Celebrate Valentine's Day!

Did you know we think there really was a St. Valentine?!! Valentine was of Roman nobility living in the 3rd Century. As a Christian, he witnessed the arrest and mistreatment of many followers of Jesus. Legend has it that one of those arrested by Roman soldiers was a young blind girl named Theodora. She was among a group attending a Christian wedding. They were all thrown into prison to await their deaths in the Roman arena by wolves. Theodora's father happened to be the jailor and he was in anguish that his daughter was arrested. Valentine met with her and the others and plotted their escape. Red-dyed parchment notes were sent from Valentine to the prisoners planning on their escape. He encouraged them to remain strong and unafraid and he reminded them of the love of the God who sent his only Son for the world.  Theodora delivered these first "valentines" to the adults and children imprisoned. However, the  Roman guards discovered the escape plans. Valentine offered his own life in exchange for the prisoners. It is believed that he died on February 14, 269 AD. Pope Gelasius named February 14 as St. Valentine's Day to honor this man and his sacrificial love.  We now celebrate Valentine's Day as a day for Romance among couples. But its origins are closer to AGAPE love, the Christian understanding of love for one another as modeled by Jesus' sacrifice for us. There are several different versions of the beginning of Valentine's day but this is the most common one with some substance to it. Have a GREAT Valentine's Day and remember to not only show romantic love....but God's love to others. Linda