The Love Connection

Christmas hadn’t even arrived before I saw Valentine store displays mixed with ornaments and wreaths.  I wondered if people would see a connection between the love found in Christmas and love advertised for a holiday dripping with red and pink hearts.

As we moved into January and February, advertisements escalated. Media ads and store displays promoted cards and gifts, romantic love, love for friends and family, and traditional children’s valentines for exchange.

Valentine’s Day is a retail bonanza. While we don’t know what 2025 will bring, based on trends and historical data, it’s safe to assume Valentine’s Day spending in 2025 will continue or surpass 2024 which was…are you ready? A little under $26 billion.

This big February 14^th event is one some want to move to the background. They’re not just feeling the love. A relationship or marriage has deteriorated. A nine-year-old girl doesn’t get as many valentines as her friend at a class exchange. A teen isn’t invited to a dance. A young woman receives no flowers, chocolates, or a fancy meal. Perhaps someone experience betrayal from a friend. A single hoped this year would be different. A person lives alone or one lives in grief and loss. For many there is no denying the hurt. Their scenarios point to no connection with the love signs around them.

But…God connected with us in love at Christmas and not just for a single holiday. His  love is real and permanent.

“This is the way God put it: ‘I’ve never quit loving you and never will.  Expect love, love, love and more love!’”

Jeremiah 31:3 The Message (MSG)

Print off the following Bible verses—keep them in your purse or place them in the well in the front seat of your car.  You might want to tape them to your bathroom mirror. I’ve included seven, one to remind you every day of the week. But these are just a start. Why not search your Bible for verses that tell you how much God loves you?

https://www.biblegateway.com is a helpful internet source for finding Bible verses.

• “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jer. 31:3 NIV
• “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Ps. 86:15 NIV
• “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,  but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17 NIV
• “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 37-39 NIV
• “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lam. 3: 22-23 ESV
• :See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 NIV
• “His banner over me is love.” Song of Songs 2:4

God’s love lasts long after holidays pass and store displays change. Today, may you know God’s lavish love for you. It’s the ultimate connection.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or quote that reminds you of God’s love?