My husband and I volunteer at Genesee Country Village and Museum during their season of operation. This year it is my privilege to be the interpreter for the confectionery on Thursdays. It has given me the opportunity to learn more about these specialty stores of the 1850s. After the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, sugar became more available to this area and confectionaries began to appear. These stores of the nineteenth century sold more fancy grocery and bakery items than candy but with time we developed a sweet tooth for more varieties of sweet treats. While learning about these early historical stores, I began to imagine how the Bible could be described as an old-fashioned confectionery. The Bible might be compared to the store with each book of the Bible being a big jar containing a unique confection. Each promise in scripture might be a piece of candy. Let me expand my imagination with this line of thinking.
The confectionery is a store and everyone makes a choice either to walk by or to enter the store. Children always want to go in but adults are often too hurried to take the time. Jesus extends an invitation for everyone to come into His candy store. In Luke 18:16, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” I sense Jesus is encouraging us as adults to be more like children in a candy store in regards to our relationship with Him. We need to spend time in the Word and enter His presence. We need childlike faith to enjoy the sweetness of scripture. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Just like a piece of candy, I want to taste and see each of the Lord’s promises and experience His goodness.
Like a confectionery of the 1850s that had its items on display, Christ reveals all His confections in the Bible. My Reader, please join me as we make a stop at Christ’s confectionery for some scriptural sweets.
Lollipops of Love
There is nothing like licking an all day sucker! I also love meditating upon love throughout the day. I want to enjoy its taste all day long.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13:4&8
Peppermint Sticks of Peace
I want a whole stick of peppermint peace – not just a little piece of peace! Peppermint not only tastes good but smells good like the aroma of Christ.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Gum Drops of Grace
Gumdrops are smaller pieces of candy that vary in color and taste. I need small amounts of grace manifested in my life in various ways throughout the day. These gummies require some chewing for the greatest enjoyment – just like I need to chew or meditate upon the bits of grace Christ imparts to me.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9
Jawbreakers of Joy
There is something enticing about these big round balls. It is always tempting to try to break these hard candies with my teeth before they break my teeth. Like a kid, I search for the biggest piece of joy to break the struggles in my life.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Chocolate Covered Charity
Chocolate covered charity or chocolate covered cherries? As a child, I remember biting into these big pieces of candy and experiencing the different tastes and textures of the chocolate coating, cream filling, and finally the center cherry. The three parts of this candy remind me of faith, hope and charity. While charity and love are synonymous, I think of charity as being a deeper kind of love – maybe like the cherry in the middle of the candy. More decadent. Although chocolate was not common as a candy in the 1800s, I cannot go into a confectionery without wanting some chocolate. I always desire chocolate and I always need charity!
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. I Corinthians 13:13 KJV
My Reader, have I tantalized your taste buds for something sweet? Do you want to visit an old-fashioned confectionery or do you want to reach for your Bible? I encourage you to pop a piece of candy into your mouth along with a verse of scripture into your mind. Suck on it, chew on it, meditate upon it. Savor the sweetness of the candy’s flavor and of Christ’s favor.
Joyfully,
Cheryl
NEED TO CHECK UNDER FIRST IMAGE
An Apple of Gold 