Winter may still be upon us, but that doesn’t stop the stores blooming with colors of bright pinks, purples, and reds as every display is decked out to celebrate Valentines Day. Banners flash with cupid hearts and chocolates galore so that we can celebrate loved ones far and near.
According to a National Retail Federation survey, Americans will spend $18.6 billion on Valentine's Day. The average person is expected to spend $131 on cards, gifts and more. That number is higher than last year by nearly $5.
Hallmark reports that more than 163 million cards are exchanged every year, not counting children’s Valentines.
Unfortunately, through the years, many have lost the true meaning of Valentines Day.
How It All Got Started
In 270 AD, under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.
In order to get rid of this problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome.
Valentine, who was a Bishop in the Catholic church in Rome at this time, realized 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.
Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
Legend also has it that while in jail, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become a Christian, as well as his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine.”
So Valentine sacrificed his life for the enduring principle God laid down in Genesis 2 that all of us as Christians hold so dear — the covenant of love in marriage.
Like Valentine, let us continue to fight for covenant, purity, and the privilege of marriage even when our culture does not support the sanctity and covenant of a lasting union.
All We Need Is Love
So many songs in our pop culture explode about the power of love like the Beatles song, “All You Need is Love.”
It’s so true. Love does make the world go round.
Unfortunately, many people will be the most depressed around Valentines because they’re divorced or live disconnected with their spouse.
Valentines helps us get in touch with our hearts, and how intimate and connected we are to those we love.
Valentines Day can be painful holiday, or it can be amazing.
Regardless of the status of your human relationships, this Valentines Day can be the best encounter with the greatest lover of all time.
“Will You Be Mine?
In Genesis, we find that in the beginning God created us in His image and thus, began the very first love story, where He fashioned us in the womb (Psalm 139), and then helped us discover the depth of His love through sending His Son, so that we can live with Him forever (John 3:16).
One of the worst mistakes we can make is thinking that love is cheap or un-costly, when it cost God everything.
You are so important to God and He wants you to be His Valentine.
This is the time of year when I want to encourage you to discover God’s love letter for you as you see all of the movies, look at all the Valentines cards, and dive into that See’s Candy box.
He has loved you with an everlasting love that goes way beyond one day, one month, or what one person can give you.
Ask Jesus about the Valentines message He wants to write on your heart during this season, and let His love envelope you as you read about why He created you and what He loves about you.
And then, ask Jesus what Valentines Day message you can send to others to let them know how special they are to you and God.
Creating Your Own Valentine’s Message
My husband, Kevin and I chose Valentines Day last year as the day we renewed our marriage vows in a ceremony with our closest friends. It’s amazing how each year I fall more in love with my husband and know my marriage is stronger with each passing year!
Here are some creative ways that you can love your spouse on Valentines, and throughout the year.
- Leave clues throughout the house of chores you will do that they dislike.
- Give them coupons for certain special surprises you can do for them that they can use in the month of February.
- Create love notes on sticky-pads, and place them in the places where they go throughout the day, such as by the bathroom sink, in the car seat, on the refrigerator, at work, etc.
- Text them on the hour something special.
Creating Creative Valentines Messages To Release Creative Miracles
One of my interns, Caleb, who had a degree in stick figures decided to take a risk and create a simple Valentine card with a heart, which said, “Would you be my Valentine? Love, God.” He then went out to look for someone who looked lonely so he could bless them.
He approached a woman in line at the grocery store and began to speak to her. He found out that she was profoundly deaf. So, he gave her the card and asked if he could pray for healing and she said yes.
Not only was she completely healed, but all of the people in line who saw what had happened were crying as a result.
As Caleb debriefed with this woman afterward, he asked if she was a believer, and she responded with a nod.
He asked her how she felt about God healing her from deafness, and she responded that she was thankful, but what made this encounter so incredible was that although she had been a Christian her whole life, she had never fully accepted that God loved her, until she received his valentine stick figure.
She said that she wanted to put up on her mantle so that she could be reminded of His love daily!
Let’s Make This Valentines Day The Happiest Day For Someone
There are so many single moms, homeless people, teachers, and shoppers like the woman Caleb met that need to be celebrated and loved on Valentines.
I want to encourage you to make a simple Valentine card today, and ask God to show you someone who needs to know they are loved!
I encourage you to remember how God has given you His Heart and life, and then, share the message of love both to your loved ones and to those who need to know that they are loved and valuable.
Who knows, there may be someone you will meet this Valentines Day who has never encountered what true love is, and you may be the one who gets to deliver the message that could make this the happiest Valentines Day ever for them.
Happy Valentines everyone!
Remember you are Born to Create!