Saint Valentine

A quick history lesson from Wikipedia ...

"The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493); alongside the woodcut portrait of Valentine, the text states that he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius II, known as Claudius Gothicus. He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome.

Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner – until Valentinus tried to convert the Emperor – whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate."

Isn't that uplifting for a Monday?  My husband and I celebrated our Valentine's Day yesterday. We started with church and then enjoyed a wonderful lunch with our church family. We discussed how politically correct the world has become. Some organizations/schools AND churches have even banned the use of the title "Valentine's Day." This came as quite a surprise as it is named after a man who married Christian couples and in the face of persecution came to the aid of Christians.

As we strive not to get mired in political correctness and with the persecution of Christians around the world, today is a day to honor Christians who stand strong for their faith

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.


2 Timothy 1:12
For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.