Sitting transfixed in front of the black and white, I watched four mop-heads singing “All My Loving.”

 It’s probably safe to say there might be a few boomers that don’t remember the sixties, but most do. The Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, broadcast live from Studio 50 in NYC, is etched in my mind as clear as the Kennedy assassination a few years before. By the way, I was in study hall wearing my boots were made for walk-in’ when the news of the President’s death sounded over the intercom.

I thought the Brits had something to be proud of as I sat cross-legged in front of the T.V. watching the Fab Four in ‘64. The Beatles’ over-the-top music arrangements and simple lyrics rang out in our living room, across continents, and changed the world; or at least, the music industry.

In America, “Beatle mania” impinged on restless youth trapped by the uncertainties of the Vietnam Conflict. As far as I was concerned, the movie “Good Morning, Vietnam,” starring Robin Williams, was the only good thing that came out of a disturbing era.

The simple lyrics of “All You Need Is Love” became life-model aspirations of many 20th-century youths. Some thought the mop-top musicians, who claimed in ‘67, “What we need is love, love, all we really need is love...” were ahead of their time. They weren’t. They were just in time to claim their part in changing a confused culture.

Jesus didn’t start his ministry carrying sheet music and a guitar, although people sang and cried for joy at his words. He didn’t have a T.V. broadcast, podcast, or blog to promote His message of love—no cell phones either. He had His Father in Heaven, twelve great friends, and the backing of Angels. His message was also simple. Through faith, God offers His love to humanity through salvation and the gift of eternal life.

Jesus put deliverance from sin on the map; albeit the earth. He not only preached the Good News—believe in Him and love others—through His words, but also powerfully showed the Good News through His actions. How did He get it so right—through love, that’s how. Jesus’ self-sacrificing love communicated deep feelings for us. Through His sacrifice, we have been given a fantastic knowledge of God’s enduring presence in our lives—now that is true love. His simple message was clear and straightforward. It is everlasting and is still heard across continents.

For some, “What we need is love, love, all we really need is love...” is still as à propos as it was over two thousand years ago. His love is easy to find. Simply open His Word in faith and seek Him. Pray to Him. He will meet where you are at and fill your heart and life with His love. Who could want anything more this Valentine’s Day than to be given the gift of love that lives forever in your heart?

Verse(s) of Month: —Ephesians 5:1-2

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”