Well, let’s hope you did not have a New Year’s resolution to give up sweets because February is the month of love and chocolates 😉.

Valentine’s Day has been different each stage of life. In elementary school, it was all about passing out Valentine’s cards and having a class party with snacks. In high school, we had the Sadie Hawkins Valentine’s dance, where girls asked the guys to the dance. We also had that classic carnation fundraisers where you sent yellow to a friend, pink to someone you liked, red for love, and purple for anonymous love.

Somewhere along the way into adulthood, Valentine’s Day centered mostly on couples who were dating or married. The simple joy of exchanging notes, small gifts, or kind words with friends didn’t happen like it did growing up. While I agree that spending a day focusing on the love between two people is very special, I miss the days of expressing admiration for friends that mean so much.

Scripture reminds us that love was never meant to be limited. Jesus Himself said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Valentine’s Day can be a reminder to return to that broader, deeper kind of love. One that celebrates friendship, compassion, and community, and reflects Christ’s love in simple, meaningful ways.

Go to the dollar store today and grab a box of those cute cards and hand them out to friends this Valentine’s Day!

Marcia Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry
Christ United Church