By Ginny Chambers

Love is in the air. All across the U.S., more than 145 million cards are sent and 180 million roses are sold—all in the name of love and St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14. But do you know who St. Valentine was and how Valentine’s Day began?

The Catholic Church recognizes three different saints by the name of Valentine, and two of the three may have been the same person. Roman tradition and a mix of folklore has it that one such Valentine was a priest who served in Rome in the third century. He was sentenced to death by Emperor Claudius II for secretly marrying young couples. Claudius thought single men would make better soldiers for his army than those who were married, so he outlawed marriage for young men.

According to legend, while Valentine was in jail, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. When he was taken to be killed on February 14, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine.” It is not known how much of this story is true or how much is folklore, but it is widely accepted that Valentine was martyred and buried north of Rome. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius established the Feast of Saint Valentine to be celebrated on February 14, in honor of the saint.

Valentine’s Day is a great time to express how you feel to your loved ones. And, it’s also a great time to reflect on God and His love for you. God uses an analogy to best describe the personal relationship He wants you to have with Jesus. In Song of Solomon 2:1, Jesus is referred to as the “Rose of Sharon.” Roses are beautiful to look at and have a beautiful fragrance. With every bloom, there are thorns. Jesus wore the crown of thorns and gave His life that we who believe may have eternal life. This love never ends. It is eternal, everlasting and for all time. It’s a love you can rely on … redeeming you from the darkness of sin into His glorious light. Allow Christ to bring His fragrance into your heart and life. He will never disappoint.

Ginny Chambers is an avid writer, living in the freedom of Christ. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at LowCountry Community Church, gardening, and spending time with friends.