The Story of the Candy Cane

You may have heard the story of the candy cane, but it bears repeating:

Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make something special for Christmas that would be a witness to his Christian faith and show symbols of Jesus. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy, because he thought white would symbolize the virgin birth, and the hardness would remind everyone that Jesus could become their rock-solid foundation. He added red stripes to show the scourging, beating, and blood that Jesus shed for mankind.

The candy maker fashioned the stick of candy in the shape of a "J" to stand for "Jesus." If turned the other way, it also represents the Good Shepherd's staff that He uses to reach down into the ditches and ravines of the world to rescue those who call to Him.

Over time, the candy cane has lost much of its original meaning. Too many see it as nothing more than a sweet treat or a piece of decoration. But the sweetest part of all is when it is used to witness to the wonder of Jesus' great sacrifice and love.     
  

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