Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to teach children about God’s love and how to share it with others. This year, skip the store-bought cards and over-the-top plans and instead focus on meaningful activities that bring faith and family closer together. Here are three simple and impactful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with your kids while centering on God’s love.
1. Create "God’s Love" Cards for Neighbors or Friends
Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love, and what better way to do that than by sharing the love of Jesus with those around you? Gather your kids and some craft supplies (paper, markers, stickers, etc.) and create homemade cards with messages like "Jesus Loves You" or Bible verses such as John 3:16 or 1 John 4:19.
Encourage your children to personalize each card with drawings and uplifting words. Once the cards are complete, deliver them together to neighbors, friends, or even leave them anonymously for someone who might need encouragement. This activity not only spreads God’s love but also teaches kids the joy of giving.
2. Bake Heart-Shaped Cookies with a Message
Turn your kitchen into a fun, faith-filled space by baking heart-shaped cookies together. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough and decorate the baked cookies with icing, sprinkles, or even write short messages like “God Loves You” or “Jesus’ Love Never Fails” using edible pens.
As you bake, talk to your children about what the Bible says about love, such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Use this as an opportunity to discuss how they can demonstrate love to others through kindness, patience, and generosity. Share the cookies with family, friends, or those in your community who could use a sweet reminder of God’s love.
3. "Love Lights" Family Devotional
Spend the evening together as a family by having a Valentine’s-themed devotional. Dim the lights, light candles or fairy lights, and read passages from the Bible that emphasize God’s love, such as Romans 8:38-39 or John 15:12-13. After reading, encourage your children to share ways they feel God’s love in their lives and how they can reflect that love to others.
To make it more interactive, give each child a small candle or light to hold as they share their thoughts. End the devotional with a family prayer, asking God to fill your hearts with His love and to guide you in sharing it with the world.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about extravagant gifts or elaborate plans. By incorporating these simple, faith-based activities, you can create a meaningful day filled with love, connection, and the gospel message. Your children will not only enjoy these moments but also learn valuable lessons about God’s unconditional love and how to share it with others.