Candy Cane Tradition

In the late 1800's a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He came up with the idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ's love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane. First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus. Next, he added three small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross. There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind. When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd's staff because Jesus is the shepherd of man. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name. The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about.

When giving candy canes to your children this Christmas, use the moment to explain to them what it represents. As they eat it, remind them of how much God loves them.

The use of Holly to Decorate for Christmas

Holly had been an integral part of early English folklore. It easily made the transition with its sharply pointed leaves symbolizing the crown-of-thorns and the red berries symbolizing the drops of Christ's blood. The tradition of hanging a holly wreath on the door at Christmas began during the 17th Century and signified a home that celebrated the birth of Christ.

As you see holly this holiday see, please remember that it not only signifies Christmas and the joy of the birth of Christ, but also reminds us of the gift of the shedding of his blood. Every drop of his blood that was shed had purpose. Recognize its value and receive his precious gift available to you this Christmas.

Why Poinsettias at Christmas

Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They were named after America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. He brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. But surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for petals.

As you see poinsettias decorating our homes and businesses this year, remember that they stand for the birth of Christ and the message of salvation. The most precious gift.

Origins -Christmas Traditions

CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION

The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples were hung to represent the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. By the 17th Century Christmas markets were held to sell not only the trees but also decorations. Originally limited to either white or red decorations to symbolize Innocence and Knowledge. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter's night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820's.

As we explore the origins of our Christmas traditions, let us remember that Christ is the center of all of them. The literal meaning of Christmas is to celebrate Christ. Let us remember to truly celebrate him, this holiday season.