Candy Cane Object Lesson for Christmas

Download this classic Christmas Object lesson based on the colors & shape of the Candy Cane. Download our printable directions below and then watch the video to prepare to teach this children’s message at your church. We’ve included the Candy Cane Poem printable in the download below:

---

---

Candy Cane Gospel   – Using a Christmas treat as a reminder of Christ’s love and sacrifice  

Main Objective: Christmas is full of symbols and celebrations. Admittedly, some of these classic holiday images actually came from pagan origins. The beauty of Advent is that we can take things that originally were secular, and create a faith twist that brings meaning. Christmas itself has roots in more naturalistic practices, but we focus on the birth of Jesus. In this lesson, a simple holiday candy is used as a visual reminder of important Biblical truths.

*Disclaimer: the “stories” behind the invention of the candy cane are surrounded by legend. We may not know all of the exact intentions of the early confection, but we can still use it as a powerful reminder of Jesus.

Law/Gospel Theme: Jesus was born as the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. This Messiah was sent to live and die so that we may be restored in relationship to the Father. We live by His death, and can live in gratitude for His sacrifice.

Props & Object Lesson Supplies

• Candy canes (traditional red and white variety)
• Candy Cane Poem about Jesus (included in the download above)

Bible Passage: Varied passages (recommended verses involving shepherd topics and saving blood of Christ).

• Don’t miss the video demonstration of this Candy Cane Object Lesson
• See another Christmas Children’s Sermon from Matthew 1:18-25
• Download our printable Candy Cane Poem about Jesus
• Browse our selection of Christmas Coloring Pages and Christmas Bible Lessons

---

Candy Cane Object Lesson for Christmas

Greet the children with enthusiasm for the Christmas season…

Hello, children of God! Are you excited for Christmas? We have been talking about some wonderful stories as we honor the Advent season, and now the time is almost here to celebrate Christmas Day! And you know, there are a lot of great things that remind us of Christmas. We think about stars, Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies…what are some of your favorite things to see and enjoy at Christmas time?
Well, I want to tell you about one of my favorite Christmas treats. (Pull out candy cane)

What is this? That’s right; it’s a candy cane! And you know, candy canes have been around for hundreds of years. There are some different stories about who originally invented this item and why, and we don’t know for sure what all of the details are. But candy canes are extra special because they can give us some important reminders about the true reason for the season! Let me share with you a little about this tasty treat.

First, let’s look at the shape of a candy cane. It’s curved at the end, kind of like a shepherd’s staff. Shepherds use these crooks to help in herding their sheep. And shepherds remind me of the shepherds in the Nativity story who heard the news of Christ’s birth from the angels. But shepherds are also important because Jesus said that He is the good shepherd, and he laid down His life for His “sheep” (that’s us!). But guess what else? If I turn this candy cane upside down, it looks like a letter…what letter might this be? It’s a J for Jesus!

Now, let’s look at the colors on a candy cane. The red stripes here can be a painful but powerful reminder to us that Jesus shed His blood to pay for our sins. By His suffering and death, we are healed. In fact, we are made pure and new, and WHITE as snow, just like the candy cane has white as well!

You know what else is neat about a candy cane? It has a refreshing minty flavor. The strength of that flavor can remind us that even though Jesus had a tough life and death, He was strong and powerful in it. And we can also contemplate how refreshing it is to know God. Faith in Jesus gives us renewed hope and freshens our spirits, just like the mint in this candy cane livens up our breath!

So next time you see or enjoy a candy cane, think of Jesus. So many everyday items can be excellent reminders to us of God’s constant presence in our lives. He is always there, no matter where we go or what we do. Let’s say a prayer of thanks for that, and then I have a candy cane for each of you to enjoy!

---

Children’s Prayer Moment

(Have kids repeat each line)

Dear God,
Thank you for coming to Earth for us
Thank you for living and dying for our sins
Help us remember you are near
Every day and in every way
We love you, God!
Thank you for Jesus
In His name, Amen!

Bible Verses/story to Reference:

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
 -John 10:14-18

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 -Hebrews 13:20-21

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. -1 John 1:7

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.