Candy Cane Object Lesson - a few precious truths.

No one is quite sure when the first candy canes were made and why. We do know that there were records of candy canes until the 18th century or the 1700’s. The first few references to candy canes were more to pepperment sticks. From the very little that we can find some of first peppertmint sticks might have been plain white with no curve.

The 1700’s in Europe or England for that matter were very restrictive as how people could worship and celebtrate their faith. In some countries people were not allowed to publicy and is some cases privately celebrate the birth of Christ. There were no special services, birth of Jesus hymns and no nativity scenes.

But people and especially children needed to hear and understand the Bible truths around the birth of Jesus. It seems a candy maker was involved who was said to prayed and asked God how to tell the story of Jesus in a way that children would remember when they enjoyed their candy cane and every other candy cane.

When we look at a candy cane we should see:

The Shepherd’s Staff - From a peppermint stick, a curve was added to make it a staff. Jesus is the shepherd of His “sheep” who are those who hear His voice and follow Him.

Psalm 23:1 ESV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:11 ESV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:27–30 ESV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Isaiah 40:11 ESV

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

The Letter “J” for Jesus: Not only is the candy cane a staff, when we look at it we see a “J” that should remind us of Jesus.

Luke 1:31 ESV

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:21 ESV

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Jesus is a Rock: A candy cane is hard. Jesus is our rock. He is srrong and dependable.

Psalm 31:3 ESV

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;

By His stripes: Jesus was wounded, beaten and crucified.

Isaiah 53:5 ESV

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

1 Peter 2:24 ESV

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Red - His blood was shed: Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.

1 John 1:7 ESV

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 cleanses us from all sin.

Hebrews 13:12 ESV

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.

Luke 22:20 ESV

And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

White - purity & purification from sin.

Psalm 51:7 ESV

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Revelation 3:4 ESV

Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

Sweet fragrance of Christ: The candy cane is flavoured with pepper. Some suggest that peppermint is smells nice and fresh. Others suggest peppermint is similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament. Referencing offerings, there were the 3 gifts that the wise men presented when they visited Jesus the child later in a house.

Matthew 2:11 ESV

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Broken for us - Jesus’ body was broken for us.

1 Corinthians 11:24 ESV

and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Love of God & Christ:

God’s love for Mary & Joseph who loved each other, God and His wod.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 ESV

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

AWV/Dec 12/23