Advent Activity - Candy Canes

This morning we went to see a performance of The Nutcracker. We had a great time and it was an AMAZING show. The girls' ballet teacher and teacher assistants were in the show so that made it extra special for them. To tie in an Advent lesson we discussed candy canes today. I'm sure there are plenty of candy canes to be had in the Land of Sweets!

We history of the candy cane. The girls were ready to hand of a candy cane to Haden after learning that they were originally sugar sticks used as pacifiers! After sometime a German candymaker bent the stick to make it resemble a shepherd's crook. We talked about what a shepherd used his crook for, how he gently brings in a straying lamb just like Jesus gently draws us to His side. Then we talked about the symbolism of the candy cane.

White for the pure, sinless life Jesus led on earth.
Big red stripe for the blood that He shed on Calvary.
Small red stripes to represent the stripes left on His body from the scourging of the Roman soliders.
When turned upside down the candy cane looks like a letter J - for Jesus!

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

We spent a lot of time talking about Jesus, the Great Shepherd. We read The Crippled Lamb, by Max Lucado. I cry every single time I read that book. More on that another day, but it speaks a message that is very, very near to my heart. If you don't own it, you should.

For a craft they made candy cane reindeer.

And for dessert they made Peppermint Pretzel Melts! Firstly, they are delicious! We also read The M&M Nativity Legend (combining the nativity from yesterday with candy canes today!). You can find a recipe and printable at My Computer is My Canvas.

The M&M Nativity Legend

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them you will see

 The "M' becomes a "W", an "E" and then a "3".

They tell the Christmas Story, it's one I'm sure you know.

It took place in a stable a long, long time ago.

The "E" is for the East where the star shone O so bright.

The "M" is for the manger where the baby Jesus slept that night.

The "3" is for the wise men, bearing gifts they quickly came.

"W" is for worship, an angelic choir praised His name.

So as you eat these candies, or share them with a friend,

Remember the true Spirit of Christmas and never let it end!