First let me apologize for my long absence. I’m all out of excuses, so I’ll just say I’m sorry. 
Now, on to my post….are you a Christian offended by the word “Xmas”? Do you feel it’s part of an evil effort to “x out christ”? Well, stop it! The origin of the word “xmas” is steeped in the Christian faith! And here’s the good news, it opens up a wonderful teaching opportunity about the history of the church. Skeptical? Read on…
First of all, the use of the word “xmas” isn’t some modern attempt to secularize Christmas. The word has been used for at least 1000 years, and probably much longer.
So what’s the X stand for? Christ! X was commonly used as an abbreviation for Christ in the 1500′s, the days of the early printing press. Words like Xian, Xianity, and Xmas were employed as a way to save time and ink. Typesetting was done by hand and a very tedious process. Why X? It’s the Greek symbol for X (Chi) which is the first letter in Christo. Greek symbols representing important aspects of faith have a long tradition in the Christian faith.
Use of the word “X” for Christ has even been spotted in ancient Christian art.
This is from the Vatican. Greek letters X (Chi) and P (Ro)..symbolizing the first two letters in the word Christos…meaning Christ.
Pretty cool, huh?
So do not fear the word Xmas. When you see it, smile…and remember X=Christ.
I had heard this a couple of years ago and found it very interesting. I was one of those who used to be offended at what I thought was an attempt to X out Christ from Christmas, and I was happy to learn I was wrong. : )
Glad to read a new post from you! No apologies necessary though…life gets away from all of us at times. Hope you are doing great!!
Big hugs~Traci
How interesting! Thanks for the great (and historically informative) post!
It’s good to know. Also, I just wanted to let you know my students have enjoyed your book Mortimer’s Chrismtas Manger.
There has been many articles on this topic. I’m glad you cleared it up:)
the vatican worships the sun, not the Son.
pagan symbol no meaning to the Son.
My grandchildren love your books. Karma
considering that Christmas is pagan holiday that was monopolized/mixed with Christian beliefs it is difficult to understand why anyone would be so absolute regarding X-mas. And I do use X-because it is shorter, not de-christianized. It is a good holiday no matter how many letters are used to spell it.
Thanks for this, Karma! Yeah, I’m a Christian who is weary of the ignorant, knee-jerk reaction about this among other believers. Thanks for highlighting it here.
Bob
Hi Karma,
I miss hearing from you on your blog. I hope and pray that you and your family are well.
I also have to say that I LOVE your new poetry book! It is fantastic and refreshing!
Hope to “hear” from you on your blog soon!
And for all of my 50+ years, I had been hearing about how awful XMAS was. I stopped by your website to look at your Bear books as I was posting several to sell on eBay. Now I have something new to talk about at Christo-mas! Thanks for sharing and for creating such wonderful stories. Ditto to Jane Chapman for her terrific illustrations!
to make it clearer,since i am greek i would like to write down the greek version of christ = ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (the anointed one)
KUmqez Very true! Makes a change to see someone spell it out like that.