Along with “happy holidays” (which I actually use with my Christian friends because, I prefer covering Advent/Christmas/Epiphany in one fell swoop), “Xmas” is often the target of culture warriors, wanting to prevent Christ from getting the “x,” of all times, during the season of his birth!
However, Wikipedia (believe it or not!) points us to the truth that those who know Greek already are aware of: X is the Greek letter chi, and was often paired with rho, and used as a very ancient symbol for Jesus. In fact the chi-rho symbol was more common, and ancient, than the symbol of the cross.
In our society, in which classical education is lacking, it probably seems like a slight to our Lord to use “X” for his name, but hey, every great person needs a rocking nickname, and what could be cooler than “X?” Personally, I wouldn’t mind being called “X,” since it is sufficiently tough and yet has an air of mystery (a kind of “he’s cool, but don’t mess with him” type of name). But, in all seriousness, using “Xmas” is not an attack on Jesus, just an abbreviation with an ancient history. So, once December 25th gets here, have a very Merry Xmas, or if you have more time, a very merry Glorious Nativity of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ (let’s see the heathens abbreviate that!).
David Bennett
Jennifer
asimplesinner
Fr. J.
Chad T.
Jorge Flores
Jonathan B
carmelbennett
nicenehobbit
Jason S
jaybird68
papaz
Dave Hartline
faceman
Also, it was pious practice, both among Jews and early Christians, not to write out sacred names in full; instead, they used appreviations, both in Hebrew and, among Christians, Greek. Hence, the X for Christ was actually a reverential abbreviation, NOT disrepectful. Of course, most modern Americans (Catholics included) haven’t been taught the why’s and wherefore’s of such customs so rely on folk etymologies and explanations.
@ Hobbit – interesting thought. Would that have been the original reason for writing “Xmas,” or is that a pious reinterpretation?
Either way, it doesn’t bother me. Even if it’s a reinterpretation, it’s still clever.
I would guess that even if the abbreviation of Xmas was not purposely devised as a reverential abbreviation, it was probably just an innocent abbreviation, and had nothing to do with taking Christ out of Christmas.
On one messageboard I frequent, we all call it xpmas. :)
Good stuff! What I’m a little confused about is the whole “12 Days of Christmas” legend (that the days represent sort of codes that were used to teach the faith during persecution). Here’s a link from snopes that seems plausible. Says that’s a myth.
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/music/12days.asp