Stripes

I went to the pantry cupboard the other day and discovered that there were two packets of Candy Canes left over from Christmas and I thought we had a sweet tooth somewhere in our family. These sweets are made of strips of red, white and sometimes green hard candy twisted together in a spiral pattern. Finally they shaped to look like a walking cane or shepherds crook before being packed for sale.

There is a story that says the original candy canes were made to remind all of us that; Jesus is our Shepherd who loves and cares for us, shed His blood (red) for us. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) This means that he can take away our sins and present us as pure as snow (white) to His father on judgement day. “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1:22) His promises and faithfulness are everlasting (green). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) This sweet was made with hard candy to remind us that Jesus has a strength that is stronger than anything we know. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

So when I look at the candy canes left in my cupboard and I will probably see them many times during the year as I’m not convinced that anyone will actually eat them I am reminded how much Jesus loves us all and remember what Isaiah 53:5 says: “But he wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” What a wonderful thing to remember every day.