A Different Valentine’s Day

Give a gift you’ll both remember

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Luke 3:10-11 (World English Bible)

The multitudes asked him, "What then must we do?"

John (the Baptist) answered, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."

In a few days, the world will be celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Irrespective of its origin, this day is an international event. Handwritten cards, pounds of chocolates, heart-shaped balloons, cuddly stuffed animals, lavish jewelry, dozens of red roses, and both high-end and home-prepared romantic dinners are staples of the annual tradition in the US and Canada.

Other parts of the world have their own unique ways to celebrate St. Valentine. I found some interesting traditions in a few other countries:

• Finland and Estonia celebrate Friend’s Day on February 14, a day for honoring both friends and significant others.

• In Denmark, friends and lovers exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers that are called snowdrops.

• In the Czech Republic, couples visit the statue of Czech poet Karel Hynek Macha, and kiss under the cherry trees for good luck. 

• German couples exchange pig-shaped gifts instead of hearts. Apparently, the pig is the symbol of both love and lust, so pig statues and stuffed pig animals are shared.

• Mexico celebrates "El Día del Amor y Amistad," which translates to the "The Day of Love and Friendship," where everyone can participate in happy sharing, regardless of their relationship status.

• Argentinians don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in Feb, but the week of sweetness is in July.

Valentine’s Day is a day for giving gifts. Do any of us really need anything? At the same time, do you feel “miffed” if your significant other doesn’t shower you with at least one of the “traditional” gifts?

Give a gift that reminds you of Jesus all year round

What if this year, you decide -  in conjunction with your significant other, your kids, other family members, and your parents - to take the same amount of money you budgeted for gifts for each other and buy a gift or gifts for someone in need of some love and kindness – someone in a nursing home, someone who is a widow/widower, the child who recently lost a parent?? Instead of candy (that’s not good for them) or flowers (that quickly fade), give them something that reminds them for years to come how much Jesus loves them.

Or perhaps you could use those funds to buy food, and then donate it to someone who lives alone, a family that is struggling, or give it to a homeless shelter? Maybe unexpectedly buy someone’s gas at the pump or pay for another person’s lunch at the deli you frequent? How about surprising a classroom with a basket of red apples or other healthy snacks?  Be creative. Make someone’s day... or month!

Loving others is the most important thing we'll ever do. Jesus told his disciples, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:36-40)

Love is embodied in Jesus Christ. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus reveal to us what love is. To love people who are close to us and who love us back feels good, like a warm, cuddly blanket. But to give a love gift to someone we don’t know well or don’t know at all, expecting nothing in return are some of the most wonderful love-feelings of all.

Today’s prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with Your love today in a special way. May our love for others be a reflection of how much You love us. Make us cognizant of others who we need love and support – the human kind – that may not have it. Give us the opportunity to be Your messenger and to share the message of the Gospel with them personally and with the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

My new ebook about the different kinds of love: