Heart Month

 The link to this week's live-streamed service is here

For all kinds of reasons we are displaying hearts on our church building this month. We began the practice in the first year of the COVID pandemic, when citizens were encouraged to show hearts as a symbol of appreciation for front-line workers, especially health-care workers. We fully expected that would be a one-off exercise, but, here we are again. We are all weary of the pandemic, but those working in our hospitals and long-term care homes and medical clinics are most exhausted. They, too, never expected the illness to continue in crisis mode for so long. Tired, demoralized, and traumatized, our medical professionals still show up for work. They offer expertise, skill, compassion, and empathy. Now, more than ever, we offer our deepest appreciation to them. See the heart on our building as a prayer for their well-being and gratitude for their sacrifice.

February is also designated heart month by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. For over 60 years this organization has been supporting research and treatment of heart disease. I know people in my own family who have benefited. I know many people in our congregation who have been treated for heart conditions. The world is filled with famous people who have had heart surgery including Measha Brueggergosman, Bill Clinton, Alex Trebek, and NHLer  Henrik Lundqvist. In gratitude for this life-saving organization, we display a heart.

Of course, February 14 is Valentine's Day, a festival for romantic love. The origins of the custom are somewhat murky. The Roman Catholic church recognizes three possible St. Valentine's, Christian priests who were martyred in the third century.

 In the Middle Ages, the pagan festival of Lupercalia was "Christianized" and became Valentine's day, a day for lovers.

As a marketing tool for flower shops, chocolate makers and greeting card companies it's a winner. In Canada the average spending for valentines is $75.-$100. per person. But even before Hallmark cashed in, lovers sent messages of affection on Feb. 14. The oldest known valentine was penned in 1415 by Charles, the Duke of Orleans, to his wife, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

As Christians, we might think that having agape,brotherly love for each other, is the way to follow Christ, but from the very beginning, God recognized the need for romantic love.

Genesis 2:18–25: Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.' ..

Jesus' commanded that His followers love one another. 

John 15:12 
 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Supporting members of our community by hanging a big red heart on the building is one visible way we live out that commandment.

Enjoy the month of February, keeping in mind always that "the greatest of these is love."