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Church Candy

Hush little children, the clergyman issued with haste,

We must ask blessings from our Savior, not let time waste.

Hush little children, choirmaster whispered to the slew,

Let not your antics break your reverence; watch what you do.

One child scratched a leg and then one let out a whistle,

One poked; the other jumped, as if sat on a thistle.

Hush little children, your native German homeland cries,

We wish you to be sacred lambs, heavenly, and wise.

Hush little children, clergyman and choirmaster spoke.

Songs of repentance and worship are surely no joke.

A third child wrote in the hymnal, a fourth threw a wad,

The two holy men prayed for guidance, "Help us, God."

Reaching in pocket, inspiration grabbing hold,

Clergyman looked at the other; could he be so bold?

Quickly said the choir master, before they lay waste,

To the century old church, awaiting disgrace.

Meanwhile child one told child two of his week at the pond,

And all of this while the service fought hell and beyond.

Choirmaster then grabbed the sweet stick; it might be sin,

He said, "Father forgive me," and placed it right in.

Child one's lips closed around it, miracle of grace,

While child two looked in amazement, but staying in place.

Quickly clergyman Nicholas sprang to his room,

Hoping no one would know of his absence, or doom

His bundle slung on his back, he slowed down his gate,

As he humbly entered while heads bowed saved his fate.

To each child he slid a hard white sugary stick,

Hoping later all would not be sticky and sick.

The heads raised as dedicated prayer was now through,

And from then on no peep heard from that childish pew.

After worship, the congregation met downstairs,

Praising God for answering their fasting and prayers.

For after that one prayer had been said in His name,

Only angels for children, not one childish game.

As choirmaster and clergyman left with a blink,

Nicholas gave choirmaster John a smile and wink.

John turned to Nicholas and asked with a quick laugh,

What were those white candies shaped as a shepherd's staff?

Why those my choirmaster, Nick said simply and plain,

From Cologne since 1670; candy cane.

Well my jolly old man, that sure did the old trick,

I have to say great idea; you're a true saint, Nick.

Many will tell you the red stripes stand for Christ's blood

And the crook as the Shepherd, for which He has stood

White for His sinlessness and for the virgin birth

And the hardness, the rock He is for all our earth.

But these are mere legend, no matter what they say,

But you know the truth, what really happened that day.

And on this Christmas whether you get one short, tall,

Happy Christmas and a red and white stripe for all.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Ethridge.
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