As I'm sure that the post title will have some of you gasping, know that this post is intended for you.
Every year at this time I am placed in some situation where the topic of the using X before "mas" is discussed. Usually it begins with someone expressing their anger, frustration or disgust with the author "X-ing" Christ out of Christmas. Sometimes, I am given the opportunity to educate and sometimes I just sit back and listen to the misinformed ranting.
During a two year indepth study of the bible led by the late Reverend Doctor Barry Kiger, the group had an opportunity to evaluate this issue. I believe that it arose over a discussion of how quickly some Christians rush to protest, boycott, and publically denounce nearly anything these days.
Barry suggested to the group that much of this behavior is born out of our misplaced focus on the "means of transportation" rather than the "cargo". Christmas, or Xmas, is a word (means of transportation) love, kindness, giving, etc. (cargo) is where God would like our focus. The study group used this analogy in discussing many of the protests and boycotts that we often see performed and encouraged by Christians today. We discussed the effect that some of these "missing the point" displays could have on lost or would be Christians. The consensus wasn't good. While there is certainly room for peaceful protest (thank heaven we live in a country where it is allowed), protestors in the name of Christ have a responsibility to gauge themselves and their topics.
But, I digress. It is clearly documented that the Greek (language in which the new testament was written) letters for Christ early became symbols of Christ and Christianity. The first two greek letters in the word Christ are XP (expressed chi and rho). The exact era in which the symbol began being used is often debated. Some believe that it originated as long ago as the first century AD and others believe that it originated during the Middle Ages. Either way, the symbol X in representing Christmas was widely used by the fifteenth century. Websters dictionary acknowledges that Xmas was in common use during the sixteenth century.
So, for those of you who believe (or hopefully believed) that there was some growing conspiracy by the government or retail giants to remove the spiritual aspect of Christmas by using the abbreviation Xmas, you'll need to find another cause. The origin of Xmas is deeply rooted in the history of the Church and is simply another way to spell Christmas.
By the way...Xmas is pronounced Christmas, not exmas. Just as Dr. is pronounced Doctor, not Dur.
Merry Christmas to you all!
