Well I’m going to play ketchup here for a bit and back up to Valentine’s Day. Mostly for myself, so next year when I get to wondering what in the world we did last year for Valentine’s Day I can just pull this old post up. The rest of you benefit from seeing the cute kids!
St. Valentine’s Day is one of the “saint days” that I have mixed feelings about. I think because we’re just a bit uncertain about who “St. Valentine” really was, if his story is of was one pastor or if through history his story was a combination of the lives of two or three pastors. Most of the events of his life are not verifiable.
Regardless of the unknown, there are some parts of his life that have been passed down that are probably true. So on his day we remember him and his stand for God’s gift and institution of marriage. Even facing death under the Emperor Claudius he was faithful to God’s will and word and was martyred for that. We shouldn’t forget that part. And remember to tell our babies that God’s children are still killed for this.
I also like to take advantage of his commemoration to teach our children about love, God’s love for us, our love for our neighbor and the love between husband and wife. And yes, we also decorate with hearts and give each other chocolates.
