A perfect "X"ample

Q: I need the specifics on the `X` in X-mas. I`ve heard that it doesn`t mark out the Christ that it is a Greek symbol. Please post an article on this exact subject so I can share it with others who are frustrated with the `X` in Christmas. I once thought it was to mark out the name of Christ. For some people it does. But I want to know how it got started & it`s TRUE meaning.

A: I believe for many Christians the use of the term "X-mas" is offensive because they are under the impression that the "X" represents the removal of Christ from the word Christmas. From most accounts this is not the actual case. Apparently, the "X" can be another symbol for Christ. The first letter in the Greek word for Christ is "chi". And the Greek letter "chi" is represented by a symbol closely resembling the letter "X" in the modern form of the Roman alphabet. Therefore, the use of "X-mas" is thought to be an accepted alternative to the use of Christmas. While, this may be true from an academic and historical standpoint, I don't believe your average Christian, or unbeliever, is aware of this information. From modern times, especially here in United States, "X" is often used to represent an unknown or, in fact, the purposeful removal of a name. We don't have to look far back in history for an example.

Malcolm X, the well known civil rights activist and Nation of Islam leader from the 1960s, used the X in place of his given surname, Little. It was done on purpose because he believed his last name represented what he fought against, racial oppression and the disenfranchisement of African-American people. So, there is a historical context that may make some believe the use of "X-mas" is a deliberate attempt to disrespect Christians and Jesus Christ. Besides, we don't live in a Greek culture. Therefore, there is no need to say "X-mas" when Christmas has been used and accepted for as far back as anyone can remember. The use of "X-mas" goes right along with the increasingly anti-Christian and politically correct culture we are living in today. We see where public displays of this country's Judeo-Christian heritage are under attack on a daily basis. Prayer and the use of the Bible as a text book were removed from schools in the late 1960s. Today, we see attempts to remove anything referencing Christianity or the Bible from the public arena, whether it be nativity scenes, the posting of the Ten Commandments, the display of crosses or saying "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. And who doesn't recognize the growing secularism and acceptance of sinful lifestyles and behaviors?

You don't see any other religion attacked and mocked the way in which Christianity is attacked today. But, I believe there is cause to rejoice in all that we see going on. Jesus told us that "In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33)." The Apostle Paul warned of godlessness in the last days when he said people will be, amongst a host of other things, "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:4-5)." And the Apostle Peter reminds us that "in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires (2 Peter 3:3)." My point is that all we see and experience today was foretold nearly two thousand years ago by Jesus and the Apostles. Therefore, what we are discussing here about "X-mas" is just validation of the Word of God! I know it is not easy seeing our faith and our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, mocked and dismissed. But, it should serve as proof of why we are needed so desperately in this world. When we see the term "X-mas" being used to denigrate Christianity or in an attempt not offend unbelievers it is a sign of the unregenerate hearts of the lost world that Jesus came to save.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He looked at His enemies and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34)." As the Body of Christ, we are His ambassadors here to represent Him to the lost world. Jesus forgave His persecutors because as unbelievers their actions were only a byproduct of their unbelieving hearts. So it is with the majority of people who use "X-mas," attack Jesus and Christianity, encourage sinful behavior and seek to indulge the flesh themselves. We, at one time, were just like them and must remember the love and forgiveness we have in Christ. And through the Lord living through us we might find ourselves being used to lead someone to salvation so that they may know what it is they are missing when they "X'd" Christ out of Christmas. Thus, perhaps, we can one day be like Joseph in the book of Genesis and say that "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive (Genesis 50:20)." Together we can put Christ back in Christmas. Amen!