As a short, red-bearded man, St. Patrick’s Day holds a special place in my heart.  But more than wearing green or celebrating with shamrocks, March 17th is an important day in Christian history.  You see, what often gets missed is that Patrick wasn’t actually Irish at all – he was a Roman-Britain born around 390AD and who was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland at the age of 16.  Though he escaped several years later, God worked on Patrick’s heart and actually called him to go back into his former captivity in order to reach the Irish people for Christ.  March 17th is the date traditionally viewed as the anniversary of his death, and in the midst of all the celebrations and festivities this year may we remember Patrick’s heart for the Gospel going to the unreached.  And perhaps by highlighting this part of Patrick’s story, you and I can share the Gospel with those we come into contact, as we celebrate this holiday together.