The Candy Cane

The Candy Cane Story

The saying, “The more things change, the more they stay
the same,” can be seen in the history of the candy cane. In the late 1600s,
a choirmaster faced an age-old Christmas problem. How do you keep kids quiet
during the annual Christmas program? After much thought an idea began to form.

The best way to keep children quiet he reasoned, was to fill
their mouths. Candy was the natural choice. But not just any candy would do.
It must be long-lasting and it must tell the story of Christmas.

The choirmaster made the candy white to remind the children
of the virgin birth and Jesus' sinlessness. He wrapped a thick red stripe around
the candy to remind people that Jesus didn't stay in the manger, He went on
to die for the sin of the world. The additional three thin stripes represent
the beating and agony He suffered while on the cross.

While God's forgiveness is free to those who believe in Jesus,
it came at a great price.

The candy is shaped like a shepherd's staff because today Jesus
lives as our Shepherd. He guides, provides, and protects.

Many things have changed since the candy cane was invented,
but the truth of it's lives on.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!