This Bear's Den is a history lesson on the origin of two traditional Christmas items.

Long ago, a candymaker wanted to make a piece of candy that would remind his customers to celebrate Jesus at Christmas.

The candymaker began with white candy that stood for the purity of the Lord.   He shaped it into a "J" for Jesus.   When he turned it upside down he saw it looked like the staff of a shepherd.   Jesus referred to himself as the Good Shepherd.   The red stripes would remind everyone of the cost of their salvation that came through Jesus' blood.   Peppermint flavour was added to symbolize the spices which were gifts from the wisemen.   Today that simple gift a candymaker gave to the world still reminds us to celebrate the sweetest gift the world has ever known.

In the time when Baby Jesus was born winners of battles and races would receive a crown made of woven olive branches.   This wreath was a sign to everyone that this person was the best and king of their event.   At Christmas we hang wreaths of holly to remind us that Jesus was the best gift the world has ever known.   It also helps us remember that Jesus is the King of Kings, and the Messiah, our chosen Saviour.   The holly tree is known as "Christ's Thorn" because it's prickly leaves bring to our mind the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was on the cross.   The holly's red berries are like the drops of blood that fell from Jesus' head, hands, feet, and side as he hung on the cross.

Jesus came as a baby at Christmas time to one-day die as a man for all of our sins.   He was the only one who never did anything wrong or bad.   We call that being holy.   The tree reminded people of Jesus so much it was called the "Holy Tree" and later it was changed to what we now call holly.

From the Titan Rainbow Family to yours we wish you a Christmas full of joy and a New Year full of hope and happiness.   Merry Christmas!

Bear