Category: From Creation to Christ – Advent Christmas

The Story of the Candy Cane

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According to the legend of the candy cane, this candy was first created over 200 years ago. At that time, in certain areas of Europe, Christians were oppressed, and no one could have their own crosses or Bibles. When Christmas came around, children didn’t get to see nativity scenes or enjoy learning about the truth of Christmas.

One man wished he could share the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with the rest of the world. As a candy maker, this man prayed to find a way that he could offer local children a Christmas gift that would allow him to communicate the real story of Christmas.

His prayer led to an idea – the candy cane. I hope you will take his idea and share it with others.

Shepherd’s Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. After all, Jesus is the shepherd to his followers and the Bible notes that the “sheep” would hear His voice and follow him (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11, John 10:27-30, Isaiah 40:11).

Letter J for Jesus: Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a staff, but when held upside down, it formed a “J,” which stood for Jesus (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21).

Solid as a Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, which was done to remind children that Jesus was our “rock,” dependable and strong (Psalm 31:3).

White Base: The white base of the candy cane represents the purity of sinless Jesus and the cleansing we receive through His blood. (1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7, Hebrews 9:12-4).

Red Stripes: Red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the blood Jesus shed for our sins. Through trusting in Jesus Christ, we are saved from the punishment of our sins and given eternal life. (Isaiah 53:4-7, Revelation 1:5)

Sweet Fragrance: Peppermint is the flavor traditionally used the candy cane. Peppermint is very similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament, reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Peppermint also reminds us of the fragrant spices brought by the Wise Men when they came to visit Jesus (Psalm 51:7, Matthew 2:9-11).

Given as a Gift: The candy cane was made to be given as a gift. This reminds us of the greatest gift ever given, the gift of God’s only Son, Jesus, as well as the gift of faith that leads us to the priceless gift of salvation. (John 3:16, Romans 6:23)

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My Favorite Passage of Scripture

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I love the writings of Peter because he’s so outspoken and quick.

I love the writings of John because he’s so fixed on the mutual importance of truth and love.

But I have a special place in my heart for Paul because he was once a blasphemer and opponent of the gospel like me.

Every time I read Paul’s letter to Timothy, his child in the faith, I am reminded anew of God’s unique calling and purpose for me and how greatly His grace and love have overflowed in my life.

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV

Does your testimony sound different from mine and Paul’s? Were you never a persecutor of Christians and an opponent of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Great news! God still has a unique purpose and calling for YOU! God still wants to use YOU as an example of His perfect patience.

Whether you grew up from infancy surrounded by Words of Truth whispered over you as you slept, or you walked in utter darkness until adulthood, the light has come for you. Now go and share the good news with others this holiday season. It’s never too late to tell someone about the saving faith available to all through trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:8-13 ESV

Preparing our Hearts for Christ

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We usually begin our celebration of Advent on the Monday four weeks before Christmas, so today we will read Day One of our “From Creation to Christ: A Family Advent Devotional” book.

The paperback version available on Amazon for $14.99 and includes 25 devotionals with accompanying songs, scriptures, and full-color graphics. There’s also an ebook available that includes links to lyrics videos for all 50 songs.

You can download a free PDF for the ornaments here.

And checkout my advent playlist on YouTube.

The daily devotionals were originally published here on my blog in 2020. They are still available here, but I have made quite a few improvements since originally writing them. Hope you enjoy and pass it on!

Advent Season Starts Soon

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Last year I published my fourth book – a daily advent devotional. This summer I spent two weeks updating it with comments I’d received from readers. I hope it’s as much of a blessing to you and your family as it has been to me and mine.

It’s available on Amazon or Kindle. It takes about 10-12 days for delivery so order today to make sure you have it before advent begins.

From Creation to Christ: A Family Advent Devotional Tracing the Story of the Savior Through Scriptures, Stories, Songs, and Pictures https://a.co/d/d0eN3sm

Please share!

From Creation to Christ: A Family Advent Devotional Tracing the Story of the Savior Through Scriptures, Stories, Songs, and Pictures

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I’ve been working hard to get my new family advent devotional book publishedin time for this Christmas season … and it finally happened!

If you order a copy directly from Amazon TODAY you will receive it on about December 2, so I ordered a bunch of copies that will be here November 29 (God willing!).

If you know anyone in the Memphis area who would like a copy, please let me know and I’ll sign and hand deliver it!


From Creation to Christ: A Family Advent Devotional Tracing the Story of the Savior Through Scripture, Stories, Songs, and Pictures

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 25

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My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 25: The Birth of Jesus

Picture / Ornament: Baby in a Manger

Scripture: Luke 1:1-2:20

Song: Mary, Did you Know?

