The Candy Cane

     We all know of the red-and-white striped candy as the candy cane. It is hung on our trees and is an easy decoration to add to presents. It is used for games, and for little kids, it is also a good stocking stuffer. The candy cane is shaped like a cane, and is made of a peppermint candy, thus the name, the candy cane. It is traditionally the color red striped around a white stick. But did you know it is also a fun way to learn about Jesus? How was it created then? Well, the legend of the candy cane starts with a legend all its own.

     A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness for Christ the Lord, or Jesus. The candymaker made a peppermint strip of candy into a J, to stand for the J in Jesus. The candy J was white, to represent Jesus' purity. Then, the cane was given three thin stripes, to stand for Jesus' whipping and the thin blood lines across His back before He was crucified (and maybe the Trinity). Lastly, the candy-maker gave the cane a thick red stripe, to stand for the blood He shed to save us from sin. These lines were wrapped around the J to form a symbol of Jesus.

   Isn't this a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus and what he did for us? The candy cane has become a popular treat worldwide, although we do put it upside down a lot. My theory is that it's easier to hang upside down, so that's how we view it...as a cane. But just remember that this treat was made for Jesus, and as a good reminder to remember what Christmas is all about, I'd suggest buying some to put on the tree (right parents?).

Happy Holidays!