Merry Christmas or Merry Xmas?
Merry Christmas or Merry Xmas?
As we move forward in our Advent preparation and celebration, I want us to consider one our Christmas greetings: Merry Christmas.
In the Greek language---Christ is Χριστ ὸ ςς, which is pronounced Christos. So when you place X in place of Christ in the word Christmas, you are actually saying CHRISTmas.
You may be familiar with the fish (Ichthus/Ichthys) symbol with Greek letters.
Ichthus/Ichthus is the greek word for “fish.” The fish or Christian fish is one of the symbols that Christians used in the 2nd century to identify themselves as “followers of Christ.” Isn’t it interesting that Christ has called us to be “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). Notice that Christ is represented by the letter “X.”
Although people in opposition to Christianity will use the term Xmas, most replace the word “Christ” in order to show their opposition. What they are really doing is reinforcing the meaning of Christ in the word “Christmas.” I would recommend saying, “CHRISTmas” each time, but if someone wants to try to dishonor Christ by saying “Xmas,” then you can let them know that “X” is the symbol for Christ in the Greek language. Many early Christians used it in this way. I’m sure this will fill them with Christmas Cheer. Be ready, it may lead to a deeper conversation about the person and salvation of Jesus.
Some Christians think that the “mas” of Christmas refers to the Roman Catholic mass. The word mass is actually derived from the Latin word “missa” which means to “be sent.” When the Catholic church uses the worship of mass, it means, “go, it (the church) is sent.” When we use it in relation to Christmas, it is a celebration of God sending Jesus to man, to become one of us. It is a worship celebration of the Incarnation.
Each year we see Christmas become more and more commercialized. All it takes is one person in the family to emphasize the real meaning of Christmas, as it surrounds the worship of the Incarnation. The “How” of the incarnation is fascinating. The fact that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us. The “Why” of the Incarnation should be humbling to each of us. The fact that Jesus stepped out of glory, lived a sinless life, and died a sacrificial death for our sins. We should respond as the Christmas hymn says, “O come let us adore Him!” He alone is worthy of our praise!
As we move into this special time of the year, I’m praying that your celebrations will be filled with the Christ of Christmas. Let’s make him the guest of honor at our celebrations and not forget that Jesus Christ is truly “the reason for the season.”
Worshipping the Christ of Christmas together,
Pastor Todd
As we move forward in our Advent preparation and celebration, I want us to consider one our Christmas greetings: Merry Christmas.
In the Greek language---Christ is Χριστ ὸ ςς, which is pronounced Christos. So when you place X in place of Christ in the word Christmas, you are actually saying CHRISTmas.
You may be familiar with the fish (Ichthus/Ichthys) symbol with Greek letters.
Ichthus/Ichthus is the greek word for “fish.” The fish or Christian fish is one of the symbols that Christians used in the 2nd century to identify themselves as “followers of Christ.” Isn’t it interesting that Christ has called us to be “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). Notice that Christ is represented by the letter “X.”
Although people in opposition to Christianity will use the term Xmas, most replace the word “Christ” in order to show their opposition. What they are really doing is reinforcing the meaning of Christ in the word “Christmas.” I would recommend saying, “CHRISTmas” each time, but if someone wants to try to dishonor Christ by saying “Xmas,” then you can let them know that “X” is the symbol for Christ in the Greek language. Many early Christians used it in this way. I’m sure this will fill them with Christmas Cheer. Be ready, it may lead to a deeper conversation about the person and salvation of Jesus.
Some Christians think that the “mas” of Christmas refers to the Roman Catholic mass. The word mass is actually derived from the Latin word “missa” which means to “be sent.” When the Catholic church uses the worship of mass, it means, “go, it (the church) is sent.” When we use it in relation to Christmas, it is a celebration of God sending Jesus to man, to become one of us. It is a worship celebration of the Incarnation.
Each year we see Christmas become more and more commercialized. All it takes is one person in the family to emphasize the real meaning of Christmas, as it surrounds the worship of the Incarnation. The “How” of the incarnation is fascinating. The fact that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us. The “Why” of the Incarnation should be humbling to each of us. The fact that Jesus stepped out of glory, lived a sinless life, and died a sacrificial death for our sins. We should respond as the Christmas hymn says, “O come let us adore Him!” He alone is worthy of our praise!
As we move into this special time of the year, I’m praying that your celebrations will be filled with the Christ of Christmas. Let’s make him the guest of honor at our celebrations and not forget that Jesus Christ is truly “the reason for the season.”
Worshipping the Christ of Christmas together,
Pastor Todd
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