St.Valentine is credited as a patron saint of lovers and romantics. No doubt numerous cards were sent to express affection to loved ones over the weekend. The commercialization of this feast day has made it known as 'Hallmark's Day' in the US. But there is no romantic link to the martyr of the Christian faith that dates back to 197AD.
It was established as a saints day by the Pope in 496AD, but only became associated with romance in the late fourteenth century. Valentine was executed for expressing his 'dying devotion' of Christ as his lord and saviour in defiance of Emperor worship. That aspect of this festival day is today entirely forgotten.
In the opening chapters of the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John has a vision of Christ as he visited the churches. He records for us Jesus' call to return to your first love, to repent, and to do the things when you first believed (Rev.2:2-7). Actually, the entire Bible has sometimes been referred to by scholars as "God's love-letter to humanity." On that basis, happy Valentine's day!
Rev.'D
