Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.
Today, 14th February is celebrated as Valentine’s Day. Many people celebrate it and many don’t but for different reasons. Some reasons why some don’t include religious, personal and other reasons. Today I wish to look at what is Valentine’s Day, how it is celebrated and to ask you to consider whether or not you would celebrate it and for what reasons you would or would not celebrate it.
How did Valentine’s Day start? The following quotation from www.britannica .com, may help: “The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I, replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day.” It is said that the first Valentine’s Day was held in the year 496.
It is believed that the ancient Romans may have been responsible for the name of this ‘our modern day of love, Valentine’s Day. According to the history, Emperor Claudius II executed two men-both named Valentine on February 14 of different years in the 3rd Century A. D. Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.
How is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world? Regardless of its origins, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world on 14th February with gifts of candies, flowers, greeting cards, and romantic dinners around the United States while other parts of the world have their own unique ways to celebrate St. Valentine.
Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day. If not why not. If so , how and why. Is there any value in your celebrating such a day? Perhaps there is. For many people it may be one of the happiest days of their lives and relationship the loved ones. Usually there is a spirit of love and excitement in the air as many are dressed in the red and white. Stores run out of gifts and flowers and restaurants and hotels increase their business. Some partners or spouses forget their partner’s birthday and even their own anniversaries, but Valentine’s Day is a great reminder that it is time to show some love. While it should not be the only time to show love and excitement into your relationship I am sure it has great value for some.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you who embrace this celebration. May this day not only boost the love and excitement in your relation or marriage but serve as a launching pad to continue to find the time and resources necessary to build, strengthen and enhance your love life.
Love from my loving family to you and those you love.
Yours in Christ
Tyrone Hunkins, Rev.
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