The Story of the Candy Cane

The Story of The Candy Cane

According to the story of the candy cane, this candy was first created back in the 18th century. At that time, in certain areas of Europe, there was said to be a ban on public displays of Christianity. Christians were oppressed and no Bibles or crosses could be owned at the time. One man found this oppression distressing and wished he could share the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with the rest of the world. When Christmas came around, children didn’t get to see nativity scenes or enjoy learning about the truth of Christmas. As a candy maker, this man prayed to find a way that he could offer local children a Christmas gift that would allow him to communicate the real story of Christmas.

His prayer led to an idea--The Candy Cane.

The Shepherd's Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. After all, Jesus is the shepherd to his followers and the Bible notes that the “sheep” would hear His voice and follow him  "He leads His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11 (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11, John 10:27-30).

The Letter J for Jesus:Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a staff, but when held upside down, it formed a “J,” which stood for Jesus. "She will give birth to a son and you are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 (Luke 1:31).

He is A Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, which was done to remind children that Jesus was our “rock,” dependable and strong. "Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me." Psalm 31:3.

By His Stripes: Wide red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the crucifixion and the blood Jesus shed for our sins. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Red-His Shed Blood: Through his blood, we are given salvation and life. "To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood" Revelation 1:5 (John 3:16, Luke 22:20).

White-Purification from Sin: There are also white stripes on the candy cane, which represents the holiness, and purity of Jesus, who was sinless and the purity He will give us when we ask Him to be our Lord and Savior. "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, purifies us from all sin."  1 John 1:7.

Sweet Fragrance of Christ: Peppermint was the flavor that the candy maker chose for the candy cane. Peppermint was 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. "Cleanse me with hyssop and I shall be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7.

Love of Christ: 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.

* Story found at https://www.thebettermom.com/blog/2013/12/13/teach-about-jesus-with-the-legend-of-the-candy-cane