In the days of the Roman Empire there was an emperor named Claudius who horribly tortured and presecuted Christians.The emperor even made a law that young people could NOT get married...because he thought unmarried soldiers fought better.
But there was a very courageous minister named Valentine,who despite the risk of being imprisoned,encouraged young people to get married,and secretly preformed the ceremonies.Eventually Valentine was captured,put in prison'and tortured.
While in the dungeon,Valentine became friends with the jailer's daughter who was also Christian,but blind.Valentine prayed for the young girl,and the Lord Jesus miraculously healed her!The jailer immediately gave his life to the Lord and became Christian too!
Soon however,Valentine was sentenced to execution by stoning,beating,and finally decapitation by wild animals,all because he belived in marriage and preformed marriage ceremonies!
Just before he was taken out to be attacked and killed in the arena,Valentine wrote his final words in a NOTE to encourage the jailer's daughter to continue her faith in JESUS....HE SIGN IT ...."From Your Valentine!"
What a wonderful story of sacrifice and love!But in reality,the story did not center around flowers,cards,and chocolates as it does today,but about Valentine's faith in and love in Jesus,and his desire to tell others about the love the Lord has for them!
