There are many stories about the origins of Valentine's Day.
Here's a favorite.
In the 3rd century, a tyrannical emperor in Rome ordered everyone -- including Christians -- to worship 12 false gods. Christians were persecuted for their faith, and anyone who associated with them could be put to death.
A man name Valentinus loved the Lord and even the threat of death couldn't keep him from practicing his faith. Eventually he was arrested, imprisoned, and sentenced to death. While in prison he met a jailer who asked if Valentinus could tutor his daughter, Julia, who was blind from birth. Valentinus, who was a learned man, took on the challenge. He read stories of Rome's history to Julia, described the world she could not see, taught her arithmetic, and of course told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes -- until one day when God miraculously restored her sight.
Did Valentinus and Julia fall in love? We'll never know, but the night before Valentinus was due to be executed, he wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God.
He signed it "From your Valentine."
The next day he was martyred for his faith. It was February 14, 270 AD. Centuries later began a tradition of sending messages of affection, love and devotion on that day,
now known as Valentine's Day.
~ Integrity Media
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