Do you know how the candy cane relates to the true meaning of Christmas? Fellow author and blogger Annie Yorty shares an excerpt from her delightful new book 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. Her book explains the meaning of the familiar symbols that surround us this time of year.

Candy Cane: All in All

But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. —Isaiah 53:5–6

My husband and I curled up together on the couch under a half-finished blanket I was crocheting. We talked of nothing in particular as we basked in the twinkle of soft white lights on our six-foot Christmas tree. After a while, Jeff slipped out from under the cozy layers and moseyed over to the tree. I knew what he wanted—a taste of something sweet.

He scanned the branches from top to bottom, poking at ornaments and peering into the depths. “Hey, what happened to all the candy canes?”

“I dunno,” I answered. “Maybe you ate them earlier?”

“No, there were plenty here this morning. Looks like the candy cane crook has struck again.”

I hang a couple dozen candy canes on the branches of our tree every year, partly because Jeff loves them and also to share with visitors. But I have a person in my house, who shall remain nameless to protect the guilty, who sneaks in when I’m not watching and nabs every last one of the striped goodies. One would think he—or she—would strategically pilfer a couple here and there so the theft would go undetected. But no, the whole sugary cache goes missing at once.

When I succeed in guarding them from my candy bandit, I enjoy giving a candy cane along with a pamphlet that explains the meaning of the treat’s design to anyone who visits me during the holiday season.

The Candy Cane’s History

Folklore from the seventeenth century suggests a choirmaster in Cologne, Germany, asked a candy maker to create a peppermint sweet for children that would prompt them to think of Jesus. Shaped like a “J” for his name, the most prominent feature is a red stripe which winds around the length.

Today the red stripe on a candy cane still reminds both young and old of the awful wounds Jesus received when he was scourged with a leather lash threaded with bits of barbed metal. His crime? None. His innocent blood covers us in his righteousness. The white background of the Christmas candy signifies the purity and perfection of our Savior.

Jesus sacrificed his all to save us. He did not try to hold onto his life, but willingly offered to die because of his deep love for us. If we receive his all for salvation, he continues to withhold nothing from us. Before he died, Jesus said to his disciples, “Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:15). We, too, are his friends, so he passes to us all the knowledge and provision his Father has given to him.

Perhaps my candy cane crook shouldn’t hoard all the sweets on the tree for themself. When Jeff craved a treat, I’m sure he wished some were left on the tree. But when we think of Jesus, I hope we desire his all, not only the parts of his message we find easy to swallow. We don’t want to disregard any part of his teaching. His all is for our best.

How can we respond when we’ve received such a wonderful gift? Paul said, “I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” (Romans 12:1).

When you taste the refreshing sweetness of a candy cane this Christmas, remember the stripes Jesus endured to secure your salvation. Daily seek all his authority and power over your life. Study his Word and listen to his Spirit so you don’t miss out on anything. Each morning, commit your resources—work, time, money, leisure … your everything—for his glory.

THINK ABOUT IT

What can you do to receive more of Jesus this holiday season? Is there any area of your life you hold back from him?

LET’S PRAY

Father, thank you for Jesus, who gave his all, even his lifeblood, to save me from eternal punishment for my sins. I desire to receive more and more of you each day. Help me to identify any area of my life in which I may be holding back from giving my all to you. Amen.

*All Scripture taken with permission from New Living Translation, Excerpt from 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus—A Devotion

Meet Annie

Annie Yorty writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive God’s presence in the unexpected twists and turns of life. She has written From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome and a devotional, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. She also contributes devotions and articles at Crosswalk.com and cohosts Empowering Homeschool Conversations, the authority in homeschooling diverse learners.

Married to her high school sweetheart and living in Pennsylvania, Annie mothers three adult children (one with intellectual disabilities). A lifelong learner, Annie seeks new and eclectic challenges. She gravitates toward anything crafty or creative—except sewing clothes. Sporadically, she works at learning to play the piano and ukulele. Always open to travel adventure, Annie helps organize mission teams that share God’s love around the world. She wishes she had more time to read, crochet, and practice Russian. Amidst the fun, challenges, and chaos, Annie encourages others to look upward with her and perceive God. Annie would love to meet with you at AnnieYorty.com.

Thank you, Annie!

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Blessings,

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