The Legend of the Candy Cane

The Legend of the Candy Cane is my all time favorite Christmas book! Not only are the illustrations gorgeous, but the story is even more beautiful. I think the candy cane is a wonderful tool to share the gospel: the true reason we celebrate Christmas. 

The candy cane was first made in the 18th century during a time of great Christian oppression. No Christ followers could display their faith in any way (Bibles, crosses, nativity scenes ect.). But, one bold believer thought of a clever way to share the news of Jesus and the truth of Christmas. This man used his profession, candy making, to bring glory to God. He created the candy cane. Each aspect of this yummy Christmas treat represents different parts of the Good News. 

The Shepherd’s Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. Jesus is our Shepherd. He takes care of His flock (us) and even laid down his life for His sheep. Those who trust Him, know His voice. 

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

'J' Shape: Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd's staff, but when held upside down, it formed a 'J' for Jesus. One day, at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. 

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11

Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, to remind us that Jesus is our Rock, dependable and strong. He is the cornerstone of our lives. He holds everything together.

He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, by which became the chief corner stone. Acts 4:11

Stripes: Wide red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the crucifixion and the blood Jesus shed for our sins. God demands sacrifices to atone for our sin. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice that permanently cleared our sin, making us right with God. 

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Red Color: The red stripes represent Jesus' blood shed for us. Through his blood, we are given salvation and life. Without blood, there is no remission. But we do not have to shed the blood of animals any longer. Jesus' blood made our sin stained hearts white as snow. 

 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:13-14

White Color: The white stripes on the candy cane represent the holiness and purity of Jesus who lived a sinless life for us. We, too, can have pure hearts if we believe in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to make us holy before God. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Sweet Fragrance: Peppermint was the flavor that the candy maker chose for the candy cane. Peppermint is very similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament, reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. The Israelites used a hyssop branch to cover their door posts with lamb's blood signifying their trust in God.  In return, God would passover them, saving their lives. While on the cross, Jesus was fed sour wine on a hyssop branch. All throughout the Bible Hyssop symbolizes cleansing.  

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Broken: Of course, when the candy cane is eaten, it is often broken, which the candy maker meant as a reminder that when Jesus was crucified, His body was broken. 

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:24

A Gift: The candy cane was also made to be given as a gift, representing the love of Jesus when he gave us the gift of salvation. Jesus did not stay dead, He defeated sin and conquered the grave by rising from the dead. Jesus gives us the free gift of salvation (a new heart and eternity with Him) when we place our trust in Him (who He is and what He has done). This is a free, unconditional gift. There is nothing we can do to earn it. By grace, through faith in Jesus, we are saved. This is the best gift we will ever receive. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Share the Legend of the Candy Cane this Christmas with your children, family members, neighbors, church, and unsaved friends. Remember: The death of Christ gives meaning to the birth of Christ. The same baby born on Christmas is the same Jesus who died to save the world.

☎︎

The Girl Next Door