I think it’s no coincidence that the candy cane’s most popular time of year is Christmas. But, did you know you can share the Gospel with a candy cane?
This delicious, sugary treat has an interesting origin story. One that is undoubtedly filled with Christian roots, some even call it a legend. According to the legend, the candy cane was created by a Christian candymaker sometime during the 18th century. At this time, Christianity was illegal in parts of Europe and the candymaker prayed for ways to share the real meaning of Christmas with others. This inspired him to create the candy cane as a way to share the Gospel in an inconspicuous way. Thus, the candy cane was born!
Although no one can be sure if this legend is true or not, it is a great way we can share the Gospel. By doing so, we can share the love of God and the redemption He has given us through His Son, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
How To Share The Gospel With A Candy Cane
First, let’s take a look at how the candy cane is designed.
- White: This symbolizes the holiness and purity of our sinless Savior. Through His sacrifice on the cross, our sins are washed away and we are made white as snow (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 1:7, Isaiah 1:18).
- Red Stripes: This is the reminder that Christ shed His blood and His death on the bloody cross is a reminder that we were saved from our sins and given life through Christ’s atonement. (Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 1:5).
- Hard Candy: It is a hard candy to remind us that Jesus is our rock (Psalm 31:3)
Here are some other fun attributes of the candy cane:
- Shepherd’s Staff: It is shaped like a shepherd’s staff. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and is our rod and staff. He leads His sheep because His sheep know His voice and will follow Him. (John 10:11, Psalm 23:1-4, John 10:27-30)
- Sweet Fragrance: The candymaker chose peppermint as the flavor for the candy cane. This is a reminder of the spices the Wise Men brought to Jesus after He was born. Peppermint is also very similar to hyssop, which in the Old Testament was used for purification. This also symbolizes how the blood of Jesus purifies our sins. (Psalm 51:7, Matthew 2:11)
- The Letter J: When upside down, it is shaped like a J which stands for Jesus. (Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:23)
- A Free Gift: The candymaker made the candy cane to be given as a gift which represents that God gave His one and only Son and it also represents the gift of salvation. (John 3:16, Romans 5:15, Romans 6:23)
- Broken For Us: When the candy cane is eaten, most often than not, it’s broken rather than sucked on like a lollipop. This is a reminder that Jesus’ body was broken for us when He was crucified. (1 Corinthians 11:24)
Candy Cane Poem About Jesus
As you can see, this sweet treat has so many wonderful attributes that point to Jesus! Here is a sweet poem, great for children, that also helps share the Gospel with a candy cane:
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
He is sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!
Books About The Candy Cane
- J Is for Jesus: The Sweetest Story Ever Told (watch YouTube read aloud here)
- The Candymakers Gift: The Legend of the Candy Cane (watch YouTube read aloud here)
- The Legend of the Candy Cane (watch YouTube read aloud here)
- Candy Cane Blessings
The Candy Maker’s Christmas is a great mini-movie about a candymaker’s journey to the true meaning of Christmas. Although the story is different from the legend, it is still a great story that points to Christ.
Crafts
This Handprint Candy Cane Ornament is a fun, easy craft perfect for both toddlers and older kids! It is also a fun homeschool art activity!
Learn how to draw a candy cane from Art For Kids Hub
Activities
This Candy Cane Gospel Poster and Gift Tags printable is the perfect way to help share The Gospel with others.
Who Can Use This?
Everyone! It is great for the whole family! Perfect for stocking stuffers, for kids to give to friends, or for parents to give to co-workers!
The Pack Includes:
A poster, perfect for printing out and hanging on the fridge for Christmas, and gift tags with a poem to hang on the cane.
Materials I Recommend:
These pages are easy to prepare! Just print, and go or laminate for multiple uses!
- white paper – for printing and immediate use
- card stock – for durability and long-term use
- printer – this printer saves me a ton of money on ink
- laminator – laminating will help keep the pages durable for multiple uses
- laminating sheets – for extra durability
- hole puncher – for putting a hanger on the tag
- candy canes – don’t forget the sweet treat!
- Christmas ribbon – perfect for hanging the gift tag on the cane
Get Your Pack Now!
Go here to download…
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Thank you for this! Our church gives candy canes out with a similar message. Your version is more compact and may be easier for volunteers to work with.
You’re very welcome! We’re so glad this helps your church!
These candy cane handouts are a truly great way to share the Gospel with my kids. I don’t have a colored printer, so I didn’t download them, but thanks for sharing them with us! Tammy
Gonna use these printables
These activities look perfect to do. Thank you!
Sweet way to share the gospel message.
I love this. What a fun way to share with my children so they can share with others.
Thank you for providing a place with all of the information about the Candy Cane in one spot. I lead our children through the Legend of the Candy Cane every few years, and this is version is much clearer than the others I have used in the past. I also love the drawing the candy cane video. Thank you!
I did not know the history of the candy cane and I found it to be fascinating,
This would be a true blessing thanks for sharing.
My church family is in Grand Marais Michigan, I email them whenever I can and I zoom the church service on Sunday.
I love this idea!