For the last few years many have been wondering about what is going on with the word “X-mas”. Is it because people are too lazy to write out Christmas? Is it that our culture has become too politically correct to put the word “Christ” in one of our most sacred holidays? Where did it come from any way?
The answer is surprisingly a lot more spiritual and Christ centered than we might expect. The letter “X” is also the Greek letter for “Chi”. This is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ–“Christos”. By singling out the first word and capitalizing it, it was hoped to draw attention to the fact that Christ was at the center of our celebration–the most important part. Like so many beautiful aspects of our faith, it has been forgotten. The stories have not been told. That is the bad news. The good news is that we can start telling those stories. So, this is my challenge for all of us this Christmas season. Whenever you see X-mas written somewhere, instead of being filled with anger, may the joy of Christ being at the center of this season be with you. If you are with someone, tell them this story. This way they can spread it and see joy at the sight of every X-mas that is written.
Merry X-mas season!!!!
