[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during February 2023]
Another year, another celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day. Who was this Valentine, how did he become the patron saint of florists, chocolatiers and jewellers?
As with many traditions of long standing, the actual origins are lost in the mists of time. There are several contenders for the title, each with their proponents, but with differing degrees of credibility. The two most likely are Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni (also in Italy). Both were members of the early Christian priesthood and were martyred in 269 and 273 respectively.
How did the association with love arise? Valentine of Rome is accredited with writing the first valentine message, a letter to a close friend. It was written on the eve of his execution and was signed ‘from your Valentine’.
The practice of sending letters – more recently, cards and gifts – has become widespread globally, although not necessarily on the same date. A few countries have attempted to ban the practice as contrary to their interpretation of Islamic law but elsewhere the practice has become big business for those who sell cards, flowers, chocolates and jewellery.
Who is the world’s greatest lover? Once again, there are many contenders but, for Christians, only one legitimate claimant:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Did you receive a Valentine message today? Are you feeling unwanted? You are not alone – not alone, in the sense that many other people have the same experience but also not alone in the sense that there is someone who loves you. In his letter to the church in Rome the apostle Paul asserted that:
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5 v8
God’s love is unconditional, his offer of eternal life is available to all who believe. Can love that is unrequited or neglected survive? We need to cultivate our relationship with God otherwise how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?[1]
In 1882 the blind Scottish cleric George Matheson penned these well-known words:
O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee.
I give thee back the life I owe,
that in thine ocean depths its flow
may richer, fuller be.
Make this your prayer today.
Resources:
[1] Hebrews 2 v3
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
Thanks Steve