From History to Hope:

Resdiscovering the Beauty of Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day has become synonymous with red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and declarations of romance. While it is widely celebrated as a day of love, most people would be surprised to learn that its origins are a far cry from the sentimentality we associate with it today. More importantly, it can indeed present an opportunity to return to the real source of love—Jesus Christ.

Please join me on a historical and spiritual exploration of Valentine's Day and discover how to celebrate it in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Before Valentine's Day became a celebration of romantic love, its roots told a much darker story. If you didn't know this before, I invite you to brace yourself! ;0)

Historians trace its initial origins to ancient Rome and the pagan festival of Lupercalia, celebrated annually on February 15. This wild and raucous festival involved rituals intended to purify the city and promote fertility. Men would sacrifice animals, touch women with the hides of the animals to supposedly increase fertility, and engage in various acts meant to honour the Roman gods.

Um ... yikes?

Later, during the 3rd century, the early Christian church thought it was a good idea to replace such pagan customs with a more wholesome form of commemoration.

Agreed, right? Well ...

Enter Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. According to legend, Valentine was a priest persecuted for secretly marrying Christian couples and defying the emperor's ban on marriage for soldiers.

I know, it's precious! But ... for this courageous act of compassion and devotion to God's command, he was imprisoned and executed. Boo! However ...

Several figures throughout history have been associated with the legend of St. Valentine, not just this man, but including some men who courageously defied the law by also secretly performing marriages during a time when they were forbidden. That fearless commitment to love and justice cost Valentine (and others) their freedom and, ultimately, their lives.

The enduring story of Saint Valentine reminds us of the profound theological truth that love is inherently sacrificial. As Pastor Rick Warren has said, "God is love. He didn’t need us. But He wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing." TRUTH! And that calls us to a deeper understanding of Christ's words, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). And Valentine's life does certainly serve as a potent reminder that true love often requires courage, selflessness, and a willingness to serve others, even at high personal cost.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine's Day transformed into a celebration of love and romance, thanks to poets like Geoffrey Chaucer. And thanks to Mrs. Haggard, my Senior English Lit teacher, I can still recite the prologue to his Canterbury Tales!  Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote, The droghte of March hath perced to the roote . . . I'm over 55 and I can still recite that entire thing! i'm doing it in my head right now, somebody stop me. ;-)

Romantic love was glorified in literature and art, and Saint Valentine became the symbolic patron of relationships. Over time, this sentiment entered modern Valentine's Day traditions, such as exchanging cards, flowers, and gifts. And on and on.

Yet, it is easy to lose sight of love's true meaning amid all the materialism. Thanks, greeting card industry. However, as you well know, the Bible reminds us that love is not just about fleeting emotions; it is an action rooted in selflessness. 1 Peter 4:8 teaches us, "Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins." Love, therefore, isn't just about romantic gestures but a reflection of God's love for us—a forgiving, long-lasting, and sacrificial love.

If we peel back the layers of Valentine's Day—the hearts, the chocolates, and the flowers—what remains is a call to reflect on true love. Christian love, or agape love, differs from cultural perceptions of romance. I am not sure who brilliantly posed that "love isn't what you say, it's what you do."  But it is definitely the love Jesus showed when He gave His life for humanity.  This type of love we are called to have is not confined to couples; it extends to neighbours, family, and yes, strangers.  And yes (no, especially), the unlovable.  

The Bible tells us, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). God's unconditional love for us provides the blueprint for how we can approach Valentine's Day as a time to honour and share that love with others. It is about sacrificing for others, showing kindness, and reflecting the light of Christ in our relationships.

I still remember watching a Disney movie that left a deep impression on me—it was called "Against a Crooked Sky." This film had its flaws, with a few storytelling glitches along the way, but otherwise it has aged well and it captured something truly special. It's a story about love and friendship at its heart, and that message stayed with me for decades. The cinematic scenery was beautiful, of course, but what really mattered was how it resonated emotionally. All these years later, I felt inspired to search for it online and found it free on YouTube.

Watching it again brought back memories and reminded me of the profound meaning behind John 15:13 in such a simple and heartfelt way. It's funny how something as small as a Disney movie from childhood can stay with me for so long. And no, this movie is not about Valentine's Day; it is about a greater love.

But I digress ... or do I really? ;-)

Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day with Your Focus on His Love  

If you want to infuse Valentine's Day with these eternal values, here are some ideas to celebrate in a way that honours the essence of love:

1. Express Gratitude in Your Relationships  

Take time to write heartfelt notes to your loved ones—not just your spouse or partner, but also friends, family, and mentors. Share specific moments when their love reflected Christ's love in your life.

2. Serve Others  

Love is an action. Volunteer at a local shelter, visit someone lonely, or perform random acts of kindness, like paying for someone's coffee. Jesus Himself said, "By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35).

3. Pray Together  

Set aside time to pray with your loved ones. Thank God for His love and ask for guidance in loving others well. Consider choosing verses about love and reflecting on them together.

4. Celebrate Marriage as God Intended  

For married couples, Valentine's Day can be a beautiful opportunity to strengthen your sacred bond. Renew your wedding vows or discuss how God's love inspires your relationship. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:9).

5. Share God's Love with Others  

Use Valentine's Day to share the message of God's love. Gift someone a Bible or a devotional book, or invite a friend to your church's Valentine's celebration if they have one.

Reflecting on the Deeper Significance of Love  

Like all human-made Valentine's Day traditions, it has imperfections. Its pagan roots and commercialization can leave us wondering whether it still holds any actual value. But as Christians, we are called not to conform to the world but to transform it. Valentine's Day offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate love in its truest sense—the love that Jesus has shown us and called us to show others.

This Valentine's Day, take a moment to reflect on what love really means in your life. Remember, at its core, Valentine's Day has always been about connection—what began as a connection between Saint Valentine and the couples he married can bring YOU back to the true beginning, the enduring connection Christ created for us with God.

Love is about giving, sacrifice, and faithfulness. As we live in the light of Christ's love, love isn't just something we feel—it's something it does.

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