What’s the “Xmas” thing about?
Not long ago I sent a note to a friend for Christmas but used the term Xmas. Well he got back to me quick and not happy. He told me I was taking Christ out of Christmas. Well, hello, I don’t really think I would do that would I?
So I told him before he blew a head gasket to cool down and I explained to him that the term Xmas had been used for centuries. Because “Christ” is spelled different in so many lanuages many have drawn upon the original Greek term and letter “X” or Chi to spell Christ or Christos. It was also used in and stood for “Christ” in the ancient Greek acrostic ΙΧΘΥΣ ichthys. This term (fish-sign) was used by the underground church that was being persecuted by the Roman Empire.
So the use of the “X’ is not a new thing at all. However, let me say that if the term Xmas is used to be lazy, disrespectful, or to truly take Christ out of Christmas then heaven forbid we use it. But many times that’s not the case and we need to realize such.
It’s also part of the labarum - often called the Chi-Rho and ancient sign adopted by many if not most Christian churches. You still see this sign today, especially in more traditonal churches.
So the next time you see this term I suggest you use it as an opportunity to share the wonder and truth of the symbol. I sure hope this clears some things up - after all I’m just trying to wish everyone a Merry Xmas!
