NLTC 200920102

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Christmas!

One of the most often seen symbols of Christmas is he candy cane. Not only are candy canes used as a sweet Christmas time treats but they are also used for decoration. how did this seasonal candy get its familiar shape, and when did it become part of Christmas tradition?

When practice of using Christmas trees to celebrate Christmas became popular in Europe the people there began making decorations for their trees. Many of the decorations were food items including cookies and candy. the predecessor of our modern candy cane appeared at about this time in the 17th century. These were straight, white sticks of sugar candy.

Part of the Christmas celebration at the Cologne Cathedral was pageants of living creches. In about 1670 the choirmaster there had sticks of candy bent into shape of a shepherd's crook and passed them out to children who attended the ceremonies. This became a popular tradition, and eventually the practice of passing out the sugar canes at living creche ceremonies spread throughout Europe.

The use of candy canes on Christmas trees made its way to America by the 1800's, however during this time they were still pure white. They are represented this way on Christmas cards made before 1900, and it is not until the early 20th century that they appear with their familiar red stripes.

Many people have given religious meaning to the shape and form of the candy cane. It is said that its shape is like the letter "J" in Jesus' name. It is also in the shape of the shepherds' crook, symbolic of how Jesus, life the "Good Shepherd" watches over his children like little lambs. It is a hard candy, solid like a "rock", the foundation of the church. The flavour of peppermint is similar to another member of the mint family, hyssop. In the Old Testament hyssop was used for purification and sacrifice, and this is said the symbolize the purity of Jesus and the sacrifice he made.

Some say the white of the candy cane represents the purity of Jesus and his virgin birth. The bold red stripe represents God's love. The tree fine stripes are said by some to represent the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Others say they represent the blood spilled at the beating Jesus receive at the hands of the Roman soldiers.

From its plain early beginnings to its familiar shape and colour of today, the candy cane is a symbol of Christmas and a reminder of the meaning of the holiday.

It is not enough to only know the history of the candy cane because the main role that Christian celebrates for Christmas is Jesus Christ.

I believe all of you at least born in clinic, hospital or some of you might born in your house but baby Jesus was born in a manger. Have you ever heard about Jesus Christ is the son of God? And have you ever thought of why Jesus wants to come to the world and born in in such place? All the answer is actually the same. It's because God loves us that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but has eternal life.

Would you like to have this eternal life? It's our pleasure to tell you how to get this eternal life. For further information, kindly contact us at utmclc@gmail.com or our contact person, Jessalynn at 0127445644 or 0167241447.

Wish you have a wonderful and meaningful Christmas! Feliz Navidad :)

A nice song to share with you all:
We were the reason (click here to link)