Should a Christian celebrate Valentine's? Why not?

 

The Bible did not mention Valentine’s Day. So strictly speaking the Bible has nothing to say about observance or nonobservance of Valentine’s. This falls within the gray areas of Christian freedom.

I chose to celebrate Valentine’s.

But first let me explain the objections.

The first objection by many evangelicals is that it is not mentioned in the Bible. The Bible mentioned observance of Lord’s Supper and baptism but never Valentine’s so the argument says we shouldn’t. But people forget that neither did the Bible forbid observance of it. Further, we have an example of a feast observance that is not mandated by the Law. In John 10:22, there is a Feast of Dedication being observed by the Jews and Jesus was among them. The Law never mentioned it, in fact it originated during the Maccabean period when the Maccabean rededicate the temple after years of being trampled by the Gentiles.

Another objection is it has pagan origin. It is ironic that this objection is done by people who worship during the Day of the Sun and by those who observed the Sabbath during the Day of Saturn. First it isn’t clear the pagans originated the occasion. Others posit a Christian origin with a certain priest Valentine. Secondly even if it has a pagan origin, we must remember that romantic love exists among pagans and Christians. So just because the pagans originated a celebration of romantic love, it doesn’t mean Christians can’t. We can observe the same day without going to the excesses of pagan observance. After all Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate Nee Year during a month named after a two – faced god of beginning.

Another objection is the issue of separation. The argument says we shouldn’t join the world in celebrating a pagan holiday. My answer is brief: then observe it separately. Don’t do what the pagans do. Instead of spending the day fornicating (I have no illusions that there are no premarital sex going on during the day), spend the day with your lawfully covenanted wife, serve her and show her what Christlike love is.

Now for my positive reasons.

One as I have said the Bible didn’t prohibit it so there is no reason not to. I respect the brother’s decision not to observe. I expect him to respect my decision to observe.

Second, regarding the pagan origin of the celebration. I think this should be a slap on our Christian faces. The Bible teaches loving your wife sacrificially and if it is true that the pagans have a romantic celebration and we don’t, shame on us. We should have started one! Don’t tell me the crap about everyday being a Valentine’s Day. We are always busy earning a living. It is only right that we spend one day to the woman who is object of our love.

Thirdly if the objection is on the manner it is being celebrated, then start a new tradition. Why don’t you walk around the neighborhood passing tracts saying true love is Jesus dying for the Cross? Or maybe a simple dinner. I am not a flower guy but I will take any reason to eat outside!

I will be happy to have an excuse to show my love for my wife. My only regret is this isn’t a legal holiday. Any day that gives honor to marriage and family will always have my vote.

Manatiling nakapokus sa biyaya. Huwag ninyong hayaang nakawin ng mga huwad na guro ang inyong karapatang mag-isip ng doktrina.

(Kung gusto ninyo ng karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ninyo kami. May pagtitipon kami sa Dahat, kada Linggo, kada 1:00-3:00 pm. Sana manampalataya kayo at kita-kita tayo.

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