Update on my discussion on different ways to say Merry Christmas
By applsofgld
@applsofgld (2506)
United States
September 22, 2007 4:56pm CST
I recently posted a discussion on preferences in saying Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc. Some people write Merry x-mas and some think that by using the X that they are leaving Christ out of Christmas. Well, I asked my son about this, he is a preacher and is currently studying Greek and Hebrew at the seminary working on his Master's. This is what he had to say: "It is true. Christ is spelled "chi rho iota sigma tau" The chi is an X shape. It does not have an X sound, but it is distinctly shaped like an X." This made sense to me, that the X is the shape of Christ but not the sound. Tell me what you think or if you have anything else to add to this.
3 people like this
5 responses
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
23 Sep 07
I personally agree with you, most of the people that I have known to have used the x-mas are not outspoken religious persons. Not to say that just b/c they use x-mas makes them non-religious. But the people that I know that are outspoken Christians and stand out for theie beliefs, they do not use the x at all. Thanks for sharing with me.
1 person likes this
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
23 Sep 07
I did not get to look at the responses before I wrote mine. I totally agree as you can see in my answer.
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@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
22 Sep 07
Thanks for updating me, and validating what I said in your discussion. I could have asked my daughter, as she has also studied Greek, but I did not figure we both needed to ask. So if we think with the Greek in language useage, it is still Christ-mas, when we put in the X. If we think with the Greek, mathematically, it is still X for the unknown. It is nice to know we do not have to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Christians celebrate Christ.
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@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
23 Sep 07
Yes, definitely Gerty. Christ is the reason I celebrate too, and I don't use the x. I don't think most people even know the x stands for anything other than an x. But it was something different that I hadn't known of before. Thanks for sharing with me again, I enjoy your responses.
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@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
23 Sep 07
Wow--- I know from time to time I scribble quickly Merry X-Mas-- and I'm not leaving Christ out of Christmas-- Not trying to anyways- it's just a short way of saying it-
I don't do it often- as I don't really like the looks of it-
thanks for the update from a preacher.
1 person likes this
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
23 Sep 07
Thank you KrisNY for sharing with me. I don't think everyone that uses xmas is taking Christ out deliberately, like you they just are in a hurry and want to shorten the word. But some do it b/c they are taking Christ out. I think it is a personal choice. Have a great day my friend :)
@markmiyashiro (213)
• United States
23 Sep 07
December 25, is the winter equinox, Yashua (Jesus) was probably born in Sept.-October. Constatine merge the pagan with the Christian and that is how we got Dec.25, when the 3 magi went to see him he was a toddler about 2 yrs. A manger is not a stable in a barn, a manger in Israel is a rock carved out to place a baby inside.The Bible write about child Yashua, but the emphasis in not the birthday, but the reserrection and the life of his acheivements.The Bible never says lets have a birthday celebration of Yashua, it merely says the Messaih has come to fulfill, the scripture in Isaiah.That the King has arrived, the salvation of God is at hand.
1 person likes this
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
23 Sep 07
But how many people do you think really know that when they take out the name, Christ and replace it with an X? And why do you think they do it? Those people cannot give the explanation your son gave. They do it because it is quick and easy. Most do not know the languages of Greek and Hebrew. That being the case, why is it so much trouble to write Christmas instead of X-mas. I suppose I feel sensitive about this because He is being taken out of so much and so many people take his name in vain.
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@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
23 Sep 07
Buy the way, keep these discussions coming! They are excellent!
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@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
23 Sep 07
Thank you my friend for giving me your thoughts on this. I agree with you 100%. I appreciate the compliment on the discussion topic also. I'll try my best to bring in more valued discussions, but I never know when I post something how it will be taken. Sometimes I offend or step on toes and I really don't mean to. But I will keep posting anyway, I love hearing all views and I am learning more and more all the time. Have a great weekend :)
2 people like this
@beaniegdi (1964)
•
22 Sep 07
I know when I was a child people often used xmas in cards and I know that it is not a modern usage as I was a child in the 60's and christmas was more traditional. It is sad when people make judgements without doing what you have done and that is find out properly what the truth actually is rather than the presumption that something is 'wrong' because they don't understand it's origin.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
23 Sep 07
Thank you for sharing your views and thoughts on this discussion, I appreciate your input.
1 person likes this
