WHY DO PEOPLE USE “XMAS” INSTEAD OF “CHRISTMAS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Every Christmas Season, you have seen and heard the phrase, “Merry Xmas.” Have you ever wondered why people do not just write and say “Christmas?” Should we Christians use the term “Xmas?”

Here are three reasons why “Xmas” is a popular expression:

Firstly, our English word “Christ” is transliterated from the Greek christos (Χριστός). The letters are “CHi-Rho-Iota-Sigma-Tau-Omicron-Sigma.” The first character, the Greek letter “chi” (pronounced KI), as you can see, resembles our English letter “X.” So, when people use “Xmas,” they are actually referring to Christ (although, to English speakers, this is not obvious.)

Secondly, “Xmas” is much shorter than “Christmas.” This abbreviation can be written quicker and it can fit limited spaces more easily.

Thirdly, some people use “Xmas” just so they do not offend non-Christians. (Furthermore, some do not like to say, “Merry Christmas,” so they say, “Happy Holidays,” not realizing that “holiday” is from the Old English word for “holy day.” If they do not like spiritual connotations, they had better not say “Happy Holidays” either!)

Personally, I have never used and I will never use “Xmas.” I just say and write “Christmas” because Jesus Christ means so much more to me than some “offended” person!

Also see:
» Was Jesus Christ really born on December 25th?
» Should I display a Christmas tree?
» What is the real “Immaculate Conception?”