Everyone knows that today's version of Valentine's Day is a day to give gifts such as candy to people we like, or special gifts to loved ones and special friends. We send cards full of hearts and sweet sayings, with a picture of Cupid. But where did Valentine's Day originate?
A little over 1,700 years ago a priest by the name of Valentine was arrested on orders of the Roman Emperor for marrying young couples in a Christian ceremony. He also stood accused of sneaking imprisoned followers out of prison. Once arrested and himself imprisoned, he continued to announce the gospel of Jesus Christ. One day a guard approached him and told Valentine, "I have a daughter who is deaf, can your God heal her?" So the priest prayed for the young girl and she was given her hearing.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor asked Valentine what he thought of the gods Mercury and Jupiter. "I believe in one God and one God only. All other gods are false Gods" he replied. When he was told to renounce his God, he refused. The emperor ordered that Valentine be beheaded.
He knew in helping others and for spreading the Good News of the Gospel, that he was risking his life.
"greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for one's friends." John 15:13 God showed us this by sending his only Son to lay down his life for us. The man who would become St. Valentine laid his life for his friends. This is the kind of love that Valentine's Day is all about.
Oh yes, the little guy with the bow and arrow…Cupid. St. Valentine would certainly not appreciate this character from pagan mythology being associated with Valentine's Day!
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