Valentine's Day, 2018

My father, Jerry Bauer, loved to share the origins of holidays.  I have continued on with that tradition, and I have benefited from doing so.  Today, I would like to share the origin of what has come to be known as Valentine’s Day.  It is known as such because of the actions of St. Valentine.  Before I dive in, note that the passing of time has made it difficult to state the details of St. Valentine definitively.  There are disputes as to exactly how all this played out.

However, many agree that centuries ago – 270 AD – when Claudius II was in power as emperor of Rome.  Claudius issued an edict that prohibited young people from getting married.  This edict was unjust and unfair, and unbiblical (see 1 Timothy 4:3).  “The kindly bishop Valentine also realized the injustice of the decree…He planned to counter the monarch’s orders in secrecy.  Whenever lovers thought of marrying, they went to Valentine who met them afterwards in a secret place and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony” (I’m quoting from the best link I found on this subject; check it out, if you are inclined -  http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm)

“But such things cannot remain hidden for long.  It was only a matter of time before Claudius came to know of this “friend of lovers” and had him arrested.”  The narrative asserts that while he was in prison awaiting his sentence, Asterius, Valentine’s jailer, brought his daughter, who was blind, to Valentine.  And because of his strong faith, he restored her sight!  Some disagree with this part of Valentine’s journey, but I believe “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26); the Lord certainly could have used Valentine in this way.  As the link puts it, “Whatever the fact, it appears that Valentine in some way did succeed to help Asterius’ daughter.”

The time came for Valentine to meet with Claudius II.  Valentine remained steadfast in his conviction that Claudius’ ban on marriage was unjust, and he would not support it.  Furthermore, Valentine shared his Christian faith with the emperor.  Claudius became so angry at the developments of their meeting that he ordered Valentine to be executed.

“Meanwhile, a deep friendship had been formed between Valentine and Asterius’ daughter.  It caused great grief to the young girl to hear of his…imminent death.  It is said that just before his execution, Valentine asked for a pen and paper from his jailer, and signed a farewell message to her, “From your Valentine” a phrase that has lived forever after…he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion.  Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14th, 270 AD.”

Therefore, in conclusion, honor your significant other or spouse today; they are a gift to you to be valued.  Celebrate your family, friends, and loved ones; don’t take them for granted.  And take some time to contemplate God’s amazing love for you as well.  But also realize that Valentine’s Day has an inspiring story behind it.  Valentine took a courageous stand for marriage, and never wavered in his abiding faith in Jesus Christ, even though the choice to do so ultimately cost him his life.

Kevin