This is especially true when you’re talking about a marital relationship. And speaking in terms of a marriage, don’t actions characteristic of Valentine’s Day mean more when they’re committed out of the blue on an average day and not on a day that’s been permanently imprinted on the calendar as a national love others holiday? Wouldn’t you rather your spouse bring you flowers because they want to and not because it’s expected of them simply because it’s February 14^th? Wouldn’t you rather have a husband who will surprise you with a special dinner because he wants to spend time with you and not because it’s expected of him on this one day? So strive to have (or one day have) a marriage relationship that is so rich in love, devotion, and cherishing that you always treat each other as if every day is Valentine’s Day.

Now, what about those who refer to this sometimes dreaded day as “Single’s Awareness Day?” I hated looking on Facebook this last week and seeing all the girls who complained every day about not having a Valentine. So many women wallow in this self-pity and suffer from low self-esteem simply because there’s not a boy around to spoil them this one day of the year. (And remember, we are not to define ourselves by the boys we do or do not date!!!!) Well I’m here to tell you that there is one Valentine who is WAY better than any man on the planet! He committed the ultimate act of love when He died on the cross with the weight of the WORLD on His shoulders to save you from your sins. Not only did He die for you once, but He loves you that much every single day because His love is constant. It doesn’t change. Not to mention, He SHOWS you that intense love every day. He doesn’t have to wait for one day in February to roll around every year. He wakes you up every morning and puts breath in your lungs. He paints you a beautiful sunrise every morning and a sunset every evening. He gives you beautiful sunshine, flowers, and trees to see, and a symphony of birds to listen to every day. He gives you so many blessings and surprises every day, most of them we do not recognize or even thank Him for. But does that ever stop Him? Absolutely not! This Valentine will never let you down, make you cry, leave you, or do something so stupid and insensitive you want to run him over with your car. Yes, Jesus is the ultimate Valentine. So when Valentine’s day rolls around every year, regardless of whether or not you’re unattached or with someone, regardless of whether or not you’re being swept off your feet or sitting at home in your sweats eating chocolate in front of the TV, remember who your true Prince is and remember how great and intense His love is for you.

And remember, that every day is an opportunity to show the people in your life how much you love them. Don’t just wait for February 14^th to show love to others; seek those opportunities every day!

I just want to say how truly excited I am about Becoming the Crown Jewel 2012!!! This year, our theme is “Passionate Princess Serving a Passionate Christ.”  I absolutely LOVE that phrase because it’s loaded with so much meaning. We truly do serve a Passionate Christ. It’s amazing, actually, how very much He loves us…the most undeserving, wretched, broken, and sinful people. He’s so crazy about you and about me that He died on the cross for us. Christmas time really gets me thinking about this. God sent his Son, this sweet, little, innocent baby Jesus who was to be born, to grow up, to live just like you and me, and then die this horrible death just so you and I could have the opportunity for eternal life in Christ Jesus. If that doesn’t move you, I don’t know what will.

When I start to think about how passionate Christ is for me, it makes me wonder if I’m living as passionately as I can for Him. Do I make much of Jesus every day? Well, what does it really mean to be passionate? Passion is defined as strong and barely controllable emotion. How can I live my life in such a way that I exhibit strong and barely controllable emotion for Jesus Christ? How can I demonstrate to others how much I love Jesus? It’s in my attitude and my actions. It’s in my motives and in my words. Everything I say and do should scream to others, “My sole purpose is to live for and praise Jesus Christ because I love Him more than anything else in this world!” You may be wondering, “What does this look like in practice?”  Well, when you attend Becoming the Crown Jewel 2012, we’re really going to break down practical ways to live a life that is Passionate for Jesus Christ! I really hope you can join us!

As you journey through this Christmas season, remember what we’re truly celebrating:  the coming of a little baby who was born to die so that you and I might live. Strive to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle, the presents, the yummy goodies, and the lights. Remember that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Remember to make much of Jesus, not only on Christmas day, but every day!

Wishing each and every one of you a blessed and joyous Christmas filled with passion for Jesus Christ!!

Keep fighting the good fight!

Danna