Putting the X back in Xmas

It’s funny how many times I have heard people state their assumption that the abbreviation, “Xmas,” exists as an attempt to take Christ out of Christmas when nothing could be further from the truth. The belief that many hold about the use of “Xmas” is that it is part of a modern conspiracy to secularize the celebration of Christ’s birth. The reality, however, is that it is an ancient abbreviation that was originated by Christians.

The last part of Christmas, “mas,” is from the Latin-derived old English word for “mass.” The “X” represents the Greek letter Chi, from the first letter of Χριστός, which is “Christ” in Greek. As is seen in the following quote from Wikipedia, the use of “X” as an abbreviation for Christ in English has been accepted for centuries:

The Oxford English Dictionary and OED Supplement have cited usages of “X-” or “Xp-” for “Christ-” in 1485 (“Xpian”), 1598 (“Xpian”), and “Xtian” in 1845, 1915 and 1940. It cites “Xtianity” usage in 1634, 1811 and 1966. “Most of the evidence for these words comes from educated Englishmen who knew their Greek,” according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, referring to the OED citations.

The reality is that nobody will ever be able to take Christ out of Christmas anyhow. On the contrary, the very continued existence of this holiday is testimony to the reality that His name is not easily forgotten. Well over 2,000 years after His birth, His name is still uttered even by many who do not know Him.

Perhaps we would all do better to concentrate on focusing on Christ Himself rather than constantly trying to defend Him as so many are trying to do. He doesn’t need us to defend Him. He’s been to the cross and back, and He will be around long after those who deny Him are gone.

Through the years, many have tried to disprove the Bible and to deny the existence of Jesus, but the Bible is still the best selling book of all time, and Jesus is still followed by many millions. It’s silly of us to think He needs us to defend Him. He can take care of Himself.

The reality is that we are the ones who struggle to take care of ourselves. Rather than trying to rise up against the world in some kind of “campaign” to stop Christ from being forgotten, I am convinced that our time would be much better spent in responding to Who He Is by offering Him the worship and obedience He asks for from us. He is not a little baby in a manger who needs us to take care of Him. He is the risen Savior who lives so that He may take care of us.

We don’t need to put Christ back in Christmas. He never left. What we need to do is follow Him.

May God bless you as you prepare for the Xmas season!