The X in Christmas

[Angie Miller]

Hi all, A while back I was in a Bible study and the Teacher was telling us about the letter X, and that people use in to abbreviate Christmas. Well I don't know about you all but I just CAN NOT write that, and will not write it. That makes me feel like I am just pushing Christ aside. Anyway, he was saying that this X stood for something else elsewhere, like another launguage or something and OF COURSE I forgot how he explained it. Does anybody around here know anything about what I am speaking of?
Thanks, love in Christ Angie

 

[JonathanG]

I see the X in Xmas as X=cancelling Christ out. Whenever you put an X over anything isn't that meaning you want it removed or excluded.

May God Bless

Jon

 

[BrianT]

Originally posted by Angie Miller:
he was saying that this X stood for something else elsewhere, like another launguage or something and OF COURSE I forgot how he explained it.

Maybe you're thinking of "Christ" in Greek, which is "Xristos"?

 

[tyndale1946]

Here is something interesting about the X in Xmas... Brother Glen Of The Primitive Baptist Brethren

http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/printer_54.shtml

 

[stubbornkelly]

Yes, that would be it.

Many people think it's crossing out Christ, but "X" meant that way is more recent than "X" meaning "Chi" in Greek.

Some people do use it to mean crossing out Christ, thinking they're being swift, but they're really not doing anything at all.

 

[Baptist Believer]

Originally posted by JonathanG:
I see the X in Xmas as X=cancelling Christ out. Whenever you put an X over anything isn't that meaning you want it removed or excluded.

That's a very common view, however it is not correct. The words "Xmas" and "Xian" are pronounced "Christ-mas" and "Christ-ian" respectively. It is simply another way to write the name of Christ that acknowledges both the person and work of Christ.

The "X" is an ancient Christian symbol for Christ (literally the first letter (the letter "chi") of the Greek spelling of Christ ("Xristos" or "Christos")). Many early Christians found great meaning in the "cross" of the "chi" symboling both the person and the work of Christ.

In a similar way early Christians used the symbol of the fish to identify themselves. The Greek word for fish (ichthus, spelled: Iota Chi Theta Upsilon Sigma). That is an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, of God, the Son, the Savior" [Iesous (Jesus) CHristos (Christ) THeou (of God) Uiou (the Son) Soter (the Savior)]. Of course, most Christians today seem to only know the fish as a car ornament and assume that using the "chi" to represent Jesus Christ is something cooked up by atheists.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

In the writings of the Greek speaking "church" fathers, X (chi) for Christ and theta (Theos) for God were common abbreviations. This usage has been noted in another thread here on the Board.

[ December 18, 2002, 03:12 PM: Message edited by: The Squire ]

 

[bb_baptist]

Let's face it, most Americans cannot find Greece on a map.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Young Americans may soon have to fight a war in Iraq, but most of them can't even find that country on a map, the National Geographic Society said Wednesday.

The society survey found that only about one in seven -- 13 percent -- of Americans between the age of 18 and 24, the prime age for military warriors, could find Iraq. The score was the same for Iran, an Iraqi neighbor.

http://www.cnn.com/2002/EDUCATION/11/20/geography.quiz/index.html

I would suggest that if people cannot find Iraq on a map, the chances of them knowing the greek use of Christ's name is close to zero.

Merry CHRISTmas, y'all

 

[Charlie T]

When taking notes, I use a Chi and Theta as short hand for Christ and God. I certainly mean no disrespect, but they are unique symbols that are quick and easy to write and recognize.

Never thought about the X in "X-mas" but it makes sense. I kind of like the cross symbolism.

 

[jonmagee]

As has already been said, x relates to the Greek abreviation for Christ. I'm not over happy with it, but nevertheless have found that it has opened up the opportunity to remind people that christmas leads inevitably to the cross of calvary. That was his mission from the beginning.

yours, Jon.

 

[Wisdom Seeker]

Well...what do you know... I never heard that before. I guess my getting upset that people didn't want to link Christ with Christmas was only part of it. I guess it depends if the person using the "X" knows why they are doing it or not.

 

[Rev. Joshua]

I also use Chi and Theta all of the time for Christ and God respectively. It's standard seminary shorthand in my experience. I also use "Xn" for Christian.

Joshua

 

[Angie Miller]

Originally posted by stubbornkelly:
Yes, that would be it.

Many people think it's crossing out Christ, but "X" meant that way is more recent than "X" meaning "Chi" in Greek.

Some people do use it to mean crossing out Christ, thinking they're being swift, but they're really not doing anything at all.

That is exactly what the teacher said!

 

[Angie Miller]

Thank you all very much. I know I am a little off center but I was sure that I had remembered that. You all have jolted my memory! THANX! LOL
Love in Christ Angie

 

[latterrain77]

The "X" in Xmas should ALWAYS be avoided by the true believer. It is an attempt by the unsaved world to "x-out" the word CHRIST. I never use it and never have.

latterrain77

 

[Rev. Joshua]

Latterain, have you even read the posts on this thread? The Christian community is the one that initiated the use of "Chi" to represent Jesus (also the Chi-Ro, and the Iota-Eta-Sigma inscription).

Joshua

 

[Squire Robertsson]

Personally, I take the use of the Xmas by the pagan world as a case of God making even the foolishness of men to praise Him.

 

[Baptist Believer]

Originally posted by latterrain77:
The "X" in Xmas should ALWAYS be avoided by the true believer.

No.

It is also not a test of "true" belief.

It is an attempt by the unsaved world to "x-out" the word CHRIST.

Maybe, but they do it out of ignorance. Christians use it out of knowledge and heritage.

I never use it and never have.

That is certainly your choice but it is spiritually meaningless.

 

[Abiyah]

As one who does not celebrate Christmas, per-
haps I see the use of the term, Xmas differ-
ently.

When I see believers use it, it is merely (a) Short-
hand for Christmas, (b) honoring a tradition,
understood among believers, of the chi having
long represented the Greek Christ, or (c)
a believer who lovingly honors our Lord by
recognizing His Messiahship.

When I see those who are not believers use
Xmas, I find it (a) offensive, because it is
a deliberate attempt to eliminate our Lord or
(b) merely a way to save time, writing, or space.

I think it is all perception. If it is for educated
believers to see, it is great. If it is to be before
others, I would not use it.

 

[BrianT]

I find it amusing that Baptist's (myself included) recognize and even celebrate "Christ-mass" in the first place. This thread is dealing with the "X" vs. "Christ" issue. None of you mind the "mass" part?