The Shepherd’s Staff

Every Christmas, when I was growing up, Daddy gave my two sisters and me one of those big, fat candy canes. He slipped it into our stockings along with an orange, an apple, nuts, candy, and surprises. I can’t speak for Elaine and Nancy, but I never really cared for the candy cane. I’m just not a big hard-candy peppermint kind of gal. I definitely appreciated the sentiment, though. Obviously, Daddy loved those things.

Later, I learned a story about the candy cane that made me appreciate it a lot more. You have likely heard the story. It goes around every Christmas. Still, it’s worth repeating.

The most popular legend has it that a candymaker wanted to create a special kind of candy that would serve as a witness to the Christian faith. He designed a candy cane with specific symbols to remind people of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. He used the colors red and white. White symbolized the purity and sinlessness of Jesus; the red shown in stripes represented the blood of Jesus.

The candymaker fashioned the candy with three small red stripes. They signified the scourging of Jesus, believed to bring healing (“by His stripes we are healed’). He added a large red stripe to represent Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Then the candymaker shaped the cane into a “J”. When turned in one direction, the letter “J” could be seen representing Jesus. When the cane was turned upright, it resembled a shepherd’s staff, associated with Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

The shape, colors, and stripes of the candy cane capture the message of hope, love, and sacrifice central to Christianity.

Another Look at the Candy Cane

Since its German inception in the late 17^th century, the candy cane has undergone many transformations, often overlooking its deeper meaning. After making its way to America, the sweet treat became a popular ornament and Christmas decoration. The shape, stripes, even the colors changed. But I still like the meaningful representation of it.

I especially like the shape. Maybe that’s because a shepherd’s staff brings to mind the care of sheep, of which I am one. “We are His sheep and the sheep of His pasture.”

A shepherd’s staff, made of wood, is primarily used for guidance and protection. The curved end allows the shepherd to pull straying sheep back onto the right path or lead them in a specific direction. Sheep tend to wander off, thinking the pasture is greener somewhere else.

Keeping the sheep together has obvious advantages, but it is of primary interest during lambing season. Dozens of lambs may be born at the same time. The shepherd has the responsibility of making sure the right lamb stays with the right ewe. It is easy for the ewe to lose her lamb in all of the confusion of a large flock. The shepherd cannot touch the lamb, else it takes on human scent, causing fear in the ewe. If she smells a foreign odor, she will prevent the lamb from suckling. Therefore, the staff is used to hook the lamb around its neck and body and carry it to the proper ewe when necessary.

The staff is also used to rescue sheep from crevices or thickets. Using the staff, the shepherd hooks the sheep and pulls it to safety. The staff serves as a tool for protection, along with the rod. Both are useful for fending off predators.

Another thing the staff is used for that may not be as obvious is for examining sheep. The shepherd hooks the sheep by its neck or leg to inspect for health purposes or injuries.

The staff signifies authority and leadership. Remember Moses’ staff when he met with Pharaoh? A shepherd is identifiable by his staff. His duty is to maintain order and safety of the flock.

I love the idea of the shepherd using his staff to draw the sheep close, just as the Great Shepherd draws us closer to Him. He provides care, guidance, and protection throughout our spiritual journey. “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

I wondered, as maybe you do — what is the difference between a rod and a staff? Well, the staff is a thicker stick than the rod. The staff with its curved hook helps support when walking. The rod is primarily used for discipline or punishment as related to protection from danger.  

As I consider this Christmas season and see the candy cane with its shepherd’s staff shape, I am comforted in knowing that I have a Great Shepherd who came in the form of a tiny baby in a manger. Hallelujah, that baby became the Redeemer to rescue us all.