Day. Don't shame them for it. Be thoughtful of them.

Again, the goal is for them to know you thought of them and know them as well.

Teach Your Kids the Truth

Those with kids, teach them who St. Valentine was. Because if they go to public school, they will be pushing the deception of Cupid on them.

We all know the greatest celebration of love is that Jesus loved us so much He died for our sins.

Above all things, people, have unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins, for love never fails.