The history of Xmas

[waysider]

History of the word “Xmas”

"What I’m about to tell you is news to me as well. I have always found it offensive when someone would send me a Christmas card with the words, “Merry Xmas.” Why? Because I’ve always felt that when someone did that, it was somewhat of an effort on their part to remove “Christ” from the picture. You know, “The war on Christmas,” stuff.

Well, what a surprise I got. Lexically speaking, Christ is, and always has been in Xmas. “X” is the Greek letter “Chi” and the first letter in the word “Cristos,” which means Christ. Xmas did not show up in English until the 1500′s, but the letter “X” meaning Christ has been in use for 1000 years! Alright, but why the abbreviation? Let’s remember that the use of “X” pre-dates the printing press when books were hand written, written on hard to find materials, and very expensive. It’s a no brainer, use “X” to save space, time and money. But although we know it isn’t offensive to use “Merry Xmas,” do be aware that some still find it so, so use good judgment when wishing someone a Merry “Xmas.” But at least you now know it isn’t disrespectful if you get a card with “Xmas,” and you won’t let it ruin your Christmas. Leave that up to the Scrooges behind the cash registers. Merry Xmas all!"

SOURCE

Edited December 8, 2011 by waysider

[Kit Sober]

Thanks Waysider. Nice. :)

I recently came to grips with my (twi-sponsored) supercilious attitude toward the X in Xmas by simply thinking of the Cross. That old rugged cross, which minute by minute has an increasingly wondrous attraction to me.

Here is a story about St Nicholas:

The story began with Nicholas, a Greek Christian

bishop in the early church in 4th century Turkey. Although

he was not rotund like "our" Santa Claus, he did wear

flowing red robes and sported a full, white beard. What

made Nicholas a model for the Christmas Santa of goodwill

and cheer was not his appearance, but his compassion and

seemingly limitless generosity that inspired a legend

known around the world.

In his lifetime, he was noted for his charity and

especially for random acts of kindness, concealing their

source. Once a wealthy young man, he gave away all his

inheritance to those he saw had need. When discovered

and asked why he did not reveal himself, he replied,

"It's good to give when only God knows about it."

He lived through ten years of severe persecution, when

Christians were hunted, tortured and killed. While

imprisoned, he encouraged those on the outside to have

courage and put their trust in God. After his release from

prison, he was involved in rebuilding, feeding the poor,

sheltering the homeless and finding families for children

orphaned by the persecution. They were severe times.

Whenever he ventured out in public, he carried a bag of

toys, gifts and candy for the children and shared the good

news of Jesus Christ with them. He was so legendary

and beloved, others carried on his work when he died.

The real St. Nicholas inspired the tradition of

Santa Claus by helping others, bringing joy

to children and leaving the world

a better place.