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Add to FavoritesShould Christians celebrate St. Valentine's Day? No, they should not. If they are true Christians they won't. It is not in the bible to celebrate any holiday, expect the memorial of Jesus Christ death.
What is the origin of Valentine's day? The World Book Encyclopedia informs us: "Valentine's Day comes on the feast day of two different Christian martyrs named Valentine. But the customs connected with the day...probably come from an ancient Roman festival called "Lupercalia" which took place every February 15. The festival honored Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the god of nature." (1973) Vol. 20 P. 204.
We are only suppose to worship the one and only true God, Jehovah, not some goddess or other gods. Because there is only one God that created the heavens and the earth. So, if you celebrate St. Valentine's Day you are actually worshiping other gods that really don't exist.
True Christians don't need an exact day to show someone that they truly love them, they show it everyday in every way they can. We show that we love our spouses, our children and our parents everyday. We don't need one day every year to show them, we need to show them all the time so they don't forget that we do love them and appreciate them.
In the Bible celebration is improper, in Romans 13:13 says "As in the daytime let us walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts, not in illicit intercourse and loose conduct, not in strife and jealousy." In Galatians 5:21 says "envies, drunken, bouts, revelries, and things like these. As to these things I am forewarning you, the same way as I did forewarn you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God's kingdom." In 1 Peter 4:3 says "For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have worked out the will of the nations, when you proceeded in deeds of loose conduct, lust, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking matches and illegal idolatries."
I know those don't sound like it has too much to do with Valentine's Day, but I was trying to make a point that our God does not want us to celebrate any holiday, that is including Valentine's Day.
In my opinion Valentine's day is just a day for stores to get you to spend money, and make them more money. Which isn't right, if you really love someone, you don't need a special day or special gifts to impress them. If they love you right back, then anything you do for them will be good. For example, everyday I show my kids that I love them by just spending time with them. I show my mother love by helping her around the house. Those types of giving you do not need money for just you time and patience.
So, don't wait for that day in February to show them you love them, go ahead and show them tomorrow and the next day. And every day after that. I was always told that a gift is more special if they are not expecting to receive one. I surprised my mother with a dozen of roses a few months ago. It wasn't her birthday or anything. I felt good to give her a moments joy in her life.
Learn more about this author, Reva Niner.
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Yes
The great message behind Christianity is one of love. Love takes many forms. But the love celebrated on St Valentine's Day is the love for another individual in a relationship. What can be more healthy than two people falling in love? And why would Christians, of all people, want to boycott an event that celebrates such a love?
Christians are often painted as boring, detached people who do not know how to enjoy the life God has given us. We cannot spurn our humanity and should endeavor to rejoice in the marvellous opportunities in this world - and above all love. We should not be ashamed of loving a fellow human being - indeed we should encourage everyone to open display their love.
Many people argue that St Valentine's Day and other celebrations such as Mother's Day and Father's Day have become over commercialized. Maybe. But that does not mean you should not show a touch of romance on the day. It does not have to cost the earth - there are cheap ways of showing love, so long as they come from the heart they will be appreciated.
One factor I would stress is that love is for ever - not just one day a year. Christ preached that love is undying. So, we should all show that touch of romance 365 days a year. If you love someone unconditionally you will want to make them happy 24/7 every single day of the year. It could be argued that you should treat every day as Valentine's Day. That is not a bad thing. It is the little things that keep the flame glowing in a relationship. Make an effort to make your partner's life easier and more enjoyable. But make sure you do not forget the bunch of roses on February 14. It will make your love feel special. What is more special than devoting your life to one fellow human being above all others?
As a young man I always loved sending Valentine cards to girls when I was too shy or frightened to approach them. I was even more overjoyed to receive a card from an anonymous woman. The only problem was I never got to discover who sent them - just as the recipients of my cards never knew I had sent them. It was still magical.
So, in conclusion, yes Christians should celebrate Valentine's Day. Why not? It is all a bit of fun and can bring happiness into people's lives. I am all for it. Christians should stick to their morals principles as gleaned from the Bible. But there is no need for them to be killjoys. The argument that the Bible never encourages us to take part in holidays and celebrations does not wash. There is nothing in the Bible about playing football or voting in an election - but both are important parts of the way we live in western society. Go for love on valentine's Day!
Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
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