Beyond the Chocolate: A Brief History of Valentine's Day

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Saint Valentine was a priest of the early Christians, who lived in Rome during the reign of Claudius II. Under Claudius, Rome became engaged in numerous battles which were very taxing on its army. In an effort to encourage young men to join the army Claudius issued an edict revoking marriages. I guess he thought that young men would be "distracted" by a family, and that outlawing marriages and engagements would free up the men to join the Roman army.

Saint Valentine didn't follow the law, and instead performed numerous secret marriage ceremonies for couples wishing to be married.

Of course, news got back to Claudius of Valentines rebellion and he was arrested. While in jail, he befriended the jailers blind daughter. Valentine prayed for her healing and her sight was restored!

On the eve of his execution, he wrote a note to her expressing his gratitude for her friendship and supposedly signed it, "with Love from your Valentine."

Saint Valentine was clubbed to death and then decapitated on February, 14th 270 AD.

And thus, St. Valentines day was born.

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A far cry from the materialistic and chocolate laden holiday we have made it...Valentines Day is steeped in the greatest story of all...love. 

Love that our Heavenly Father had for us and ordained for us to express to those in our lives.

John 15:12

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 

May you have a love filled and love shared day!

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