Pastoral Letter
Dear Friends,
FEBRUARY is always remembered as the month of love because of Valentine's Day. According to legend, the valentine takes its name from a young Christian who once lived in ancient Rome. The Roman soldiers did not want to leave their homes to fight the emperor's wars. Emperor Claudius II ordered the young men not to marry. He thought that if they did not have homes, they would be willing to go away and fight. Valentine felt sorry for the unhappy young men and their sweethearts and so he married many of them secretly.
Like so many of the early Christians, Valentine was imprisoned because of his faith. Often and longingly he thought of his loved ones, and wanted to assure them of his well-being and his love. Legend tells us that beyond his cell window, and beyond reach, grew a cluster of violets. He picked some heart-shaped leaves and pierced them to spell the words, "Remember your Valentine," then sent them off by a friendly dove. On the next day and the next, he sent more messages that simply said, "I love you." Thus did the valentine have its beginning. On Valentine's Day, people of all ages remember those they love by sending valentines.
Valentine's story reminds me of the story of a shy, quiet little boy called Chad. One day he came home and told his mother, he'd like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, "I wish he wouldn't do that!" because she had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other. But Chad was never included. Nevertheless, she decided she would go along with her son. So she purchased the paper and glue and crayons. For three whole weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made thirty-five valentines.
Valentine's Day dawned, and Chad was beside himself with excitement! He carefully stacked them up, put them in a bag, and bolted out the door. His mum decided to bake him his favourite biscuits and serve them up warm and nice with a cool glass of milk when he came home from school. She just knew he would be disappointed -- maybe that would ease the pain a little. It hurt her to think that he wouldn't get many valentines -- maybe none at all.
That afternoon she had the biscuits and milk on the table. When she heard the children outside she looked out the window. Sure enough here they came, laughing and having the best time. And, as always, there was Chad in the rear. He walked a little faster than usual. She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His arms were empty, she noticed, and when the door opened she choked back the tears. "Mummy has some warm biscuits and milk for you."
But he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: "Not one -- not one." Her heart sank. And then he added, "I didn't forget one, not a single one!"
God loves us and He sends His blessings to show His affection and he never forgets a single one of us. Best of all, He sent us the gift of His Son to be our Saviour and Lord. As someone once wrote:
It isn't a song until it's sung.
It isn't a bell until it's rung.
It isn't love until it's given away!
May God Bless you all.