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February

February 14th is St. Valentine's Day. There are actually several Saints know by the name. One of these was a Christian priest who lived during the rule of Claudius II the Roman emperor around the year 270 AD. The Roman Empire was having trouble filling the ranks of its army. Claudius decided to outlaw marriage so that he would not have to contend with young soldiers worrying about their wives and children.

St. Valentine was a Christian priest. He defied the law and continued performing weddings. Valentine was arrested and called before Claudius. The emperor was impressed with Valentine and tried to persuade him to convert to Roman Paganism. Valentine refused but tried to get the Emperor to convert to Christianity! In his anger, the emperor sentenced him to death and (legend says) that on February 14th, St. Valentine was executed.

Valentine's death was the result of his desire to uphold the bond of love as it is expressed in marriage. His faithfulness to the will of God exceeded his fear of the power of the emperor. Valentine was a witness to God's love and the power of faith.

This year, the season of Lent begins one week and one day after Valentine's Day. During this holy season, we are meant to reflect on the journey of Jesus to the cross. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life." The witness of St. Valentine reflects God's loe as it is expressed in these verses about the savior the he served so well.

To be a martyr means to be a witness. To be a Christian martyr is to be someone whose life testifies to the love of Jesus Christ. It does not necessarily require that we die for the faith but it certainly means that we are meant to live in such a way that others will see the power of God's love at work in, on and through us. Do you remember the cut out Valentine's Day cards that you gave out to your classmates in elementary school, the ones inscribed with the phrase, "Be My Valentine?" We may not send those cards out as adults; but, we are called to serve as witnessed for Christ with the same faithfulness that St. Valentine did. Show forth you faith. Be a witness to the love of God. Show Christ's love to others, not only on February 14th but every day.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor David will be taking some more of his sabbatical time to return to “Back Bay Mission” in Biloxi, Mississippi from January 15-28where he will again be working on homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  During his absence pastor Susan will be providing coverage.