The other week we went down to the switch on the the Ferndown Illuminations. The festivities began at 1pm. The Churches had been invited to have stands [in between all the tombola stalls and food sellers]
So St Mary's were offering a free craft table for children, and giving out chocolates and invitation leaflets. UCF were giving out free children's storybooks, invitation leaflets and candy canes. [Please do not lecture me about dental issues, I reminded every child to brush their teeth afterwards!] Each candy cane had a little story attached.
There is a story that the Christmas Candy cane was
originally invented by a Christian confectioner who wanted to make a sweet that
was a witness to his faith in Jesus.
He made some candy, bent into a J shape – J for Jesus.
But held the other way, it is a shepherd’s crook – shepherds
came to see baby Jesus, and Jesus is often called the Good Shepherd.
He made the cane from a boiled sugar – which we often call
‘rock’. Jesus is the Rock we can depend on.
The cane is striped in white for purity – Jesus was perfectly good
And it is red to remind us that Jesus died for us
The peppermint flavour is fresh – Jesus gives us the
opportunity of a fresh start in life, whatever mistakes we’ve made.
I know, it is just a story, and rather contrived - but it's nonetheless a good way of explaining the basics of the Gospel Story. And sweets make the children happy. Week 3 of Advent, Gaudete - Joy and Jesus!
I know, it is just a story, and rather contrived - but it's nonetheless a good way of explaining the basics of the Gospel Story. And sweets make the children happy. Week 3 of Advent, Gaudete - Joy and Jesus!
That is a lovely story, contrived or not!!x
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDelete