Did you know “Xmas” has sparked debates among Christians for decades? Some believe it’s disrespectful, while others argue it’s a historical abbreviation with no intent to remove Christ from Christmas. The “X” in “Xmas” actually originates from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter in Christ’s name. This tradition dates back centuries in Christian history! Let’s explore the significance behind this abbreviation and how we can honor Christ in every aspect of the holiday season. What are your thoughts on saying “Xmas”?
Christmas or Xmas, which one should you use? There was a time when saying Merry Christmas was the default greeting during the holiday season. While some people use the term Xmas, others don’t even say that and resort to saying Happy Holidays. This makes me wonder: when using a term like Xmas or Happy Holidays, is there something sinister going on? At least with Happy Holidays, the reality might be a lot simpler. Not everyone celebrates Christmas (don’t look at me funny). I know that may be hard to believe, but there are other holidays that occur around Christmas such as Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and since we don’t know what holiday people are celebrating, Happy Holidays has become an all-inclusive term. Perhaps that might solve one issue for you (or maybe not), but what about the use of this term Xmas? Is it wrong for Christians to say Xmas, and are we being offensive to Jesus or denying our faith if we do? If you are going to have this position, then it makes sense to make sure you know what Xmas means. So, let’s put on our investigative hats and try to understand the history and meaning behind this term, Xmas. Hopefully, by the time we are finished, we can sort this out.
What do you think?
This article has some great insight!
What is in this article is my understanding of the origins.
My only observation would be in regards to the use. It would seem a bit silly to use “Xmas” in verbal conversation (I’ve heard people do it … please stop). IMHO, it is an abbreviation in use for written text, which I find ironic as such abbreviations are in near constant use these days kwim.
Trivia (and not a plug, just a factoid): The family that founded Celebrity Cruises are from Greece. In the Greek spelling of their name, the first letter of their name is chi (X) and that is why you see it in their logos!
Hi,
We don’t live in the 16th century. Nor are we under threat of death if we say Christ. So I can not justify using it today. Using “X” when it is unnecessary, is a form of disrespect. I cannot picture any of the apostles using X. What’s next? Are we going to celebrate the Xurrection? In X we trust? Blessings
I remember the first time I saw Merry “Xmas” over 50 years ago! Several of my classmates and myself were quite upset over it. Why? If you x CHRIST OUT OF CHRISTmas, it removes the entire reason for the season. He is our Savior and IMHO it’s a sign of disrespect. God Bless.
A lot has changed since 1960, and there was prayer in schools.
The Post Modern World was build on Christian Tolerance. In the 30 Years War, 20% of the population of Holy Roman Empire died. We may be able to cite wars with an even higher death toll of War, Famine, and Plague. Christian Tolerance came out of various religious wars, and Christian Tolerance was based on a shared sense of Christian Values.
Christian Tolerance has been stolen and corrupted into a “Liberal or Secular Humanist Tolerance.”
Christians should be living in Christian Communities producing Christian Culture. What type of culture has been produced by Hollywood, by various secular artists and so on? Are you really tolerating that, and want to be part of that? Part of being Holy is being Separate. Early Christians, they separated themselves from their pagan neighbors. Various Secular, Pagan, and Occult peoples, have been working society towards wickedness. Christian should separate themselves.
When someone is saying X-mas instead of Christmas, they may have been like Peter denying Christ. They may have been ceding something to forces who hate Christians and Christianity. Why can’t deniers of Christ be more tolerant of Christian Culture? They should make way for Christians, not Christians being a doormat.
