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Christmas by any other name?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Salty, Nov 12, 2010.

  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Do you use the abbreviation "X-mas" for Christmas?
     
  2. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Yep

    Traditionally the "X" means Christ as it is the chi in the Greek form of Christ's name Christos. In Church History the use of XMas is a proper shorthand for Christ's Mass or Christmas as we understand it.
     
  3. Baptist Believer

    Baptist Believer Well-Known Member
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    Yes.

    If anyone objects, it is a perfect time to give them an explanation of the history of the various ways the name of Jesus has been written/represented through the ages.
     
  4. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    I use "xmas," alot in my informal writing, especially in file and folder names.
     
  5. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    I do now. I grew up in a home where it was viewed as "worldly" by removing Christ out of Christmas. I'm so glad I'm out of that legalistic grip
     
  6. jaigner

    jaigner Active Member

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    Yes. Now that I'm free from the repressive, misinformed baptist tradition of my childhood.
     
  7. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    Ancient history is irrelevant. It was formal writing when printing was relatively new and expensive, but now it's considered shorthand. Why? Because using X-mas fell out of common practice. The relatively recent resurgence of using X-mas instead of Christmas, has it's roots in the campaign to secularize society.

    I just never worried about it.
     
  8. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    I always write the whole word. We see so little usage of Christ's name (except for swearing) I figure I might as well use it properly when given the opportunity.
     
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