Another Song: He Shall Reign Forevermore

Today is the day. Christmas Day. The day you’ve been waiting all month for. Are you going to get any Christmas gifts today? Did you already open any gifts?

Do you know what is the GREATEST gift you could ever be given? It’s Jesus. Jesus, the promised Savior, is the greatest gift that could ever be given, and He is the greatest gift you could ever receive.

What would happen if your mom and dad spent all month shopping around for just the right gift for you and for each of your siblings, but when Christmas morning came you were all too busy playing outside to take the time to open those special gifts?

What if you all got so many presents from your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins that you didn’t ever get around to opening that one special present from your mom and dad?

Don’t let the gift of Jesus be like that.

God has given us the most perfect, most special, most precious, most valuable gift that He could ever give, but we have to receive that gift. We have to put our trust in God and believe in His Son, the One who has been given to save us from our sins, the One who died in our place as a payment for our sins, the One who is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords, the eternal Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd, and the Bright Morning Star.

John 3:16-18 tells us that, “God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the Only Son of God.”

Today is the perfect day to thank God for His perfect gift, the gift of His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus, the promised Savior, who was born at just the right time in just the right place to save His people from their sins.

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus.

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 24

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 24: The Shepherds Tell Others

Picture / Ornament: Shepherd

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20; Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 28:18-20

Song: The First Noel

Song: I Love to Tell the Story

Another Song: Here I am to Worship

After these extraordinary messengers, the angels, appeared to the shepherds, do you know what the shepherds did? The first thing the shepherds did was to hurry to find the baby in the manger that the angels had told them about. They told Mary and Joseph what the angels had said, but do you know what else they did? They told other people what they’d seen and heard, too! The shepherds couldn’t stop themselves. They wanted everyone to know about this good news that the angels had told them about. They praised and glorified God for what they had heard and seen – both in their own hearts and minds, as well as telling other people.

When you get a really great present for Christmas, maybe a new puppy or a toy you’ve been waiting all year for, do you want to tell your best friend about it? My kids do!

In the last two recorded conversations that Jesus had with His disciples, Jesus told them to make disciples of all nations, from Israel to the very ends of the earth. Jesus wanted His followers to teach and baptize new believers. Jesus promised that He would always be with them. Jesus promised that His Holy Spirit would come upon them and give them power. Jesus wanted His followers to be His witnesses, testifying to others what they had heard and seen.

The shepherds were eyewitnesses to both the angels’ proclamation of good news and to the newborn baby Jesus whom they had found in the manger. The shepherds excitedly shared the good news about what they had seen and heard.

Likewise, Jesus’s followers, Peter and Matthew and Luke and John and many, many others, were used by God as His eyewitnesses to what they had seen and heard. They couldn’t keep this good news to themselves any more than the shepherds could! Peter and John told the Jewish leaders, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

We, too, can be eyewitnesses for Jesus! We can tell others what we have seen and heard and come to know. We can tell our friends, our family, and even people we meet around town about what the real meaning of Christmas is, so they, too, can know this GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY that God has given for ALL the PEOPLE. (Luke 2:10)

Today is a perfect day to thank God for this good news about our Savior Jesus and for the honor and privilege of being His messenger and witness today.

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus.

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 23

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 23: Angels Proclaim the Arrival of Christ

Picture / Ornament: Angel

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14 Hebrews 1:1-4

Song: Angels We Have Heard on High

God used angels in many of the stories we have read about. Angels are God’s messengers. God spoke to Abraham through His angels. Jacob saw a vision of angels ascending and descending on the ladder to heaven. God sent angels to go before the Israelites and to defend the Israelites during their battles. Mary and Joseph both heard from God’s angels.

Imagine you were one of those shepherds out in a field taking care of your sheep. It was an ordinary night when suddenly a great light appeared before you and you heard an angel speaking to you. What would you think? What would you do? Would you be afraid?

Apparently, these shepherds were afraid because the angel told them not to be afraid. This angel was not here to condemn them or to tell them about something terrible that was about to happen. No, this angel had good news for them, good news of great joy! Today in Bethlehem a new baby had been born.

Have your parents ever had a special meeting with you to tell you some important news?

I remember a very special Christmas fourteen years ago when my husband and I told our three children that we had some important news for them. It was the day after Christmas and our children had already opened all of their gifts. They were confused. What was going on? Was something wrong? No, something was very right! I was expecting a baby! Our family was going to have a new baby, but our new baby wasn’t like this new baby that the angel told the shepherds about.

This baby that was born in Bethlehem was the long-awaited Savior who had come to save the world! This baby was unlike any baby who had ever been born or any baby who would ever be born. This baby was totally GOD and totally MAN in one! This baby was God in human flesh who had come to live among men.

