There were once two villages in a far-off land ... one in a valley and one on a mountain top. The people in the valley were having a difficult time, but those in the mountain village were doing well. The folks on the mountain top wanted to give each person in the valley a gift of love at Christmas. So a committee was formed of towns people to see if someone could think of something special (money was limited). Each gift had to be of equal value to each person.
After much time, discussion and consideration, a decision was finally made. An elderly gentleman, who had loved Jesus for many years and was well respected, came up with the idea of the "candy cane." Now, you are thinking, what is so special about a candy cane and how can it ever be tied with Christmas?? Here is how and why:
The candy cane is in the shape of a shepherd's staff. Jesus is our shepherd and we are his flock. A sheep follows his own shepherd, knows his voice, trusts him and knows he is totally safe with him. A sheep will follow no other shepherd but his own. This is how we are to be with Jesus if we truly follow him.
The wide red stripe represents the blood he shed on the cross for each one of us so we can have eternal life through him. He redeems us and cleanses us with His shed blood which is the only thing that can wash our sins away.
The white stripe represents the sinlessness and purity of our Lord. He is the only human being who ever lived on this earth who never committed on single sin. Even though he was tempted, just as we are, he never sinned.
Upside down the candy cane is a "J" ... the first letter in Jesus' name.
The narrow red stripe represents that by his stripes or wounds, we are healed. Before crucifixion, Jesus was beaten, the crown of thorns was placed on his head, his back was raw from the whip. We are healed by those wounds. He bore our sorrows.
The flavoring in the candy cane is peppermint which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is of the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice.
When we break our candy cane, it reminds us that Jesus' body was broken for us. When we have communion, this is our reminder of what He did for us.
If we share our candy cane, and give some to someone else in love, because we want to, it represents that same love of Jesus because He is to be shared with one another in love.
God gave himself to us when He sent Jesus. He loves us so much He wants us to share eternal life with Him which we can do if we accept Jesus in our hearts as Savior and Lord.
This little story brings our Lord Jesus Christ into a candy cane, which is a part of Christmas to many people. It is with hope that any time you see a candy cane, you will think of Him, and it will have an even more important meaning to you.