February 2020 by Pastor Ken Berve
Felicem Valentinus!
“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” ~1 Corinthians 13:13 (NRSV)
What’s the big deal about Valentine’s Day?
Popular history tells us that Valentinus was a priest in Rome during the reign of Claudius II. He was caught marrying Christians, which was illegal and against Roman standards, and was arrested. When he refused to deny Christ or swear allegiance to the emperor he was beheaded, supposedly on February 14, around 270 AD. How romantic!
He soon became the patron saint of young people and lovers.
Valentinus’ devotion to supporting love among Christians is an example of God’s passionate love for all humankind. Scattered throughout the Bible are reminders of God’s love; from the Creation itself to 1st John’s reminder that “God is love.”
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, let us remember that love itself, in its many, many forms, is a gift from God to all of humanity. Where would we be without the love of friends, family, community, nation, stranger, and, yes, romantic love, too.
Here is a new way to look at the popular words from John 3:16, and remember that it was written as God’s Valentine to the world, to you, and me! Jesus said:
“For God so loVed the world
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believe In Him
Shall Not perish,
But have Everlasting life.”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ken