Symbols of the Season: Candy Cane
DECEMBER 16, 2023

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Recommended Reading: Psalm 23
Tradition records that in 1670 the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany hit upon an idea to keep children occupied during the living manger scene in the church on Christmas Eve. He asked a local candy maker to create sugary “sticks” made from white syrup with a “hook” on one end—white for the purity of Christ and the “hook” to remind them of the shepherds’ staffs. Thus was born the tradition of peppermint-flavored candy canes that appear every Christmas.

Whether that tradition is completely true or not, the colors and shape of today’s candy canes are a reminder of biblical truths at Christmas: white for Jesus’ purity, red for Jesus’ blood shed on the Cross, and the hook for His image as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep (John 10:11, 14). If you enjoy candy canes this Christmas, share these images with your children or grandchildren.

Candy canes hanging on the Christmas tree are a timeless Christmas tradition that carries a powerful Christmas message.

Jesus Christ is made up of all sweets and delights. He himself is all that is desirable.
Thomas Watson