I thought that the X in Xmas was a way for people to take Jesus Christ out of CHRISTmas. I cringed every time I saw it typed out “x-mas”. I felt saddened by the lack of focus on Jesus during the Holiday Season.
Have you ever wondered if an English letter has more meaning to it than we know? I decided to look up the letter “X” to see what it meant. This is what I found…
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Xmas – Word Study
“X, the twenty fourth letter of the English Alphabet, is borrowed from the Greek. In the middle and at the end of words, it has the sound of ks, as in wax, lax, luxury. At the beginning of a word, it has precisely the sound of z. It is used as an initial, in a few words borrowed from the Greek.
As a numeral, X stands for ten. It represents one V, which stands for five, placed on the top of another. When laid horizontally it stands for a thousand, and with a dash over it, it stands for ten thousand. As an abbreviation, X. Stands for Christ, and in Xn. Christian; Xm. Christmas.”
[American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828]
Thoughts To Ponder
Okay, wow! Now I don’t feel so horrible when I see Christmas written with an X. I found it interesting to know that the original intention of using “x-mas” was NOT to rid the Holiday of Christ, but just another way to glorify Him! Amen?
This was also a lesson for me to be careful not to let my ignorance on a topic rule my emotions. A reminder to stay calm and learn something about the topic before reacting.
It also reminds me that we need to be willing to research, study, and learn for ourselves exactly what God’s Word says, rather than simply reference or repeat what someone else has told us. It is so important to dig deep into God’s Word, spend time in prayer, and seek Him every day!
Who knew you could learn so much from one letter?
So when X is used to replace Christ in Christmas it isn't bad?? 🙂 I never liked it when I would see that but maybe now I will look at it a different way. I think some people use it because they don't want to remember the reason for the season but mostly people probably do it as a short cut??!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I'm not sure how I feel about it, but this is just what the dictionary said… I would still prefer writing it out, to be sure CHRIST is remembered! 🙂 But you're right, it does shed some light on the use of X in Christmas, etc.
Yeah, I've known that, not sure where I got it from. I do look at it different now, but I agree that as much as possible I'd rather write it ALL out.
i do it both ways but this is very interesting. i’ve not heard of it before
Thank you! I too cringed each time I saw X-mas used for Christmas but this information has been eye opening and encouraging to me, but I shouldn’t be surprised. None of us should be surprised because all things are for God’s glory through the work and power of Christ Jesus! Nothing in all of the earth or the Heavens lacks an ounce or particle of His glory! We definitely shouldn’t be surprised! Thank you for teaching me these beautiful truths about our 24th letter! I’m grateful ♥️
For almost 70 years I have heard the word CHRISTMAS which stands for CHRIS MASS or HIS Birth. I am a Messianic Jew and I feel it is disrespectful to use XMass. We must remember that CHRIST is the meaning for CHRISTMAS. My SAVIOR gave me such a wonderful gift when he saved me as a child. I will do NOTHING to remove him from any holiday that was started by those that want to do away with Christmas. Then the left was proud of how they were going to take away CHRISTMAS from the United States and separate people over it. I never forgot it.
I agree! I just found it interesting that the “x” wasn’t originally meant to be disrespectful to Christ, but of course modern history makes it so. 🙁
So, to dig a little deeper: it is standard in Greek Christian iconography to show Christ with the abbreviation of His name, IC XC, or Iesous Xristos- Jesus Christ. The X is for Xristos, which was well-known throughout the Christian world until recent times. Also, “Christ-mass” really is a shortening of the Mass or Liturgy of Christ, implying His Nativity, because obviously every Christian Liturgy is for Him!
Language is a funny thing, but easy to confuse if you don’t keep it embedded in its historical context. Sadly these days, most folks don’t know enough of their church history to understand a lot of the words we commonly use (or misuse!).
Thanks for bringing this to people’s attention! It’s wonderful what we can learn with a bit more digging and a lot less assuming.
I agree! Thank you for sharing more information!