The candy cane reminds us of Jesus

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” (John 19:14)

The various kinds of Christmas decorations that appear all around us during the holiday season should remind us of the real meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus. Yesterday, I told how the holiday star is a reminder of how the wisemen rejoiced when they saw the Bethlehem star (Matt. 2:10). Other decorations are reminders, too, such as candy canes, which are used for everything from Christmas tree decorations to yard ornaments and stocking stuffers!

Candy canes

The shape and colors of candy canes serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Its shape

The candy cane shape is in the form of the letter “J” for Jesus. Canes are also shaped like a shepherd's crook, which is associated with two significant figures in the Bible: the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus and Jesus himself, as the Good Shepherd caring for his flock (see John 19:14).

Its colors

The red and white colors of candy canes have significant meanings. The white color represents purity and innocence, reflecting Jesus’ sinless nature (1 Peter 2:22). The red stripes are a symbol of his sacrifice, with red resembling the blood shed on the cross (Matt. 27:45-54).

Therefore

When we see candy canes during Christmas time, we should be reminded of who Jesus is, why He came, and what He did for us on the cross.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father” (John 10:11-18).