Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:18, 19
For the past few days we have been talking about the Christmas symbols in the candy cane. Today we will talk about the peppermint flavor in the candy cane.
Hyssop is a small plant found in Egypt and Palestine. It grows among stones and in cracks in walls. During Bible times, people used hyssop to sprinkle blood during some sacrifices to make the people clean from their sin. Hyssop is a symbol of spiritual cleansing.
Peppermint is plant similar to hyssop. The peppermint flavor in the candy cane reminds us about the sacrifices of the Old Testament. It also reminds us that Jesus became the Lamb that was sacrificed for our sins. 1 Corinthians 5: 7b says, “Yes, Christ our Passover Lamb has already been killed.” Because Jesus died, we can be forgiven of all our sin. Psalm 51:7 says, “Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (NIV). That’s what Jesus does. His blood, sprinkled in our hearts, makes us clean from all sin.
When you eat a candy cane today, enjoy the peppermint flavor. Let that flavor remind you that Jesus is the Lamb of God who died to take away your sin.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world!” John 1:29
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus. His sacrifice is sweeter than any candy cane. In Jesus’ name. Amen.