2004-12-20 - Candy Canes

1 Peter 1:18, 19, "Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ."

I came upon something interesting this week, and since it is 'tis the season, I thought I would share it with you. It concerns the candy cane. Apparently, years ago there was a candy maker who wanted to design a candy that symbolized the true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus. He shaped the candy into a "J" to represent "Jesus." The color white is to represent the pureness of Jesus, and the color red represents the blood Jesus shed for us. So that is where the candy cane comes from. The candy maker got it right, and thus we have the candy cane.

It is in the purity of Christ and the shed blood of Christ where salvation of lost sinners becomes possible. Without the purity of Christ, the shedding of His blood would have been to no avail. We would still be in our sins. Without the sacrifice of Christ and the shedding of His blood, His purity would have meant nothing to us. We would still be in our sins. It is the two together that accomplishes forgiveness for the sinner.

In the resurrection, Christ has demonstrated that his mission is accomplished. But we also are risen with Christ. This truth is in several places in the New Testament, but we see it in Colossians 3:1, 2 with an application. "If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth." Part of being risen with Christ is that our affections for this world take a back seat to what many people view as important. We do not live for wealth or fame, because the Christian is dead to these things.

This is a good reminder during this time of year, when we are confronted with rampant materialism. The true focus of this season is not finding the perfect gift. We really should have the mindset of a candy maker this season, and focus first on the purity and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sin. Jesus really is the reason for the season.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

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