For the most

part, we Protestants and whatever have the Catholics to thank for Valentine's

Day, so it seems. It goes like this: In 270 A.D. Emperor Claudius issued

an edict forbidding marriage because he believed married men made poor

soldiers, not wanting to leave their families to go to battle. Valentine,

bishop of Interamna, disagreed with the emperor and invited young lovers

to come to him in secret to be married. When Claudius found that Valentine

was performing secret marriage ceremonies, he was incensed. He had Valentine

arrested and brought before him. When Valentine refused to change his

views and renounce Christianity, he was put in prison to await execution.

In February of 270, Valentine was clubbed, stoned, and then beheaded.

Tradition tells

that while Valentine was in prison he corresponded with those under his

care by sending little letters and love notes to those in his parish.

It is also believed that while he was in prison the bishop fell in love

with the blind daughter of the jailer, Asterius, and that God enabled

him to miraculously restore her sight. Tradition tells us that his farewell

message to her contained a closing that transcended time: "From Your

Valentine."

I think it's

very interesting that Valentine's Day had its origins with a celibate

Catholic priest who upheld the sanctity of Christian marriage even under

threat from the Roman emperor.

I think it

is even more interesting that Valentine's Day these days has little to

do with the inviolate nature of Christian marriage. In fact, Valentines

Day has taken a worldly turn toward the blatant commercial aspect: flowers,

expensive candy, Hallmark cards, champagne, and often a costly dining

out event. It's purely pagan!

When was the

last time you attended a St. Valentines Service? Thanksgiving Service,

yes. Christmas Service, yes. New Year Eve's Service, yes. Good Friday,

yes. Easter Service, yes. Valentine Service, no.

"From

your Valentine" could be from the guy you met last week in a bar.

But, in reading history, "From your Valentine" goes deeper and

should mean, "From one who is willing to give his or her life for

you."

It kinda' fits

the nature of holidays. I learned several years ago that Mother's Day

originated with Anna Jarvis because she wanted to honor her mother as

the greatest mother in the world. Anna Jarvis, however, never married

and never was a mother herself.

So it is with

the man who gave his name to February 14: never married, but deeply understood

what love was all about.

A true Valentine

is someone who is willing to put his neck on the chopping block for someone

he deeply and passionately believes in and loves. Are you a Valentine

for at least one person? Then, demonstrate it tomorrow and everyday thereafter.

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor

of River's Edge

Community Church in Fayetteville.

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