Taking Christ out of Xmas

Jester Minute

At this time of year,
it is possible to hear that by writing
Xmas to abbreviate the word Christmas,
we are joining the secular world
and,
effectively,
taking Christ out of Christmas
as if we had put an X through His Holy Name.

But not so!
Such is not a traditional insight.
This is a false new notion
that threatens to take Christ out of Xmas
and fill us with fear of using the hallowed abbreviation.

This is then a good time to remember
that the use of the letter X
comes from the original Greek of the Gospel
and is one of the very ancient abbreviations in our language
that precisely means
Christ.

More here: http://papastronsay.blogspot.com/2010/12/taking-christ-out-of-xmas.html

homer911

I don't argue with your logic or definition, but it's one thing to write it (for the sake of brevity) and it's another to say it. Somehow it seems one step away from wishing someone "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" - the thin end of the secular wedge if you will!

As Christians, we shouldn't be afraid to talk about Christmas, but those who dont care can talk about "Xmas" if they want to. I certainly wouldn't criticise anyone for doing so.

Happy Christmas!

Jester Minute

homer911 wrote: »

I don't argue with your logic or definition, but it's one thing to write it (for the sake of brevity) and it's another to say it. Somehow it seems one step away from wishing someone "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" - the thin end of the secular wedge if you will!

As Christians, we shouldn't be afraid to talk about Christmas, but those who dont care can talk about "Xmas" if they want to. I certainly wouldn't criticise anyone for doing so.

Happy Christmas!

It's not actually my logic so I can't take the credit for it. I wouldn't say it. I wouldn't be bothered writing it either. But I think the origins of the term are interesting.

Perhaps it's about reclaiming what is part of the Christian heritage.

philologos

The abbreviation actually was used first by Christians. X being the first letter used in Christos or Christ.

PDN

Jakkass wrote: »

The abbreviation actually was used first by Christians. X being the first word used in Christos or Christ.

Is the use of Xianity taking Christ out of Christianity? :pac:

antiskeptic

Jester Minute wrote: »

At this time of year,
it is possible to hear that by writing
Xmas to abbreviate the word Christmas,
we are joining the secular world
and,
effectively,
taking Christ out of Christmas
as if we had put an X through His Holy Name.

But not so!
Such is not a traditional insight.
This is a false new notion
that threatens to take Christ out of Xmas
and fill us with fear of using the hallowed abbreviation.

This is then a good time to remember
that the use of the letter X
comes from the original Greek of the Gospel
and is one of the very ancient abbreviations in our language
that precisely means
Christ.

More here: http://papastronsay.blogspot.com/2010/12/taking-christ-out-of-xmas.html

Society was pagan and had a pagan feastday. Society went Christian and the feastday became a Christian feastday. Society has now gone secular so it follows that the feastday become Christ-less.

I think Christ would appreciate the congruance

Glenster

I call the 25th "Jesus Christ was born to save you from your sinfulness"-mas. Take THAT secularisation.

Marcus.Aurelius

As a secularist, I'm not offended when someone says "Happy Christmas", I'll respond with the same, or if they say "Happy Holidays" I'll respond in kind.

I think those that demand that Christians refrain from saying Christmas are being ridiculous. But if Xmas is used in an advert, and Christians would claim to be offended, I would find it hard to surpress a snigger or grunt of contempt.

Does it really matter?

Manach

But as a defified God yourself Caesar Augustus, surely you'd be a little offended if someone kept shortening your month to a mere Aug.