Candy canes are a cute festive touch to decorating and gift packaging, but just like many other Christmas related items, they can also hold a special meaning. Legend states that many years ago, a candy maker in Indiana created the candy cane as a way to share the true meaning of Christmas. Here are some of the symbols that resulted:
Its shape… It is a “J” for Jesus or a shepherd’s staff, depending on which way the candy cane is turned. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, watching over His sheep. (John 10:11)
Its color… The color red represents the blood of Christ, which took the penalty for sin through His death on the cross, and the white color represents His purity and virgin birth. (Hebrews 9:14)
Its hard texture… This reminds us that Jesus is our Rock, dependable and strong. (Psalm 31:3)
Its smell… Peppermint was similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament. It reminds us that Jesus took the sacrifice for sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
So as we pass candy canes around this season, let them remind us of Jesus and the love He offered to us when He came to us as a baby, and still offers to us today. Then, let us live sharing that love with others not only at Christmas, but all throughout the year.
