Why are candy canes part of Christmas? Four centuries ago, the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany asked confectioners to create sticks in the shape of sheperds’ crooks. He then gave them to children to keep them quiet during Nativity services. In 1847, a German immigrant used the candy cane to decorate his Christmas tree in Wooster, Ohio. Millions are now sold during the Christmas season, each reminding us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has come to lead His sheep to abundant life (John 10:10). But even God can only lead those who will follow.

The word “repent” means to “turn back”, to stop going the wrong direction and turn back to the way we should be traveling. God’s word cautions us, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30). We must remove anything which hinders his transforming work in our lives.

Is an attitude or action in your life grieving the Spirit today?