“You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NKJV
Long ago, a candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would help people remember Who Christmas is really about, so he made a Christmas candy cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
First, he began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White-to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Christ. Hard-to symbolize the solid rock foundation of the Church, the Holy Word of God.
“‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:23 NKJV
Second, he made it in the form of a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, the Savior Who came into the world on behalf of sinners. It also represented the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray because of sin.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Jn.10:11 NKJV
Third, he then included red stripes. He used three small stripes to remind people of the scourging Christ received. He also used one large stripe to remind people of Christ’s blood that was shed at the cross to pay for the sins of mankind and provide salvation, the gift of eternal life, received by anyone who trusts in Christ as Savior.
“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NKJV
The candy became known as a Candy Cane-a decoration seen at Christmas time. The meaning has faded, but the reality of God’s love for a world of lost sinners has not. The Creator of the universe, God the Son, became the Baby of Bethlehem and the Christ of Calvary –now risen and alive forevermore.
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10b-11 NKJV
This Christmas and always, may you rejoice in good tidings of great joy that are only found in Christ and may you never look at a candy cane the same way again!
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 NKJV
Is there anything keeping you from receiving this greatest gift by trusting Christ as your Savior right now? If not, please thank God from the bottom of your heart and enjoy the best Christmas ever.
P.S. Here’s a printable version of this “Legend of the Candy Cane” formatted as a gospel tract to spread “Christmas spirit” far and wide during the holiday season.
