Many of you may be familiar with the legend of the candy cane, but I did not know this story when I was raising my children. I wish I had—but now I can share the story with my grandkids.

With Christmas becoming more and more secular, Christian parents appreciate  opportunities to teach the real meaning of Christmas to their little ones. Items that symbolize the story of the Savior’s birth are too often crowded out by Santa Claus and his elves and reindeer. That’s why I love the legend of the candy cane—because everyone loves candy canes and the stores proudly display boxes of this holiday treat every year—no hiding them on the back wall!

When the folks at Zondervan asked me to write a boardbook on the candy cane story, I had to do a little research as I was unfamiliar with the story. I learned that many years ago a candy maker wanted to create something that would tell the story of Jesus, so he created the candy cane. It is shaped like a J which stands for Jesus. But when you turn the candy cane upside down:

It looks like a staff that the shepherds used.
They were the first to hear the Good News.

The stripes represent the blood of Jesus that washed away our sins, and the white on the candy shows that when we are forgiven, we are white as snow. In the boardbook edition, the candy maker explains:

“I wanted to share this story with you,
so Jesus can be your Savior too.”

Then he ends with this challenge:

“Please tell this story to everyone,
and give thanks to God for the gift of his Son!”

The boardbook is titled J is for Jesus—The Sweetest Story Ever Told, and is beautifully illustrated by Claudine Gevry. With age-appropriate language and lively rhythm and rhyme, this book is in its 7th season and still going strong.

So the next time you share candy canes with friends or family, be sure to also share the legend of the candy cane and the symbolism of this sweet treat.

Here’s to Christmas candy and sweet stories!

Crystal Bowman