By Shirley Tarpley
NDG Staff Writer
Things to Ponder this Christmas Season: The story is told of a Candy Maker in Indiana who wanted to make a candy that would be a witness for Christ, so he made a Christmas candy cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.
He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. The White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus and the hard part of the candy to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church and firmness of promises of God.
The Candy Maker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He reaches down into the ditches of the World to lift out the fallen lambs whom, like all Sheep have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the Candy Maker stained it with red stripes.
He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Unfortunately, the candy became known as a Candy Cane; a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time.
But the meaning is still there for those who “have eyes to see and ears to hear.” I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the Wonder of Jesus and His ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.
Why Jesus is better than Santa: Santa lives at the North Pole; Jesus is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh; Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year; Jesus is an ever present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies; Jesus supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited; Jesus stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa; Jesus is as close as the mention of HIS name. Santa lets you sit on his lap; Jesus lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn’t know your name; all he can say is “Hi little boy (girl), what’s your name? Jesus knew your name before you were born. Not only does He know your name; He knows your address too. He knows your history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on your head.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly; Jesus has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is “Ho! Ho! Ho! . . . “ Jesus offers health, help and hope. Santa says, “You better not cry . . .” Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.” Santa’s little helpers make toys; Jesus makes new lives, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle, but . . .; Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree . . . Jesus became our gift and died on a tree. It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember what Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas Jesus is still the reason for the season!
This Christmas season: Feast on God’s Word: “. . . Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. –His Love Never Ends!
