THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN.
Do you remember waiting, perhaps in second or third grade, for Valentine’s Day to finally arrive? In the elementary school I attended, excitement filled the air as we personally exchanged our cards (probably homemade and hand-colored) from boxes decorated just for the occasion. Of course, you had a lovely valentine especially for the Teacher, and at least one for the special kid who sat in the next row over. Hopefully that person had a heart-shaped Valentine for you, too. The thrill was twice-enjoyed, not only at the school party but later that evening at home, when every valentine came out of the box for all the family to see and hear about!
With the passing of time, the number of cards given decreased and the quality went the other way. Homemade ones were fine at an earlier stage, later were replaced by cards that were personalized and commercially bought. Still later hand-made cards were treasured once again–with appropriate appreciation of the giver’s motive, effort and personal creativity. But whatever the details, Valentine’s Day celebrates something we all need and need to give–and that is love.
The Word of God speaks quite a lot about love. There is simple love based on human need and desire. Or the more sophisticated appreciation-love that grows with acquaintance and knowledge. Then there is the love we learn from God, who, the Bible says, IS love. This love is not based on the merits or character of the recipient, but flows from that of the giver.
We can go along with the songs sentiment that What the world needs now is love, sweet love. But we have an advantage over the rest of the world; we know a love that fulfills, satisfies, and lasts forever. Its the love of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Its great and its true. Pass it on!
