Valentine Day

A few days ago I looked at my calendar and tore off my January page, knowing that those 31 days were forever gone. And there was February with its 3 less days than January and each day stretching out its length with brighter hours. Probably I welcomed February because of the birth dates of two of our presidents, Lincoln, on the 12th and Washington, the22nd. I enjoy history and have read many books about both of them. I always reminded my husband that my half year birthday came on the 22nd. Well, I'll not tell you about the results.

Of course the day that we recognize in February is the 14th day known as Valentine Day. I assume most of you are acquainted by a physician named Valentine who had been imprisoned by Claudius II, a Roman ruler who hated all Christians. The jailer had asked if he could bring his blind daughter to meet Valentine whom he hoped might be able to teach his daughter. So she came often and asked many questions of Valentine. One day as they were praying together, suddenly a brilliant light filled the cell. Julia shouted, "Valentine, I can see! I can see!" Together they thanked God.

The evening before Valentine was to be killed, he wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God, and signed it "From your Valentine." His death sentence was carried out the next day, Feb. 14, 270 A.D. near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini. This special day with its message of love and affection is recognized the world over.

I remember those days with the big decorated box which stood on the teacher's desk and when the special day came and the lovely cards were passed out. With the passing of years, I have seen my children and grandchildren enjoying the giving and receiving of those cards.

But I must tell you of another "Valentine" whom I greatly love. "God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son (His Valentine) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life. (John 3:16) Over and over the word LOVE is used in the Bible. Jesus said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love." "That ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Verses found in chapter 15 of St. John)

Yes, our heavenly Valentine gave His life on an old rugged tree that we may be saved. I love the old songs which tell of His love. Jesus loves me this I know! Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me.

The old Feb. 14, Valentine Day, we remember annually. But our heavenly “Valentine” must be honored daily as we read His word and worship Him in prayer. As I am now completing my blog, I thought of something that makes me excited and happy. When we all get to heaven, we'll meet our Jesus, our Valentine. We will also meet the Valentine who led little blind Julia to Jesus who restored her sight. Oh, what a day that will be! Will you be there?