"Valentine, Will You Be Mine?"

This is the week of Valentine's Day. It is coming up in just a few days, guys, in case you forgot!

Let us talk this week about romance and why we respond the way we do to the whole subject of love. Valentine's Day as a lovers' festival dates back to the 14th century. But the whole reason why we celebrate it and why we call it Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery and legend.

There are various men who are revered as saints by some religions, but what they had to do with this special day of romance is hazy. The best story that I have heard, though I certainly cannot tell you it is factual, is the following.

Emperor Claudius (who ruled back in the days of St. Paul) felt that married soldiers made poor soldiers and forbade marriage for young men. A succeeding emperor, Valentine, thought the decree was unfair and revoked it. That is one version.

There are some who think it was a holiday dreamed up by Hallmark Card Company or the candy and floral businesses. I do not know where we came up with the idea, but I do know this: on Wednesday, February 14, we WILL celebrate it, and that is a fact! Woe to the guy who forgets the card and/or flowers and/or candy.

But, hey, why not have a day like this? It is kind of nice -- you celebrate the person you love. You make the day even more special. Of course, every day should be Valentine's Day!

"Stay, little Valentine, stay..." as the romantic ballad puts it. Do something special for that certain someone in your life this Thursday. If you miss it, and your mate gets angry, do not blame me -- I tried to help you!

Used with permission by author, Dan Betzer. Previously published on ByLine OnLine, copyright © 2005 Media Ministries of the Assemblies of God.