In this short Christmas devotional, we’ll unwrap the sweet story of the candy cane. It’s perfect for sharing the true meaning of this holiday with your family and friends, and the free printable is a great way to include the kids in the fun!
The Christmas season is full of fun traditions that bring joy to our hearts and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. One of the most beloved holiday treats is the candy cane, a simple but special Christmas candy that’s been a part of holiday celebrations for generations. But did you know there’s a deeper story behind this sweet, striped candy? Let’s begin unwrapping the story of the candy cane and discovering the legend, the symbolism, and how this sweet treat points us back to Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and the true reason for the season.
The Legend of the Candy Cane
The story of the candy cane goes back many years, and even though there are different versions, the most popular is the legend of the candy cane. According to this legend, a candy maker wanted to create a candy that would serve as a great reminder of the birth of Jesus and the message of the gospel.
The candy maker’s design was intentional in every way. He crafted the candy cane in a shepherd’s staff shape to represent Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. The hard candy represented the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of our salvation. The white stripes stood for the purity and sinlessness of Jesus, while the red stripes symbolized the blood shed by Jesus on the cross for our sins. This candy cane story is a great way to teach children about the gospel, whether in Christian schools, Sunday school classes, or at home.
God’s Hand in Christmas Traditions
As we unwrap the candy cane’s story, it’s impossible not to see God’s hand in this sweet symbol. Christmas traditions, like the candy cane, may seem like simple holiday fun, but many of them point us back to the heart of the true Christmas story, the birth of Jesus.
Just as the candy cane serves as a reminder of our Savior, so many of the things we celebrate during Christmas time help us to remember God’s greatest gift to us. Every time we enjoy the sweetness of a candy cane or decorate our Christmas tree with one, we can reflect on God’s hand, sending His Son into the world to save us from our sins. So, the next time you hang a candy cane on the tree or give it as a gift, let it remind you of Christ’s love for you and the world.
Interesting Facts About the Candy Cane
Now that we know the deeper meaning behind the candy cane, let’s dive into some fun facts about this holiday treat!
The Shepherd’s Staff
The candy cane is shaped like a shepherd’s staff to represent Jesus as the Good Shepherd, always guiding and protecting His sheep.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11 NKJV
The Letter J for Jesus
When you turn the shepherd’s staff over, it makes the letter “J” for the name of Jesus.
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 English Standard Version
The Red and White Stripes
The candy cane’s stripes represent the wounds of our Savior when He was whipped and beaten, ultimately leading to our ability to be forgiven and healed spiritually.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV
The Color Red
The red stripes symbolize the blood shed by Jesus on the cross and the salvation we have in Him.
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
Luke 22:20 NKJV
The Color White
The white stripes not only represent the purity of Jesus, but also the forgiveness of sins and the righteousness we receive when we’re saved by grace.
Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18 NKJV
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The Rock Candy
Rock candy is the base of this sweet treat to symbolize that Jesus is our Rock and firm foundation. When we’re overwhelmed by life’s demands, we can always turn to Him.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2 NKJV
The Sweet Smell
The strong fragrance of peppermint is similar to the hyssop that was used in Old Testament times to clean.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7 NKJV
The Broken Candy
Nothing is more fun at Christmas than breaking a candy cane and hearing it crack. The next time you do this, I hope you’ll think of the body of Jesus, crucified and broken for your redemption.
and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.
1 Corinthians 11:24 NKJV
The Loving Gift
Candy canes are often given as gifts during the holiday season, reminding us of the gifts of the wise men given to Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11 NKJV
These interesting facts about the candy cane give us a glimpse into the heart behind this Christmas tradition. It’s more than just a sweet treat, it’s a tool to help us focus on Jesus during our Christmas celebrations.
The Legend of the Candy Cane Poem
There’s even a candy cane poem about Jesus that tells the story of this sweet treat, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a fun way to share the gospel with children and adults alike during the Christmas season.
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!
