According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.
First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.
Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and three thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.
The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker: Jesus is the Christ!
Christmas is a prime time to witness for Christ.
This is a great time to reach out to those around you.
People are open to the gospel.
Hard candy Jesus is the Rock of Ages
Jesus said “On this rock....I will build my church.”
When all else crumbles, the rock is still there.
J for Jesus....Jesus the shepherd
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name.
You shall call him Jesus he will save the people from their sins.
John 10 the great shepherd.
Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full.
White: The Purity of Christ
Old Testament- sins required perfect sacrifices. Jesus was that sacrifice.
He was born of a virgin. Purity. Lived a perfect life. Pure life. Free from sin.
We are called to be pure as he is pure. And because of Jesus, we can be pure white on the inside just like the candy cane. Only he can purify us.
Giving lots of money wont purify us.
Going to church wont purify us.
Being good wont purify us
Only Jesus’ blood can purify us.
Red Stripe: The blood he shed for the sins of the world.
Christmas is not just about Jesus’ birth, or else it would have no meaning today.
Christmas is also about his life. His perfect life and his sacrifice for us.
His death for our sins. He shed blood for you and me. Christmas is just as much about what happened on the cross as what happened in the manger.
Just as much about what happened at Calvary as what happened in Bethlehem.
Three thin red stripes: The whipping he received by the Roman Soldiers
As Christians we should never forget the beating he took for us.
He literally took our place, most of all he did it willingly.........he didn’t have to be on trial, he didn’t have to be beaten. Yet on his back he took the beating. He was bruised for our transgressions, beaten for our iniquities, by his stripes we are healed.
Optional Green Stripe: Reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.
Jesus really is a gift from God.
A gift=something given from the heart,
with love,
with no strings attached.
Ever have to persuade someone to give take a gift?
Most people love receiving gifts
And yet I have to persuade people to accept God’s gift. Its not the quality of the gift....its the heart of the people.
Sweet peppermint taste: Life with Jesus is sweet.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.
Christmas is sweet when you are a Christian.
We think about Christmas for those who have no material hope.
Think about Christmas for those who have no Jesus.
The message of the Candy maker: Jesus is the Christ
The candy maker had one goal....glory to God through the message of Christ.
What message do you want to send with your life?
This Christmas you and I will send a message to the world, what do we want that message to be? Will you let your message to be lost in all the hype of Christmas or will you make sure that it is a loud and clear witness for Christ?
Invitation-
Rededication
Membership
Salvation- believe, repent, confess, be baptized...
