Meanings Behind the Christmas Tradition

Many traditions surround the Christmas holiday. 

Have you ever wondered why? 

 

Below you will find one version of the meaning of the Christmas tree and candy cane. 

Children love to hear these types of stories. 

And, what a great way to weave the scriptures into the Christmas festivities!

Enjoy!

The Tradition of the Christmas Tree

 

Because it stays green all through the year, 

the evergreen tree is symbolic of the eternal life offered to Christians through faith in Christ. 

The treetop points heavenward. 

A star signifies the special star which guided the wise men to Bethlehem. 

Lights represent the Christ, the "Light of the World".

 Gifts beneath the tree are representative of God's gift of His only begotten Son,

Jesus Christ, who brings Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

The Tradition of the Candy Cane

 

The candy cane begins with a stick of white candy.

 The white symbolizes the purity of the Christmas season.

 Jesus is the holy, sinless Son of God.  ( I John 1:7)

The color red stands for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we may have eternal life.

(John 3:16 and Revelation 1:5)

Stripes:  The large stripe reminds us of the cross on which Jesus died. 

Three small red stripes remind us of His suffering

-- the crown of thorns, the stripes from the whip on His back,

and the nail wounds in His hands and feet.   (John 19:1-30)

Three stripes can also remind us of the Holy Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The candy is formed into a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus.  (Matthew 1:21)

The Cane is like a staff used by shepherds in caring for their sheep.

 Jesus is our "Good Shepherd."  (John 10:1-18, 27-30)

Its hard consistency represents the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church,

and the firmness of the promises of God,

and reminds us that He is strong and dependable.  (Psalm 31:3)

Peppermint flavor reminds us of the gift of spices from the wise men.  (Matthew 2:11)

When tasting the sweet candy,

we can think about our Heavenly Father's sweet love for us!

This Blog Post is inspired from the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky B. Baxa

If you would like more fun ideas to share with your children

(that do not require batteries or electronics )

you can purchase this 180 page book,

full of color photos,

for $21.95

from Amazon.com

Or

from the gift shop at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO,

Silver Dollar City General Store in Branson, MO.

This book can also be checked out from the following libraries:

Scenic Regional Library - Pacific, MO

First Christian Church - Washington, MO

Hawaii State Library - Honolulu, HI

Story City Public Library - Story City, IA

Ellsworth Public Library - Ellsworth, ME

Ludington Public Library - Ludington, MI
Denver Public Library - Denver, CO
Pikes Peak Library District - Colorado Springs, CO

Dallas Public Library - Dallas, Texas