Years ago, a candy-maker in Indiana wanted to express the true meaning of Christmas using a piece of candy. (I love it when someone gets creative to demonstrate good meaning!)
First, he chose a stick of pure white, hard candy:
White to symbolize the Virgin Birth of Jesus and His sinless life
Hard is to remind us that Christ is our solid rock, the foundation of His church, and firm to underscore the promises of God
Next the man formed the candy into a “J” shape for the name of Jesus. The shape also looks like the staff that a shepherd would use to rescue sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who reaches out to pull people out of the world’s “ditches” of sin, and give them His salvation and grace.
The candy-maker thought that the “J” shaped white candy was a bit plain, so he added three thin stripes to show the stripes/whipping that Jesus received before His crucifixion, and by which He heals us.
Next, the man added a thicker red stripe to remind us of the blood Jesus shed on the Cross so that we could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
I am not sure that all or any modern candy canes have this exact design, but it is worth remembering the intent and the message of the original.
