Did you know that there is more meaning to the Candy Cane than just a yummy Christmas treat?

Many years ago in Europe, people began to use Candy Canes as a way to tell the Christmas story in a way that was fun and exciting for children.  You see, the candy cane is made from a hard, white stick of sugar. This makes it fun to eat but also represents how Jesus is the Rock of our Salvation. We are able to build our lives based on Christ the Solid Rock. Every promise is fulfilled in Him.

Then there is the shape of the candy cane. It is said that a priest who wanted to have the popular hard candy represent Jesus, had it made into the shape of a “J” for Christmas. If you turn the candy cane the other way, it forms the shape of a Shepherd’s Staff. This is a great reminder of the three shepherds who followed the star to find Jesus lying in a manger. Their obedience led them to be among the first people to see the Savior of the World.  The shepherd’s staff is also a great reminder that Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and we are His sheep. He cares for us, loves us and guides us into His life if we let Him.

The white cane represents two things. The first is the Virgin Birth. The second is the sinless nature of Jesus. Every breath of His life was lived without sin so we could have a perfect example of what it means to be like God.

Lastly, the red stripes were added. There are three small stripes, which represent the flogging Jesus experienced.  Isaiah says that it is “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Then there is one wide stripe. This stripe represents Jesus’ blood shed on the Cross to save every person from their sin once and for all.

So this year, as you unwrap a candy cane, let it remind you of the awesomeness of our JESUS and WHY we celebrate Christmas… Let it take you back to the story of our Savior’s birth and bring a smile to your face that we are loved by a God, who would send His only Son so we can have eternal life.

Catch the Wave,

Julia