The Candy Cane Legend Cards
Many people love giving out candy canes during the holidays, and adding a legend of the candy cane card to each treat is a great way to share the Christian message of God’s love with friends and family. Print one out, tie it with a ribbon, and you’ve got the perfect thing to give as a thoughtful gift.
A Free Candy Cane Printable for You!
To help you share the candy cane story with your loved ones, I’ve created a free printable that’s perfect for the holiday season! This simple poem explains the legend of the candy cane and the meaning behind its design. You can print it out, pair it with candy canes, and use it in all your Christmas gift-giving.
How to Download Your Free Printable:
- Click the Picture Below: You’ll be taken to a page where you can get your free candy cane printable and download and print it right away. It’s a great way to share the story of the candy cane with family, friends, or even as part of your Sunday school lessons.
- Print on Thicker Paper: For the best results, print the candy cane poem on thicker paper or cardstock. This will make it sturdy enough to tie to gifts or hand out during your Christmas gatherings.
- Cut and Decorate: After printing, use your own cut or decorative scissors to trim the printable to size. Add a hole punch and thread with ribbon to attach it to a small candy cane.
- Share the Story: This is the perfect way to spread the true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones. Hand out these printable cards at your Christmas parties, church gatherings, or school events. They’re a simple, but thoughtful, way to point others to the birth of Jesus this time of year.
The Candy Cane in Your Christmas Celebrations
There are so many fun ways to include candy canes in your Christmas traditions. Lots of families enjoy decorating their Christmas tree with candy canes as part of their festive décor. Others hand out small candy canes in Sunday school or at Christmas parties as a reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season.
Candy canes also make great gift tags! Whether you’re wrapping up presents for family and friends or preparing gifts for your neighbors, adding a candy cane to the package is a fun and meaningful touch. You could even include your legend of the candy cane card to share the story behind this special holiday confection.
One fun way to incorporate candy canes into your Christmas celebrations is by using them in Bible lessons. For example, in John 10, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd, you can use the candy cane as a visual aid to show how Jesus lovingly cares for His flock. This is a great lesson you can share in Sunday school, Christian schools, or even at the dinner table with your kids.
Fun Activities for the Holiday Season
If you’re looking for more creative ways to incorporate the story of candy cane into your celebrations, try some of these fun activities:
- Candy Cane Hunt: Hide candy canes around your house or church and have the kids hunt for them. It’s a fun activity that’s easy to set up and a great way to get the kids excited about Christmas!
- Candy Cane Craft: Use the free printable to create your own candy cane gift tags. This is a perfect thing to do with your kids, and it’s a fun way to get creative during the holiday season.
- Candy Cane Storytime: Gather your family around and read the legend of the candy cane, followed by a Bible lesson about the Good Shepherd or the birth of Jesus. It’s a meaningful way to teach kids about the true meaning of Christmas.
God’s Gift in the Christmas Candy Cane
When we reflect on the Christmas candy cane, we’re reminded of the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ. As you share the candy cane story, remember that it’s a symbol of the love and grace of God. The white stripes speak of Jesus’ sinless life, and the red stripes remind us of the blood shed for our salvation. It’s a sweet treat that carries an important message, pointing us to Jesus and His amazing love.
Just like the candy cane can be unwrapped, the Christmas season gives us the chance to unwrap the deeper meaning behind this holiday. Jesus came into the world as a baby, but His birth was part of God’s greater plan, the plan of salvation. The legend of the candy cane is a simple way to teach this truth to children and adults alike.
Unwrapping the True Meaning of Christmas
The next time you enjoy a candy cane or hang one on your Christmas tree, take a moment to reflect on its deeper meaning. It’s more than just a simple snack, it’s a symbol of the true meaning of Christmas. The candy cane reminds us of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and His love for us. As we celebrate the holiday season, let’s remember to share the story of the candy cane with others and point them to the true reason for the season.
Whether you’re giving out candy canes with a legend of the candy cane card or using the free printable to create thoughtful gift tags, this is a great way to share the love of Jesus during Christmas. From fun activities to creative writing, there are so many ways to unwrap the story of the candy cane and let it be a great reminder of God’s amazing grace!
Merry Christmas!
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