I enjoy making jokes or puns out of current events, trends, and hashtags (so long as the subject isn’t too touchy, and I feel like doing so). For example, the other day I had some fun with the #FakeLoveFacts hashtag on Twitter while it was trending (Here are some examples). So, naturally, the thought occurred to me that I could take the popular #notMyPresident hashtag and repurpose it for Valentines Day.
But then I had a thought. As a Christian, Valentines Day is my holiday. (And no, this is not a corny reference to Psalm 118:24. But the thought did cross my mind.)
Yes, I am single. But I still think that Valentine’s Day is for me. It’s for you as well, regardless if you are single, in a relationship, or if you are crushing on someone and have the perfect ship name and wedding colors picked out.
Valentines Day is about love, and, more specifically, romantic love. Now, if you are in a relationship I trust that you can draw the obvious and easy conclusion that you can celebrate Valentines Day with your special someone. (Guys, if you have a special someone and haven’t gotten something for her yet, you should get on that. Fast.) But if that doesn’t describe you, I’m going to take a guess that you’re probably wondering how I’m going to make this relevant to you. (Beyond the discount candy day that comes tomorrow.)
Valentines Day can remind you, regardless if you are in a relationship or not, about the relationship between Jesus Christ and his bride, The Church. Couples normally exchange gifts on Valentines Day so that they can show each other how much they love each other. But Christ wasn’t content to just give his bride any ‘ol gift. No, he gave the best gift he could. He gave himself up for her.
“25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27 English Standard Version)
Christ didn’t just give this gift to his bride because he felt like it, or even because it was expected. No, his purpose was much greater than that, and in verses 26 and 27 the reason for his gift is given. Christ wanted to make his bride clean!
Furthermore, husbands are instructed to portray this amazing love by serving their wives. Every marriage is a picture of love eternal, a reminder of the gift that Christ gave his bride.
Now, knowledge is well and good, but facts in your brain change little unless you use them. Here are a few ideas for things you can do this Valentines Day:
- Praise. Praise God that Jesus was willing to come to earth and die so that he might give his bride this wonderful gift.
- Pray. Pray for your spouse (whether current or future). If you want to know more about this idea you can Google it, I’m sure there are plenty of resources online about this idea.
- Ponder. Ponder how deep the love of Jesus was that he was willing to die and give his life for his bride. Isn’t it simply amazing?
I hope that you enjoyed this venture into my mind and that it got you thinking. Enjoy the holiday with your special someone (if you have one), or the anticipation of discount candy tomorrow (if you’re single. Or if you just want a deal).