God used these angels to be His messengers, to tell the good news to these shepherds. God wanted the shepherds to recognize the baby when they saw Him. This very special baby, God’s only Son, had been born in a very simple place, a stable. This very special baby had been wrapped in very simple cloths, swaddling cloths, and laid in a very simple bed, an animal feeding trough full of hay called a manger. These very special messengers, angels, had told very simple men, shepherds, the good news of the Savior come into the world.

Today is a perfect day to thank God for sending His very special messengers to tell this good news about a very special baby named Jesus who came to bring peace on earth and good will to men. Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus!

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 22

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 22: The Star

Picture / Ornament: Star

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12; Numbers 24:17; Revelation 22:16

Song: O Holy Night

Another Song: Oh What a Glorious Night!

I, for one, have a hard time being patient. I like my food to be ready quickly, my websites to load instantly, and my house to be cleaned spotless in a flash. How about you? How do you feel when you have to wait a long time for something?

This spring we bought four tiny chicks in the hopes of getting fresh eggs. After waiting for four months, there were still no eggs! Week after week, we’d check their coop, looking for eggs. No eggs! Finally, after almost six months, we got our first egg and now we get eggs every day! Three years ago, we planted a little apple tree. Every summer we go out to see if there are any apples beginning to grow, but even after three years … no apples! To this day, we’re still waiting for it to give us apples.

God grows our faith by causing us to wait for Him. Day by day, season by season, year by year we have to wait for things, all kinds of things. We have to trust that some day those chickens will lay eggs and some day that apple tree will bear apples. We have to trust that God will keep His promises in His perfect timing.

Likewise, the Israelite people had to wait for their Savior to arrive. In fact, they had to wait around 400 years from the time of the last prophet Malachi until Jesus Christ was born. Some people call this time the “400 years of silence.” In spite of God’s silence, God was still speaking through His written word and God was still at work, bringing about the right time and place for His Son to be born.

There was a special group of men living east of Israel, wise men who had studied the scriptures and wanted to worship the Savior King. God had not only given these wise men His written word, but He also gave them a special sign, a star, that appeared in the sky at just the right time and in just the right place to guide them to Jesus.

It’s especially amazing that God sent them a star, because Jesus called Himself the “bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) Hundreds of years before Jesus lived on earth, it had been foretold that “a star shall come out of Jacob.” (Numbers 24:17) Not only, did God give a star in the sky to shine the way for the wise men, but God sent His own Son to be that prophesied star.

Stars guide people as they travel in the dark. Stars give light in the darkest night. Jesus isn’t an actual star in the heavens, but Jesus is our guide and our light.

Today is a perfect day to thank God for His perfect timing in sending Jesus to be our guide and our light.

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus!

From Creation to Christ – An Advent Devotional – Day 21

Published on by kendraskeLeave a comment

My family has loved doing advent devotionals for years, so I decided to write my own. I pray it blesses your family as much as it’s blessed mine.

You can purchase the whole book in print or in an ebook format on Amazon. You can download a printable set of ornaments here or draw or make your own!

Day 21: Return to the Promised Land

Picture / Ornament: Stone Wall

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-14; Isaiah 44:24-28; Ezra 1:1-5; Ezra 6:6-18;
Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 9:27-28

Song: How Many Kings?

Bonus Video: That’s My King by S.M. Lockridge

God had spoken to His prophet Jeremiah while His people were in captivity in Babylon. God had told Jeremiah that His people would return to Israel after 70 years, and they did! God had even told the prophet Isaiah that He would redeem Israel using a king named Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple … and He did! Just like God turned the heart of the Egyptian Pharaoh and the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar and the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, God turned the heart of the Persian King, Cyrus. God used King Cyrus, the king of a foreign land, to send the people back to the Promised Land of Israel and rebuild His temple in Jerusalem.

It took years for the temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt because they faced opposition on all sides, yet the temple was rebuilt because God turned the heart of another Babylonian king named Darius. King Darius sent supplies to finish the temple and even supplies for the priests to make sacrifices to God. After the temple was rebuilt, the people celebrated and offered hundreds of animals.

Around the same time that the temple was being rebuilt, the prophet Zechariah spoke to the people. Zechariah had more prophecies about the coming Savior. Zechariah said that Israel’s long-awaited king would come humbly, riding the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), that He would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), and that those who pierced Him would mourn over Him (Zechariah 12:10). Do any of these sound familiar to you?

As you read the Bible, be on the lookout for verses that show the fulfillment of these prophecies, given hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Just like the faithful Israelites studied the prophecies so they would recognize the Messiah when He came, we, too, should study the Bible so we will be ready when the Messiah returns. Jesus is coming AGAIN! He will return one day to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him! What a glorious day that will be!

Today is a perfect day to thank God for the incredible hope we have in Jesus, our Savior!

Remember … Christmas is all about Jesus!