Taking Christ out of Christmas?

Source: vox.com

I'll admit it.

Ever since I was a young adult, I've always felt slightly offended whenever I'd see "Xmas" instead of "Christmas."

"Xmas Trees for Sale"

"Xmas Cards 50% Off"

"Merry Xmas!"

Whether it's in retail stores, Christmas tree lots, or on Christmas cards, "Xmas" still seems to be pervasive this time of year.

In the past, I simply assumed this was just one more way the secular world was minimizing the importance of Christ at Christmas, and I would personally avoid using this shorthand at all costs.

Until this year...

Just last week, I overheard a friend of mine explaining to someone that "X" was simply the Greek letter "chi" which resembles our English letter X.  Chi is the first letter in the Greek word "Christos" which means Christ.

Was this true, I wondered?

Sure enough, I did my research and yes, it is true.  For centuries, scribes would use the Greek letter chi to symbolize Christ, and it did no disservice to the church and was never taken offensively.

So whether retailers realize it or not, whenever they post "Xmas" on their signs, they are proclaiming the name of Christ.

This Christmas season, be encouraged, dear friend!  There is NO taking Christ out of Christmas.

He was, is, and will ALWAYS be what this special season is all about!